Marine Iguanas Española Island. Credits: Carlos Espinosa
Partner Organisation: Charles Darwin Foundation
Location: Galapagos
For over 65 years, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), our new Alliance Partner, has stood as the scientific heartbeat of the Galapagos Islands, working relentlessly to protect one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth. Named after the legendary naturalist whose observations here revolutionized biology, CDF combines cutting-edge research, hands-on nature conservation and restoration, and community engagement to safeguard the islands’ unique biodiversity.
Floreana Island vegetation monitoring trip. Photo credit: Carlos Espinosa.
From giant tortoises to Galapagos penguins or scalloped hammerhead sharks, their work ensures these iconic species – and the fragile ecosystems they depend on – thrive for generations to come.
Science as a Tool
At the core of CDF’s mission is world-class science. Their team of researchers, based at the Charles Darwin Research Station, studies everything from the incredible biodiversity of Galapagos to invasive species to climate change impacts across land and sea, providing the vital data needed for the Galapagos National Park to make informed decisions to protect the archipelago.
Their recently launched Science Plan (2023-2028) outlines bold priorities, like restoring degraded habitats, protecting endangered species, and strengthening biosecurity to keep invasive plants and animals at bay. This plan is an academic roadmap for action, ensuring science directly fuels nature restoration wins.
Isabela Island restoration of Scalesia cordata. Credits: RashidCruz -CDF
Saving Species, Restoring Ecosystems
CDF’s work has been pivotal in pulling species back from the brink. Their work pioneering the breeding and repatriation of Galapagos giant tortoises in the 1960s, for example, has to this day led to the rewilding of more than 8,000 giant tortoises in the face of unchecked tourism growth and climate change.
On land, they’re battling invasive species that threaten native plants and animals, notably the Avian Vampire Fly, a deadly invasive fly that is the cause of population declines for more than 20 endemic landbird species. They are restoring areas with endemic plant species, and using drones to monitor hard-to-reach ecosystems. Sometimes, this work takes them high up in Mangrove trees to protect the Critically Endangered Mangrove Finch nests against the parasitic fly.
Giant tortoise. Photo Credits: Andres Cruz
Recently, CDF has joined the Floreana Ecological Restoration Project as a co-executor alongside Island Conservation and Jocotoco Foundation, partnering to restore Galapagos’ Floreana Island—one of the four inhabited islands.
Led by the Galapagos National Park Directorate and the Galapagos Biosecurity Agency, this partnership aims to build on the holistic restoration already underway. “Today, we are proud to bring our scientific expertise to the table and take on a strategic role alongside our partners, to ensure that this ambitious rewilding initiative succeeds,” says Dr. Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of the CDF. Through eradication and reintroduction—a total of 12 native animal species will be reintroduced!—this project has been coined as Galapagos’ biggest rewilding initiative.
Marine bird scientists measuring a flightless cormorant. Credits: Rashid Cruz_CDF
Meanwhile, their marine conservation programs protect sharks, sea turtles, fish stocks and deep ocean ecosystems critical for both wildlife and local fisheries. Scaling up their influence, the CDF are collaborating in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor – influencing more than 500,000 square kilometers of marine life.
Marine Iguana. Photo Credits: Rashid Cruz
People & Partnerships: The Key to Success
The Foundation knows conservation can’t happen in a vacuum. They work hand-in-hand with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, local communities, international scientists and donors to turn research into tangible solutions.
Through education programs, citizen science projects, and research into sustainable tourism solutions, they’re empowering Ecuadorians to become stewards of their natural heritage. Stories from their work—like the rediscovery of Scalesia retroflexa, a rare plant or the return of a thought-to-be-extinct landbird on Floreana—show how science and community action can rewrite the future of endangered species.
Environmental education program. Credits:Carlos Espinosa. CDF
A Legacy of Hope
From Darwin’s finches to deep-sea corals, the Galapagos is a living laboratory of evolution – and CDF is its most dedicated caretaker. Their blend of rigorous science, bold restoration, and grassroots engagement offers a blueprint for rewilding worldwide.
Join us in welcoming the Charles Darwin Foundation into the Global Rewilding Alliance!
Waved Albatross. Credits: Andres Cruz