The Charles Darwin Foundation was founded in 1959, under the auspices of UNESCO and the World Conservation Union. The Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands ecosystems. The Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) serves as headquarters for The Foundation, and is used to conduct scientific research and promote environmental education for conservation. The Station has a team of over one hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. The Foundation maintains close contact with the government to promote Galapagos conservation throughout Ecuador. The Charles Darwin Foundation is based in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos, Ecuador.
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"The Charles Darwin Foundation exists to provide knowledge and support to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos Archipelago through scientific research and complementary actions." Our mission is to conduct scientific research and environmental education about conservation and natural resource management in the Galapagos archipelago and its surrounding Galapagos Marine Reserve. Scientific research and monitoring projects are conducted at the CDRS in conjunction and cooperation with our chief partner, the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), which functions as the principal government authority in charge of conservation and natural resource issues in the Galapagos.
The CDF has seven main objectives towards these ends.
Note: The Charles Darwin Foundation, Inc. is the former name of the organization now called Galapagos Conservancy. Neither the Galapagos Conservancy nor its previous incarnation as the Charles Darwin Foundation Incorporated are directly linked to the Charles Darwin Foundation. The Galapagos Conservancy is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting conservation, education, and scientific research in and on behalf of the Galapagos Islands. The Galapagos Conservancy, with its headquarters in Virginia, USA, has an international membership of more than 10,000 and raises funds from individuals and institutions to support projects in Galapagos. The Galapagos Conservancy also conducts seminars, briefings, and other public education and advocacy efforts to inform the general public about conservation issues and the work being undertaken in Galapagos by the Charles Darwin Research Station and the Galapagos National Park Service.