Charles Darwin Foundation - Mission

Mission

"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.

• To promote, facilitate, design, and implement the scientific investigation necessary for the understanding of biological principles, better understanding of ecosystems, and adequate management of the islands’ natural resources.
• To advise the Ecuadorian authorities on the subject of conservation and management of natural resources in the Galapagos Islands.
• To collaborate with Ecuadorian institutions on the implementation of programs involved in scientific investigation and education on the islands.
• To contribute to the development of scientific and technical personnel from Ecuador who are specialized in natural sciences and natural resource management.
• To contribute and collaborate on educational programs related to the conservation of the islands.
• To compile the results of the scientific investigations and the other activities of the organization and to disseminate this information regionally, nationally, and internationally.
• To watch over and provide for the successful functioning of the Charles Darwin Research Station with the goal of accomplishing the objectives of the Foundation.