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Galapagos Seabird Conservation
The Charles Darwin Foundation works to protect unique species such as the Galapagos penguin, the flightless cormorant, and the waved albatross, all of which face growing threats from invasive species, emerging diseases, and climate change. Through scientific research, continuous monitoring, and close collaboration with the Galapagos National Park, this project drives concrete actions to secure the future of these iconic seabirds.
Importance of the Project
Galapagos seabirds are key indicators of ecosystem health, and many exist nowhere else on Earth. Their conservation is essential to maintaining ecological balance and safeguarding the archipelago’s extraordinary natural heritage.
Main Threats
These species face risks such as invasive predators (rats and feral cats), emerging diseases, habitat loss, climate change impacts, and accidental bycatch. These threats directly affect their breeding success and long-term survival.
Research and Monitoring
The scientific team conducts ongoing studies on breeding, survival, health, and behavior. The data collected helps identify trends, detect problems early, and support evidence-based conservation and management decisions.
Conservation Actions
The project supports measures such as invasive species control, protection of nesting sites, wildlife health monitoring, safer fishing regulations, and coordinated efforts with the Galapagos National Park to reduce human impacts.
Sea Turtle Conservation
The Charles Darwin Foundation works to protect the endangered East Pacific green turtle (Chelonia mydas) in the Galápagos. Their research identifies key nesting and feeding sites, evaluates how human activities impact turtles, and develops science-based strategies to reduce risks — especially from boat traffic and climate change.
Importance of the Project
Galápagos is one of the most crucial nesting grounds for the endangered green turtle, with more than 100 nesting beaches across the archipelago. Protecting these sites ensures the survival of a globally important population.
Main Threats
The turtles face serious risks from rising tourism, heavy boat traffic, and climate change. Collisions with vessels near nesting beaches and feeding areas are a frequent cause of injury, and warming environments can affect nesting success and sex ratios of hatchlings.
Research and Monitoring
Scientists from the Foundation study turtle behavior, habitat use, and how they overlap with human activities. They monitor turtle density, dive behavior, and nesting patterns to inform conservation measures. Darwin Foundation
They also deploy drones (UAVs) to map turtle abundance from the air, reducing disturbance and improving data quality.
Conservation Actions
Based on their research, the Foundation works with the Galápagos National Park to propose navigation regulations (e.g., speed limits, exclusion zones) and safer tourist practices to minimize impacts. Darwin Foundation
They also engage with local communities to raise awareness about the threat of boat strikes and the importance of turtle protection.
Shark Ecology & Conservation
The Charles Darwin Foundation conducts vital scientific research to understand and protect shark populations in the Galápagos and the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Overfishing and illegal fishing threaten many shark species, and their work aims to inform effective conservation strategies through long-term monitoring, movement studies, and regional connectivity analysis.
Importance of the Project
Sharks play a crucial role in marine ecosystems as apex predators, helping maintain the health and balance of coral reefs, seamounts, mangroves, and coastal areas. By studying their movements and population dynamics, the Foundation contributes to protecting key habitats and preserving biodiversity.
Main Threats
Many shark species in the region face severe declines due to overfishing, especially outside protected areas. Illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing on migratory routes poses a major risk to species like hammerheads, tiger sharks, and silky sharks.
Research and Monitoring
The team monitors shark abundance over time, studies population status, and tracks movement and connectivity between different populations using satellite tagging. Their research focuses on vulnerable and endangered species such as scalloped hammerhead, Galápagos shark, tiger shark, blacktip, silky, and blue sharks.
Conservation Actions
Based on their findings, the Foundation develops science-based recommendations to improve the effectiveness of marine reserves, informs policies, and supports regional management strategies. They also raise awareness in local communities about the ecological and economic value of sharks, and engage with tourist stakeholders.
Scalesia Forest Restoration
The Charles Darwin Foundation is restoring the unique Scalesia forests of the Galápagos, once covering much of the highlands but now reduced to only ~1% of their original range. These forests are vital for endemic plants, insects, giant tortoises, and birds. By combining cutting-edge mapping, invasive species control, reforestation, and community engagement, the project aims to prevent the extinction of these iconic ecosystems.
Importance of the Project
Scalesia forests are a globally unique humid ecosystem found only in the Galápagos, providing critical habitat for endemic species — including insects, giant tortoises, and birds. Darwin Foundation Their restoration helps preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services vital to the long-term health of the islands.
Main Threats
The greatest threats include invasive plant species (such as blackberry Rubus niveus, guava, and Cuban cedar) that block light and prevent regeneration. Darwin Foundation+1
Climate change also poses a risk: intense rainfall and strong winds during El Niño events can uproot Scalesia trees due to their shallow root systems.
Research and Restoration Methods
The team uses drones and high-resolution satellite imagery to map vegetation, track invasive species, and identify priority areas for restoration. Darwin Foundation
Scalesia seedlings are grown in greenhouses, replanted in cleared areas, and their growth and survival are monitored. Darwin Foundation
Soil studies assess how invasives alter nutrient, bacterial, and fungal communities. Darwin Foundation
Carbon sequestration by restored Scalesia trees is also being measured to understand ecosystem energy flows.
Community Engagement and Impact
Local communities are educated on the ecological importance of Scalesia forests, and farmers are encouraged to reintroduce Scalesia species on their land. Darwin Foundation
The project also supports training for students and future conservationists, building capacity in ecological methods, field work, and ecosystem management. Darwin Foundation
In recent years, thanks to invasive species control and replanting, the program has achieved encouraging restoration gains — for example, over 250 Scalesia cordata seedlings naturally regenerated across several sites on Isabela in 2023.
Giant Tortoise Conservation
The Charles Darwin Foundation works to protect the 12 species of giant tortoises in the Galápagos, which are symbolic of the islands and play critical ecological roles. Through long-term scientific research, health monitoring, and education, they study tortoise movement, reproduction, disease, and human-wildlife interactions to develop conservation strategies that benefit both tortoises and local communities.
Importance of the Project
Giant tortoises are ecosystem engineers in Galápagos: they shape plant communities, influence freshwater systems, and support nutrient cycling. Their conservation is critical not only for biodiversity, but also for local culture and economy.
Main Threats
These tortoises are under threat from invasive species, habitat fragmentation, climate change, human disturbance, and emerging diseases. Past overhunting drastically reduced their populations, and today they still face risks from land use and health challenges.
Research and Monitoring
The Fundación Charles Darwin runs the Galapagos Tortoise Movement Ecology Programme (GTMEP), studying movement, migration, habitat use, reproduction, and health. This includes:
Tracking via GPS to understand migration and habitat use. Darwin Foundation
Reproductive ecology studies, especially under climate change conditions. Darwin Foundation
Health assessments using molecular diagnostics (e.g., PCR) to detect viruses and monitor disease. Darwin Foundation+1
Socio-ecological research to understand how tortoises and people co-exist in shared landscapes. Darwin Foundation
Education and outreach to share findings with local youth and build future conservation leaders.
Conservation Actions
Informing management decisions by sharing movement and health data with Galápagos National Park. Darwin Foundation
Implementing measures to reduce disease risk, such as health screening before tortoise translocation. Darwin Foundation
Working with landowners to develop tortoise-friendly agricultural practices and reduce human–tortoise conflicts. Darwin Foundation
Raising public awareness about plastic pollution: studies show giant tortoises ingest plastics in populated areas, highlighting the need for community-based conservation.
Biological Control of the Avian Vampire Fly
The Charles Darwin Foundation leads a multi-institutional effort to combat the invasive avial vampire fly (Philornis downsi) in Galápagos. This parasitic fly lays its eggs in the nests of endemic land birds, and its larvae feed on nestlings, causing very high mortality. Through lab research, ecological studies, and testing of natural enemies, the project develops safe, effective control strategies to protect vulnerable bird populations.
Importance of the Project
The avian vampire fly is one of the greatest threats to Galápagos’ native land birds — at least 21 of the 29 small landbird species are attacked. Darwin Foundation+1
Without intervention, populations of critical species (like the Mangrove Finch) could collapse due to larval blood-feeding parasitism.
Main Threats
The fly was accidentally introduced to the islands in the 1960s and now exists without its natural enemies, leading to unchecked population growth. Darwin Foundation+1
Because bird nests are often high in the canopy and difficult to reach, control must be both effective and safe for the birds and the ecosystem.
Research and Control Methods
Scientists are breeding the fly in the lab, including developing a larval diet that replaces live bird hosts. Darwin Foundation+1
They study how the fly locates nests and mates — odors from birds and pheromones are key, and they are decoding these chemical compounds. Darwin Foundation
Possible biological control: two species of parasitic wasps (Conura annulifera and Trichopria sp.) from continental Ecuador are being evaluated for use in Galápagos.
Short-Term and Long-Term Actions
Short-term: Techniques like injecting low-toxicity insecticide into nest bases to kill larval flies and “self-fumigating” nesting material stations (treated cotton, sisal, feathers) that birds use to build nests and thereby contaminate nests. Darwin Foundation
Long-term: If safe, release of the parasitic wasps to establish biological control in the wild, aimed at reducing fly populations sustainably.
Sustainability for Conservation
The Charles Darwin Foundation works with local communities in the Galápagos to promote sustainable practices across urban planning, tourism, and agriculture. By combining social science research and ecological analysis, the program aims to reduce environmental impact while enhancing community well-being and resilience.
Importance of the Project
Galápagos is a globally unique ecosystem, but growing tourism and population increase bring critical pressures. A holistic sustainability approach helps protect both nature and the people who depend on it.
Key Challenges
Rapid tourism growth, land-use change, invasive species, and ecosystem degradation are placing stress on both the natural and social systems of the islands. Darwin Foundation+1
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the islands’ heavy reliance on tourism and exposed their vulnerability to social and economic shocks.
Research & Interventions
- The Foundation studies social-ecological dynamics and works with local stakeholders to understand the interactions between tourism, agriculture, and urban development. Darwin Foundation
- They co-create community-based agroforestry systems on the highlands of Santa Cruz, combining endemic tree restoration with sustainable coffee production. Darwin Foundation+1
- Socio-economic integration and gender considerations are central: they involve women and local actors in designing sustainable development strategies. Darwin Foundation
Goals & Impact
Develop participatory sustainability indicators to assess how different sectors (tourism, agriculture, urban development) perform in terms of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Darwin Foundation
Evaluate how local communities perceive the value of ecosystem services and contribute to sustainable policies. Darwin Foundation
Facilitate public dialogue and co-design of conservation-oriented policies with the community, government, and other stakeholders. Darwin Foundation
Strengthen community resilience and long-term ecological health by promoting sustainable livelihoods that align with conservation goals.
Sustainable Fisheries
The Charles Darwin Foundation works to support Galápagos’ artisanal fishing sector — a vital part of the islands’ food systems and economy — by promoting a fair, resilient, and environmentally responsible seafood system. The goal is to balance community livelihoods with marine conservation, especially as climate change, value chain inequalities, and overfishing threaten local fisheries.
Importance of the Project
Artisanal fishing supports more than 500 families in Galápagos, provides high-quality, locally sourced protein, and is culturally central to many island communities. Charles Darwin Foundation+2Charles Darwin Foundation+2
By making the seafood system more just and sustainable, the project strengthens both social resilience and marine health.
Key Challenges
Galápagos fisheries face pressure from climate change, unfair value chains, and over-exploitation of marine species. Charles Darwin Foundation
These pressures impact food security, economic stability, and the ecological balance of local marine ecosystems.
Research & Interventions
Biologists study the life cycles of key commercial species, and how ecosystems and climate change affect their populations. Charles Darwin Foundation
Socioeconomic researchers examine how fishing contributes to food security, social well-being, and the local economy. Charles Darwin Foundation
The project applies digital tools and entrepreneurial models to help fishers diversify their catch sustainably and add value to their products.
Goals & Impact
Advise Galápagos National Park (Dirección del Parque Nacional Galápagos) on science-based policies for sustainable fishing. Charles Darwin Foundation
Recover populations of overexploited species like spiny lobster and sea cucumber using research-backed guidelines. Charles Darwin Foundation
Build a Galápagos Seafood Entrepreneurship Community to foster innovation, local markets, and a conservation-minded seafood economy. Charles Darwin Foundation
Adapt to climate change: they model future scenarios for key species (e.g., sea cucumber, yellowfin tuna) and recommend measures to protect them.
Education & Community Outreach
The Charles Darwin Foundation’s ECO Program empowers Galápagos youth and communities through environmental education, hands-on science, and leadership development. By bridging science, local culture, and conservation, they create future generations committed to sustainable development and ecological stewardship.
Importance of the Project
Sustainable conservation in the Galápagos depends on the engagement of its people. By educating and inspiring young Galapaguenos, the Foundation builds a long-term conservation ethic and a community that is invested in protecting its own natural heritage.
Core Program Components
The ECO Program is built around four interconnected pillars:
Clubs — non-formal youth-led groups (Science Club, Summer Club, Leadership Club) that build leadership, curiosity, and conservation values. Charles Darwin Foundation+1
Experiential Science — hands-on field experiences where participants join researchers in activities like bird counts and ecological monitoring. Charles Darwin Foundation
Science & Community Encounters — traveling libraries, natural history collections visits, talks, workshops, and an annual Open House to bring science to all community members. Charles Darwin Foundation
Scholarships — helping Galápagos youth access higher education and conservation careers, reducing barriers for students from the islands.
Key Challenges
Many Galápagos communities, especially in remote areas, lack access to educational resources like libraries and science outreach. Charles Darwin Foundation+1
There is also a need to connect conservation science with daily life and foster local leadership, so that environmental care becomes part of the islands’ culture.
Impact & Goals
- Increase environmental literacy in participants by at least 10% through ECO activities. Charles Darwin Foundation
- Reach thousands of students across all inhabited Galápagos islands with clubs, outreach, and scholarship programs. Charles Darwin Foundation
- Provide sustainable, long-term educational resources via traveling libraries and school visits. Charles Darwin Foundation
- Develop local conservation leaders and future scientists who can contribute to protecting Galápagos for generations to come.
Frente Insular
Born in 2017 from community action, Frente Insular advocates for marine reserve expansion and citizen-led conservation in response to illegal fishing.
- Marine Reserve campaigns: partnerships with Island Conservation & Más Galápagos.
- Real-time pollution monitoring: satellite & sensor tech via Eyesea collaboration.
- Community engagement: education, school outreach & civic activism.
Marine Reserve Expansion Campaign
Born from a 2017 citizen protest against illegal shark fishing, Frente Insular launched a powerful campaign to expand the Galápagos Marine Reserve. In collaboration with Island Conservation and Más Galápagos, they mobilize public support through education programs, media outreach, and petitions. Their strategic advocacy has placed national marine zoning plans and policy reforms on the public agenda, giving local communities a direct voice in the governance of their marine resources.
Real‑Time Pollution Monitoring (Eyesea Collaboration)
Frente Insular teamed up in 2024 with Eyesea—an advanced marine-tech firm—to deploy satellite and sensor-based monitoring systems across coastal Galápagos. This real-time data feeds directly into a digital platform, flagging pollution events like plastic spills and fuel leaks as they occur. Equipped with rapid alerts and geotags, communities and park rangers can now swiftly respond to threats—significantly improving marine cleanup operations and boosting environmental transparency.
Community Engagement & Education
Frente Insular’s grassroots strength lies in its community-driven approach. By regularly organizing school outreach, town hall meetings, guided coastal clean-ups, and media campaigns, the group nurtures a local sense of ocean stewardship. Over 30,000 residents (from kids to elders) have participated in civic actions that highlight marine sustainability, transforming passive observers into active conservation advocates across the archipelago.
Conservation International (CI)
CI strengthens marine connectivity and resilience, both locally and regionally, through targeted programs.
- CMAR corridor: integrates Galápagos into Eastern Tropical Pacific network.
- Plastic reduction: science-driven strategies to reduce marine debris.
- Fisheries engagement: co-developed sustainable practices with local communities.
CMAR (Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor)
Conservation International is a key partner in the CMAR initiative, which links the Galápagos Marine Reserve with MPAs in Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Panama. With over 2 million km² of ocean under protection, CMAR enhances ecological connectivity, supports migratory species, and fortifies regional resilience to climate impacts. CI provides scientific expertise and policy coordination, helping governments meet targets to safeguard 30% of their marine waters.
Plastic Reduction: Science-Driven Marine Debris Solutions
CI leads evidence-based approaches to combat marine plastic pollution in the Galápagos, through source tracing, debris monitoring, and community partnerships. In collaboration with the “Plastic Pollution Free Galápagos” network, they provide analytical tools and policy support that fuel regional waste management reforms. Their work complements broader efforts by NGOs and governments to scale solutions across the Eastern Pacific.
Fisheries Engagement & Sustainable Communities
CI’s fisheries program strengthens artisanal and small-scale fisheries through co-designed governance models that balance ecological health and economic wellbeing. In Galápagos, they support fishers’ rights and livelihoods by encouraging sustainable practices, equitable market access, and community-led decision-making. By placing local voices at the center of resource management, CI ensures inclusive conservation aligned with both biodiversity and human needs.