Annual Report 2019 © Jordi Chias © Jordi Our Mission

The CDF’s mission is to provide knowledge and assistance to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity in the Galapagos Archipelago through scientific research and complementary action.

2 3 Dear Friends and Colleagues, Looking back on the last 60 years.

Dear Friends and Colleagues, Since 1959, the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) has been the institutional ‘epicentre’ for the development of science in and on the Galapagos Islands. On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Charles Darwin During this time, we have managed to develop and strengthen our principles, Foundation, it is a pleasure to present our 2019 Annual Report. As we values and objectives to investigate this archipelago and support its prepared this year’s results, the world is confronting unprecedented conservation for the future generations. medical, economic, human and environmental challenges. Our thoughts and appreciation to CDF’s donors, dedicated governance institutions, In 2018-19 we began an interdisciplinary approach to our research, this volunteers, partners and staff who responded to support the local involved integrating professionals of exact, natural and social sciences, and community during these unprecedented times. We also appreciate their humanities into some of our projects. This approach allows us to explore perseverance in supporting our mission to produce scientific research for possible answers to the complex questions, scenarios and challenges faced by the conservation of Galapagos, a natural treasure for future generations. the Galapagos Islands’ systems.

In 2019, CDF proudly celebrated 60 years of scientific research and In 2019 we held seven scientific events and published more than fifty peer- conservation, with many opportunities to commemorate the vision of our reviewed scientific articles. Among them, the Diamond Edition ‘60 Years’ of founders and the accomplishments of those who have dedicated their the “Galapagos Research”, the CDF scientific journal. In the last sixty years, we careers to the archipelago. In the following report, you will learn about have mentored more than 2500 volunteers, Ecuadorian and Galapaguens in our ground-breaking scientific projects, diverse stakeholders, partner conservation, education, research, pure and applied. academic institutions and incredible supporters. All these achievements have been made possible by the support from the Without your contributions our 2019 achievements would not have been generous donors and the confidence of the Directorate of the Galapagos possible. We look forward to your continued support in our mission National Park and the Ecuadorian State. to preserve the Galapagos. In parallel, we know we can count on the resiliency of our staff and the relevance of CDF programs to successfully We are aware that the future is uncertain and that we will continue to face carry out our mission! complex scenarios, with more questions than answers and great challenges. We invite you, so let us look for this answer together, find a way to achieve a Hans van Poelvoorde sustainability model in and for the Galapagos. President Charles Darwin Foundation María José Barragán P., PhD Acting Executive Director and Science Director Charles Darwin Foundation

4 5 Our Team 2019 Collaborating Scientists

Our team had 110 employees We have 20 research projects that are supported by many scientists from around the and 93 volunteers. world. The collaborating scientists participate in the projects authorized by GNPD and supported by diverse methodologies, analyses and technologies. They arrive at our campus in Galapagos to work on projects that are linked to ours. They develop their projects in coordination with their counterparts at CDF.

Countries of origin of collaborating scientists

Argentina Denmark Mexico South Africa Australia Ecuador Netherlands Sweden Austria France New Zealand Switzerland Belgium Germany Norway United Kingdom Bolivia Greece Panama USA Canada Israel Peru Chile Italy Portugal Colombia Japan Saudi Arabia Staff 17% Locals 59 Men : 49 Women : 46 National 32 54% International 19 29% isiting Scientists

We annually welcome visiting scientist to our Research Station who want to carry out their Men Women own research projects with their own funds and with a research permit issued by GNPD. 47% 53% CDF is your local institution that supports and facilitates administrative processes to allow them to conduct research.

Volunteers 28% Local 26 Countries of origin of visiting scientists National 23 International 44 47% Belgium Germany Brazil Sweden 25% Canada Swizerland Ecuador USA France Scholars and Thesis Students

Scholars: 6 Thesis Students: 10 Men: 18 Women : 10

6 7 Marine Projects Land Projects

Reducing threats to sea turtles in Galapagos tortoise movement Darwin 1 a Galapagos waters ecology programme 6

2 Green Galapagos 2050 2 Shark population status and b ecology in Galapagos

Evaluation of the programme to e reduce the mortality of birds on the Wolf Pinta Study of seabird populations - key c 3 species and the threats they face. road, Santa Cruz, Galapagos 2

Control of the Introduced Studying the flamingo populations Fly Philornis downsi and its Impact e 4 of Galapagos and other lagoon birds d e on Biodiversity. 6 Genovesa

Marchena Exploring the underwater Conservation of the iconic 5 mountains and ecosystems of the e 3 Galapagos land birds 2 Galapagos Marine Reserve e d Rescuing the Mangrove Subtidal Ecological Monitoring in 7 6 f Finch in Galapagos 6 the Galapagos Marine Reserve

4 Santiago Implementation of Methods to e Prevention of the impacts of f b d Isabela g Control the Invasive Wasp Polistes d 7 invasive marine species on the 3 6 j e 6 versicolor 6 7 Galapagos Marine Reserve 6 4 Restoring the Ecosystem of e h e Los Gemelos a e Monitoring Plastics and Invasive 3 d 2 b Baltra Marine Species Rábida g 1 b Invasion and control of red quinine 4 tree Cinchona succirubra in the i Towards Sustainable Fishing in i h c b Galapagos Islands Fernandina e a the Galapagos Marine Reserve 3 d j d 8 g a b 8 Mapping the expansion of invasive 3 Pinzón 4 k c 4 8 d j plant species 2 6 b 4 4 1 7 1 8 a e 7 5 e d Santa Cruz Where is the introduced tree frog j 7 k Scinax quinquefasciatus? d a e 4 Santa Fe b 1 4 7 5 8 j Studying its distribution 3 3 San Cristóbal Assessing the Health Status of Land Tortoises 8

4 4 b b e Floreana j 3 a Española 8 9 Financial Report 2019 (unaudited) Statement of Financial Position Assets Audited consolidated accounts are Cash / cash equivalents $ 1,693,330 available in the second quarter of 2020 Other current assets $ 939,516 Non-current assets $ 1,206,167

Total $ 3,839,013

Income % Liabilities and equity

Applied restricted income $ 3,581,488 61 Deferred income $ 1,526,280 Unrestricted pledged income $ 690,000 Other current liabilities $ 980,173 Unrestricted other income $ 880,884 Employee benefits $ 508,355 39 Institutional promotions $ 508,051 Equity $ 824,205 39% 61% Other income $ 213,599 39% 61% Total $ 3,839,013 Total $ 5,874,022

Expenditure %

Science, conservation and Education* $ 4,186,107 68 Fundraising $ 503,224 8 24% Other expenditures $ 1,425,315 24 24% 68% 8% 68% 8% 68% Total $ 6,114,646

*Science, Conservation and Education %

Cost of Scientific projects $ 2,172,301 52 Cost of other projects $ 1,409,187 34 10% 4%10% Services to scientists $ 160,802 4 4% 34%4% 52% Laboratory and collections $ 443,817 10 34% 52% Total $ 4,186,107

10 11 Herbarium Collection Collection of Collection of CDS of Marine Vertebrates Terrestrial Invertebrates VCCDRS Invertebrates MCCDRS ICCDRS Interinstitutional Cooperation Natural History Collections

In 2019, CDF signed five cooperation agreements with academic institutions, With approximately 80,000 specimens, together with the GNPD, by mandate of each focused on specific aspects of research and collaboration: Universidad the Galapagos Natural History Collection the Ecuadorian State. This invaluable La Laguna Tenerife, Spain; University of Alicante, Spain; University of constitutes one of the largest repositories heritage is housed in the facilities of our Pennsylvania, USA; Queen’s University of Belfast, Ireland and University of of the biological diversity found in the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) Ghent, Belgium. Galapagos archipelago in the world. in Puerto Ayora. We are custodians of this Collection

The collection is divided according to the most representative taxonomic groups of the flora and fauna of the Galapagos.

The main function is the preservation, The specimens we maintain, as in the for scientific purposes, of specimens of case of the ‘Lonesome George’ skeleton, flora and fauna of the Galapagos. This are objects of great scientific value and of collection is of great importance in the global heritage interest. These collections scientific work on the islands, for this are a legacy that Ecuador preserves for reason we annually dedicate human and the world. financial resources that allows adequate conservation and thus ensure the integrity of the specimens.

Natural History Collections must be maintained at 210 of temperature and at 35% of humidity, for 365 days a year!

12 13 Show me the Data!

Towards open access of the scientific investigation results

Access to knowledge, under the notion of current and future sustainability, plays an important role in achieving sustainable policies and practices by human communities throughout the world. The availability and Our Library access to that knowledge compromises the The “Corley Smith” Library of CDF is the Our library is one of the few active and efforts that align with the infrastructure, main repository of knowledge in and functional libraries in the Archipelago. technology, policies and practices that allow a about Galapagos. The library houses It is therefore essential to maintain our production, open and transparent use of that academic material that supports our link with the community. Our team is knowledge. scientific projects. In addition, we aware that information is one of the have two archives, institutional and basic elements for the social, cultural and During 2019, our “Knowledge Management” audiovisual, where the graphic, sound economic development of people and area began to conceive a new management and documentary memory of CDRS is the conservation of the biosphere. dimension, for which we propose to implement organised and managed. appropriate and open management processes of the knowledge that we are producing at CDF. Travelling Libraries Our knowledge is of interest to the entire East Tropical Pacific region including information We want to share our books, related to climate change, extinction, the love of reading and our sustainability on the islands, etc. knowledge with all the people of the Galapagos Archipelago. It is our main objective to become a regional For this reason we have knowledge center for relevant, urgent and created the Travelling priority areas, for and about Galapagos. The Libraries. These will make implementation of open technological spaces viajeras knowledge accessible to all to make this information and knowledge the people in all corners of the available becomes the goal for the coming islands- children, fishermen, years. We can create and foster a greater teachers, tour guides and anyone impact and change attitudes in society by who wants to read. allowing and facilitating access to knowledge.

Our Travelling Library arrived in Isabela, San Cristóbal and Floreana, thanks to the collaboration of the local school teachers committed to its management. We are proud to bring the first library to Floreana island.

14 15 Biomar 2.0 CMAR - Eastern Tropical Regional Marine Research Centre for Sustainability Pacific Marine Corridor CDF has been designated as the liaison within the technical group coordinating science Since its construction in the late 1970s, This decision illustrates the relevant for the CMAR initiative in coordination with Biomar was considered a benchmark position that the oceans and science the Pro Tempore Secretariat, represented for marine science research in the currently have in the goal of sustainability. by the GNPD. Under the initiative, there are Galapagos. Fifty years later we are Now, more than ever, it is imperative five technical working groups, which are building a new infrastructure that will to work in marine sciences within the tourism, marine protected areas, science, renovate and boost Biomar as the Galapagos and the Eastern Tropical communications and the fisheries. These Regional Center for Marine Research for Pacific. In the CDF we look at the oceans groups comprise experts from the public and Sustainability. Undoubtedly, the new and science together in the hope of private sectors in the thematic areas defined Biomar will make us the reference point achieving the sustainability of the natural by CMAR, providing scientific and technical for the development of marine research, and social systems of the Archipelago. inputs and proposals for CMAR’s actions. with a regional focus. Their action plan is in accordance with CMAR’s regional plan, and the national commissions In recent years, marine sciences have of each country. taken a significant role in political and economic agendas worldwide. In fact, the United Nations has proclaimed the

CDF and the Polytechnic Institute of the Coast (ESPOL) signed, on November 28th, 2016, a Cooperation Agreement creating the Galapagos Marine Research and Exploration Program, GMaRE. This Program’s goals are to work together to reinforce research, conservation and management of the ecosystems and production systems in the Galapagos Islands; and strenghten capacity for research, management, education and decision-making about ecosystems and the services they provide, considering the different stakeholders in the Galapagos Archipelago.

16 17 Components of the ECO program

• Shark Ambassadors is now a Science • Science Goes to the Community works Club, which has 25 high school students in the urban and rural neighbourhoods from Santa Cruz Island. They learn from of Galapagos. The main objective of this our land and marine research projects. segment is to bridge the gap between By 2020 we expect to expand Shark science and the local community, sharing Ambassadors – Science Club to Isabela our scientific knowledge. We want to Island. reach a wider audience in the community by selecting neighbourhoods, initially • Natural Mornings works with teachers on Santa Cruz Island, to develop talks, from local schools, to support and debates, discussion tables, games, contribute to the development of movies, etc. their curriculum through scientific/ experimental activities. By the end of 2020, we estimate the participation of 750 students from Santa Cruz and Isabela.

The ECO-Education and Community Outreach Program

We were the first institution in the In 2015, we restarted environmental Galapagos to develop and promote an education activities with the launch of environmental education program. From the “Shark Ambassadors” Club which the 80s to 2011, several environmental involves youth of the community in the education initiatives were developed conservation of the oceans. Currently, the ¡No puedes amar algo que no at the Corazon Verde farm on San approach to community education and conoces, y si no lo amas, no lo Cristobal Island, the Renacer Club and outreach activities includes a broader vas a conservar! the Environmental Education Center and more comprehensive perspective. In (CEA) in Santa Cruz. Throughout these fact, since 2019 we started the Education years, several generations of young and Community Outreach Program Galapagueños were part of our activities, (ECO) at CDF, which integrates various until the economic crisis forced us to dimensions of formal and non-formal close the program. education, extension and community participation and libraries. Young people were inspired and motivated to be involved in educational The ECO program is looking forward to activities and to be agents of change to reaching different audiences in the local create environmental awareness within community, from 7-year-olds to adults, the Galapagos. Many of these young creating links and connections between people hold relevant positions in the humans and their environment. The government and in non-governmental program applies experimental education, organizations of the islands. citizen science, research-based learning and critical thinking activities.

18 19 How can you support our work? Fundraising 2019 Major institutional and corporate donors

fundra isin g@ fc d a oin r Mae w i n . o

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Donation c

Sign p for our ewsletter

Major Individual Donors

• Amy E. Blackwell • Anonymous donor • Darrel Schoeling and Jeff Corbin • Gordon Cooper • Karen Lo • Ken Collins and Jenny Mallinson olunteer • Lenore and Sean Mahoney • Linda Easler with • Ronald (Ronnie) Stewart us • Will and Matty Gladstone - The Blue Feet Foundation

20 21 2019 Conservation Costs

7 13 20 Support our Gloves Parasitic fly traps Underwater notebook Work 40 60 100

Compass Snorkeling Light trap to Equipment collect fish larvae Make a 380 750 1,500 Donation

Wetsuit Monthly stipend Publication of one for a local volunteer academic paper 1,700 2,300 3,500

Drone to identify locations One-day boat rental for Printing of educational booklets of invasive plants marine research expeditions for local schools 5,000 5,300 19,000 You can donate by visiting our website: www.darwinfoundation.org

The Foundation also receives donations University scholarship granted Stereo-microscope for GPS transmitter mounted on a by PayPal, check, direct transfer to a local student for one year specimens study sea turtle to track its movements and donations of shares.

99,000 118,000 $61,808 If you want to donate using one of Annual cleaning and Annual cost of Annual these methods, contact our maintenance cost electricity, conservation cost fundraising team at internet, phone of the collections [email protected] © Jordi Chias © Jordi

22 23 Institutional Achievements

1959 1963 1964 1965 1966 1997 1998 2000 2002 2007 The Charles Darwin The first edition of The Charles The Program to The first Education Isabela Project With the approval of The data base for After several years The Charles Foundation for the CDF’s Galapagos Darwin Research Breed in Captivity for Conservation begun, eliminating the Special Law for the Natural History of studies about Darwin Foundation Galapagos Islands Research was Station (CDRS) and Repatriate Giant of the Galapagos goats and pigs in Galapagos (LOREG), Collections and potential biological issued the report, (CDF) was created, published. was inaugurated in Tortoises began on Islands Program the north of Isabela the Galapagos Marine the Terrestrial controls, the ‘Galapagos at Risk’. and the Galapagos Puerto Ayora, Santa Santa Cruz Island. began. and in the Santiago Reserve (GMR) was Invertebrates Australian ladybug National Park Cruz Island. 25-year and Pinta Islands. created. Collection was (Rodolia cardinalis) Directorade (GNPD) Agreement with the The endemic rodent created. The was released to was established. Ecuadorian state of Santiago island Galapagos control invasive was signed. (Nesoryzomys Quarantine and cottony cushion scale swarthi) that was Inspection Program (Icerya purchasi). believed extinct was (SICGAL) began, rediscovered. to prevent the introduction of invasive species. 1971 1972 1973 1976 1978 2009 2010 2012 2014 2016 Along with the GNPD, CDF Scholarships Galapagos National Along with the GNP, First CDF annual Charles Darwin Knowledge CDF launched the The first Mangrove CDF scientific CDF discovered and Volunteers Park Management CDF undertook report was launched. Foundation 50th Management DataZone virtual Finch was born in research supported Lonesome George, Program started for Plan was launched the Land Iguanas Van Straelen building anniversary. information platform. Efforts the CDRS as part the declaration of the last survivor Ecuadorian students. with technical advice Breeding and was opened. repository project began to discover of the Captive the Darwin and Wolf of the giant from CDF. Repatriation started. and evaluate Breeding Program for Marine Sanctuary. tortoises from Program. mechanisms to endangered The Charles Darwin Pinta (Chelonoidis control the invasive Exhibition Hall was abingdonii). fly (Philornis downsi). inaugurated.

1982 1986 1989 1992 1995 2017 2018 2019 Conservation Galapagos Marine Multiple Use Building The Management CDF rediscovered The National “Marine World” 60th Anniversary Program in Floreana Resources Reserve of CDRS was opened Plan of the GMRR the tree Scalesia Assembly of exhibit was of CDF. for the Pata Pegada (GMRR) was in San Cristobal. was approved and atractyloides and the Ecuador ratified inaugurated at Galapagos Hope (Pterodroma established and the 25-year Agreement the CDRS Master Floreana Flax (Linum the cooperation the Van Straelen for the Future 2020... phaeopygia) started. First Operational with the Government Plan was launched. cratericola), believed agreement with Interpretation Documentary was Plan of the CDRS was of Ecuador was to be extinct, in the Ecuadorian Center. The first launched. produced. renewed. collaboration with Government to Atlas of Galapagos California Academy the GNPD. operate the CDRS in was launched co- of Sciences alliance Galapagos for the authored with WWF- was rekindled. next 25 years. Ecuador. 24 25 © Jordi Chias © Jordi

General Direction: Jordi Chias Isabel Grijalva Juan Manuel García Nicolás Moity Graphic Design: Austin Ferguson Daniel Unda García Joshua Vela Daniel Unda Translation: Daniela Vilema Rashid Cruz Liza Díaz Lalova

Photography Credits Map: Archivo FCD Byron Delgado

Quito Galápagos www.darwinfoundation.org Francisco Andrade Marín Av. Charles Darwin s/n, E6-122 y Av. Eloy Alfaro. Santa Cruz, Puerto Ayora. [email protected] + 593 (2) 2 231 174 + 593 (5) 2 526 146