THE CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION IS AWARDED THE INTERNATIONAL GETTY CONSERVATION PRIZE
Quito, Ecuador - The Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) will receive this year's J. Paul Getty Wildlife Conservation Prize from the World Wildlife Fund at a ceremony at the Metropolitan Cultural Centre in Quito, Ecuador today. The award recognizes over 40 years of conservation work by CDF in the Galapagos Islands and its work to restore Galapagos after the Jessica oil spill last January.
"We are thrilled to be this year's recipient of the Getty Prize," said Tom Fritts, president of CDF. "In over forty years of the Foundation's history in the islands, one constant has remained: the dedication of the extraordinary staff and volunteers who contribute to the Foundation's ongoing conservation efforts that intend to preserve this natural jewel. This is their award."
CDF unites nearly 200 scientists, conservationists and educators from around the world at the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands. Working with the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS), the government organization responsible for managing the Galapagos National Park and the Marine Reserve, staff carry out land and marine research and advise the GNPS on conservation strategies. The Foundation also administers environmental education programmes in the schools and communities of the islands, and works with local stakeholders to promote consensus-based conservation of the archipelago.
"We wish to acknowledge the support of our main partner in conservation here in the islands, the Galapagos National Park Service, our worldwide supporters in the Friends of Galapagos network, and many other organizations that have supported our efforts," said Fritts. "With their help, we have strived to be a positive force for conservation of this incredible Natural World Heritage site."
Founded in 1959, the Foundation's mission is to provide knowledge and support to ensure the conservation of the environment and biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands through scientific research, education and other complementary actions.
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