New exhibit highlights decades of conservation efforts in Galapagos

The Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands (CDF), the Galapagos National Park Service (GNP) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launched a new exhibit at the Van Straelen Visitors Centre on 4th September 2003, in Puerto Ayora, Galapagos Islands.

The exhibit, made possible through a generous donation from Eugene S. Principe, Jr. (1955-2000) and WWF, highlights more than 40 years of collaborative research and conservation management efforts between GNP and CDF to conserve the rich and unique biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.

"The new exhibit of the Van Straelen Visitor's Centre offers local, national and international visitors an inside look at the day-to-day work of both of our institutions, and we hope it will foster an increase in awareness and understanding of the growing threats to Galapagos conservation and the responsibility we all carry for its protection and preservation," said Dr. Fernando Espinoza, Executive Director of CDF.

The centre, which first opened its doors more than 30 years ago, was named after Victor Van Straelen (1889-1964), a keen naturalist dedicated to protecting the environment. Van Straelen was one of CDF's founding members and was elected president in 1959. During his tenure, Van Straelen helped raised funds for CDF operations, led the establishment of the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island, and initiated an agreement with the Ecuadorian government for CDF to act as official advisor to the government on conservation science for the Galapagos Islands.

For further information on these and other articles, visit
Charles Darwin Research Station

..Top