During the last two days, Kelsey Bradley, Managing Director (Galapagos) of CNH Tours/Galapagos Travel, attended her first Annual General Meeting of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) as a Governing Member. While this was not directly related to CNH Tours/Galapagos Travel's work, it highlights our team’s connection and on-going roles in Galapagos. Kelsey shares her thoughts on the experience, as well as CDF updates, below:

 

Having worked at the Charles Darwin Research Station until 2018, I was excited to take part (virtually this year) and I knew that the meeting would be both engaging and informative. What I did not expect was just how inspiring it would be as well. If you've been to Galapagos before, you know first-hand how truly remarkable it is. Its magic and awe-inspiring beauty is in large part thanks to the many decades of hard work and dedication of those at the Foundation and its operational arm -- the Charles Darwin Research Station on Santa Cruz Island. 

The AGM brought together members of the Foundation's General Assembly, Board of Directors, researchers, and selected staff. We were led by the incomparable Yolanda Kakabadse, who currently holds the position of President of the CDF. She kept everyone energized and inspired, while regular orders of business were conducted, just like any such organization’s annual general meeting. Throughout the meeting, I was struck by the remarkable advances being made across so many areas of conservation, research, and community engagement in Galápagos. Even compared to the updates shared just a few months earlier, during our last group encounter in November 2025, the pace of progress was impressive.

 

Remarks being made by CDF President, Yolanda Kakabadse

 

Participating in the discussions, workshops, and breakout groups was particularly rewarding. The sessions offered opportunities to exchange ideas, explore future priorities, and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing conservation in the archipelago. For someone who spent many years at the Research Station, it was both professionally engaging and personally meaningful.

In many ways, attending the AGM felt like stepping back into a familiar world. Seeing former colleagues, hearing updates from staff, and learning about ongoing projects brought back countless memories of my years at the Station. At the same time, it was exciting to see how the organization has evolved and expanded its impact since I left.

Among the highlights were presentations from several of the Foundation's researchers. Dr. Nicolás Moity shared updates on the CDF's mangrove ecology and climate change work, including efforts to better understand the vital role Galápagos mangroves play in carbon storage, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience. The scale and ambition of the project continue to grow as researchers gather new data on these critical coastal ecosystems. Did you know that the area of all mangroves worldwide would fit in the same geographical space as the Galapagos Marine Reserve?

Dr. Heinke Jäger provided updates on the Foundation's ongoing restoration of the endangered Scalesia forests, one of Galápagos' most unique and threatened habitats. She also discussed current research on invasive invertebrates and other introduced species, work that is essential to protecting the islands' fragile ecosystems. Her incredible work in Galapagos spans decades and is truly what is making it possible to share this unique archipelago with future generations.  

The last of the three presentations was from Dr. Miguel Pinto presented exciting developments related to the Foundation's Natural History Collections, including progress on the new collections housing facility. The project represents an important investment in preserving and expanding one of the most valuable scientific resources in Galápagos for future generations of researchers.

Lastly, as a surprise to most of us, the special K-9 unit “crashed” our meeting – what a great way to add excitement to the agenda! This particular dog had been specially-trained to detect Galapagos species, in order to help the authorities find and prosecute those attempting to bring flora and fauna out of the islands. While sad figures for the Galapagos flora and fauna, the special K-9 unit’s recent successes include finding 12 marine iguanas in the Guayaquil airport and 21,000 shark fins. The dogs and their training were a special donation to the CDF, made by one of its most ardent supporters and his friends. 

The "drop-in" guests to the AGM, with CDF Executive Director Rakan Zahawi

I left the AGM feeling energized, optimistic, and grateful to be part of the Charles Darwin Foundation community once again. The dedication, expertise, and passion of those involved is so very special. It was a powerful reminder that, while conservation challenges remain significant, so too does the commitment of those working every day to protect the extraordinary natural heritage of the Galápagos Islands. If you’d like to know more about the CDF’s incredible work, I’d welcome you to check out their site (here: darwinfoundation.org), or let me know – always happy to chat about it too!