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Galapagos Human colonization

Conservation efforts and institutions that protect the Galapagos Islands

1959, precisely one hundred years after the publication of Darwin’s Origin of the Species, Ecuador declared the islands its first national park, preserving whatever land that was not already settled for protection. Five years later the Charles Darwin Research Station was opened outside of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz. Working with the Nation Park Office, the station conducts research and determines courses of action to protect the islands. The Park office then implements many of these policies, constructing and marking trails for the visitor sites as well as regulating boats and visitor limitations.

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The Transition

Frequently asked questions

When was the Charles Darwin Reasearch station founded?
Although the station was founded in 1959 the facilities were only inaugurated in 1964, allowing scientists and conservationists to make base for study and protection of the islands
When was the Galapagos National Park created?
The Ecuadorean government created the Galapagos National park on July 4th of 1959. This coincided with the 100 years memorial of Charles Darwins visit to the islands. 
Who discovered the Galapagos Islands?
The first recorded visit to the Islands was performed by Fray Thomas de Berlanga, the first name was: "Archipielago de Colon"