Novia UAS strengthens ties with the Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands

14.8.2026
News
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Science, conservation, and sustainable futures

In June 2026, Jorge Gomez-Paredes, part of the RDI team at Novia University of Applied Sciences' Bioeconomy Research Programme, participated in the 55th General Assembly (GA) of the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador, following his recent election as a member of the GA, the CDF’s highest governing body.

The annual meeting brought together members of the international scientific community, government representatives, conservation leaders, and institutional partners to review the CDF's achievements and discuss future directions for research and conservation in the Galápagos. The event also marked the presentation of the Charles Darwin Foundation's 2025 Impact Report, highlighting progress in scientific research, ecological restoration, environmental monitoring, invasive species management, and evidence-based conservation efforts across the Galápagos Islands. 

The Assembly provided an opportunity to reflect on scientific achievements, exchange ideas on strengthening conservation efforts, and discuss emerging scientific initiatives for the years ahead. The meeting reaffirmed that protecting the future of Galápagos requires strong partnerships, local capacity building, scientific excellence, and collaboration among academic institutions, public authorities, and civil society.

The Galápagos Islands constitute one of the world's most remarkable natural laboratories. Their exceptional biodiversity, combined with complex environmental and social challenges, makes the archipelago a globally significant location for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable development. Jorge Gomez-Paredes's participation in the CDF’s GA aligns with Novia UAS's commitment to international cooperation and research that contribute to addressing global sustainability challenges. 

Main photo: Jorge Gomez-Paredes together with participants at the 55th General Assembly of the Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galápagos Islands.

Jorge Gomez-Paredes with Yolanda Kakabadse, President of the Charles Darwin Foundation General Assembly, former President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and former President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

 

Visit to the natural history collections of the Charles Darwin Foundation Research Station.

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