New Visitor Center at the Charles Darwin Research Station
The proposal to build a new visitor and education complex at the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS) has been approved. The Galapagos Conservation Trust (GTC) is funding the phase 1 of the project.
This donation will build on work already undertaken by CDF staff and specialist volunteers, allowing the completion of phase 1 – a feasibility study for the renovation and a business and fundraising plan for the new centre. Phase 2, which requires further funding, will see the modernization taking place. It is hoped that some of this work can be completed by 2009 to coincide with the 50th anniversaries of both CDRS and GNPS and the bicentenary of the birth of Charles Darwin.
There are several key objectives for the new visitor experience: it should be self funding to guarantee the future of the complex; it should educate both the local community and visitors to the islands; and it should include state-of-the-art displays that leave a lasting impression. It’s expected that the new centre will be known as the Charles Darwin Center for Galapagos.
The complex on Santa Cruz island will be shared by the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) and the Galapagos National Park Service (GNPS). Some visitors may have to pay an entrance fee.