Galapagos Islands Culture - Scientific Tourism and Travel in the Galapagos Islands Ecuadorian and foreign scientists are at work constantly in Puerto Ayora, on the Islands of Santa Cruz, doing research and developing projects for the preservation of reptile, bird, and plant species. The Charles Darwin Research Station, created in 1959, carries out educational projects while helping to serve the Galapagos National Park.

 The station’s primary programs focus on the conservation of natural resources, at the same time implementing other initiatives to help with the management of flora and fauna in the area, including programs to help manage the extraction of natural resources. Other programs run by the station are related to environmental education, marine resources, and marine agriculture, mainly through control and vigilance. The center’s objective is to maintain the delicate habitat of the area while permitting tourists to experience the unique and endemic species of this protected Reserve that, in the 19th century, served as home to pirates and buccaneers in search of food, water, and shelter.