Founded in 1959, under the auspices of UNESCO and the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (previously World Conservation Union), the Charles Darwin Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos ecosystems. The Foundation operates the Charles Darwin Research Station to conduct scientific research and environmental education for conservation. The Station has a team of over two hundred scientists, educators, volunteers, research students and support staff from all over the world. The Foundation Secretary General is located in Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and maintains close contact with the government to promote Galapagos conservation throughout Ecuador.