CDU to provide glimpse of Galapagos
An exhibition that captures the world-famous Galapagos Islands will open in Darwin next week to celebrate the ties between Charles Darwin University and Ecuadorian researchers and students.
The collection of 40 photographs by one of Ecuador’s most successful photographers will be launched in association with a public lecture on Monday 25 November to commemorate 154 years since the publication of Charles Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species”.
Photographer Fernando Espinosa Chauvin ventured into the Galapagos Islands to capture an environment that is both a harsh and unrelenting paradise for wildlife.
Using a technique that encourages an appreciation of the unique relationships between shape and texture, wildlife and vegetation, and rock formations, he presents a series of scenes that are breathtaking in their surrealism.
The photographic exhibition will form the backdrop for CDU Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Professor Stephen Garnett, who will offer an insight to the wonders of the Galapagos Islands and the current collaborative research between CDU and Galapagos.
“The exhibition and visit will build on a Memorandum of Understanding between CDU and Charles Darwin Foundation on the Galapagos where CDU is providing ongoing advice on tourism monitoring,” Professor Garnett said. Galapagos,” Professor Garnett said.
“We are currently working with the Galapagos National Park on tourism industry trends and futures and what this means for the conservation of this iconic site.”
CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover will launch the exhibition "Galapagos Surreal" at 11:45am on Monday November 25, at the Northern Territory Library, Parliament House, Darwin. The Ambassador of Ecuador to Australia, his Excellency Mr Raul Gangotena will visit Darwin to attend the event.
The opening will be followed by a free public lecture by Professor Garnett.
The event is collaboration between CDU, the Embassy of Ecuador in Australia, the Ministry of Tourism in Ecuador, WWF Galapagos and the Galapagos National Park Service.