Mónica CalvopiñaMónica Calvopiña is a distinguished marine biologist and a professional from Galápagos with an impressive track record in the management and conservation of protected marine areas. She studied Marine Biology in Costa Rica and pursued postgraduate studies in Marine Conservation and Sustainable Development in Edinburgh, and Marine Management and Conservation in Tasmania. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director of the Galápagos Life Fund, assuming the significant responsibility of leading the development, management, and implementation of long-term strategic plans, as well as annual operational plans and project development processes. Additionally, she oversees the daily administration of the organization. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Mónica has led multidisciplinary projects, implemented conservation strategies, and built strong relationships with key partners and the local community. Her pivotal role in the creation of two protected marine areas in Galápagos and the implementation of their management strategies, including management plans, zoning, control mechanisms, financial mechanisms, monitoring programs, research, and evaluation, has solidified her as a dedicated expert in the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem. With a strong academic background, including postgraduate studies in Marine Conservation and Development, Mónica brings a unique combination of technical expertise and a deep passion for the protection of marine biodiversity. Under her leadership, the Galápagos Life Fund is guided by a passionate and knowledgeable leader committed to preserving the natural wonders of the Galápagos Islands.Xavier Serrano

Galapagueño professional in Finance and International Business, with a strong background in public administration and strategic fund management. He holds a Master’s degree in Government and Public Management in Latin America from Pompeu Fabra University (Spain) and is currently pursuing an MBA at Quantic School of Business and Technology (United States), thus complementing his technical profile with an innovative vision in financial leadership.

From an early age, Xavier has been deeply connected to the social and economic reality of the Galápagos Islands. His professional career reflects a strong commitment to the sustainable development of his territory, driven by the desire to strengthen financial efficiency and institutional transparency in the archipelago. His experience in public administration, specifically as Treasurer of the Decentralized Autonomous Government of the Municipality of Santa Cruz, allowed him to gain firsthand knowledge of the community’s real needs and actively participate in projects aimed at local development and fiscal modernization.

In the field of international cooperation, Xavier has served as Financial Officer at the Charles Darwin Research Station, leading the execution of an $11.9 million fund for the “Habla Tiburón” project, funded by USAID. In this role, he has ensured strict compliance with donor financial standards, optimizing disbursement processes, budget control, and the preparation of strategic financial reports.

Alongside his institutional career, Xavier has also developed entrepreneurial projects in Galápagos, strengthening supply chains between the mainland and the islands and promoting sustainable, efficient business models adapted to the local context.

His work is characterized by a strategic vision, strong professional ethics, and a dedication to contributing to the well-being of his community through responsible and transparent financial management. He is currently serving as Financial Director of the Galápagos Life Fund, where he leads the planning, control, and projection of financial resources that support the conservation and sustainable development of the Galápagos Islands.

Ulf HardterFor over 19 years, he’s specialized in conservation projects with bi- and multilateral funding. An expert in Environmental and Social Safeguard Systems, he has extensive experience applying and overseeing them. As a Galápagos Naturalist Guide with a PhD in Natural Sciences, Ulf enjoys exploring the islands with his kids, and spending time with his friends and kids on the beach.