About Us – Reef Revival

Our Impact

Reef Revival has scientifically proven coral gardening feasibility in the Galapagos, and developed the framework for future coral restoration in the islands.
Our team has developed the first comprehensive coral baseline of Isabela island, allowing for the description of 6 previously undescribed coral communities.
Reef Revival served as an organizing member of the first International Coral Workshop in the Galapagos in 2023, helping to craft the future management plan for corals in the islands.
So far, Reef Revival has restored 6730 corals, recovering 5200 m² of coral ecosystem with over 50 coral varieties from our field-based coral nurseries.
Working closely with the Galapagos National Park, we have supported the protection of three major coral populations and several threatened coral remnants.
Our work has reached hundreds of locals and visitors, raising awareness with two local schools, several youth groups, university students, local authorities, park rangers and guides. Our training has allowed the formation of local ocean stewards and future leaders.

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Our Team

Reef Revival is a collaborative endeavour between local leaders, academic institutions and conservation organizations committed to the Galapagos islands and their unique biodiversity.

Nicolas Davalos

Founder and Director

Nicolás is a biologist and conservationist from Isabela Island. His life spent in the Galapagos honed his skills as a diver, photographer, and researcher, eventually inspiring him to create Galapagos Reef Revival. He studied Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University and later gained a second degree in Biology with a focus on Marine Ecology from USFQ. Nicolás is currently pursuing a Master’s in Environmental Management at Duke University with emphasis on Coastal and Marine Ecosystems.

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Margarita Brandt

Lead Scientist

Margarita is a professor and researcher in the Biology Department of Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ). Margarita earned her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Brown University in the United States. For the past 20 years she has been an active researcher in the Galápagos in the field of marine community ecology, focusing in marine invertebrate diversity and their adaptive capacity to ocean warming.

Jackie Alvarez

Education Associate

Jackie is a biologist and educator with broad experience working on science, outdoor education and environmental outreach programs in the Galapagos and internationally. She is the leader of Ciencia & Aventura, a project that helps at-risk communities connect with the environment through outdoor activities and conservation.