DARWIN200 hosted in Gansbaai
DARWIN200 centres around the 2023-2025 Global Voyage, retracing Charles Darwin's historic journey aboard HMS Beagle. The initiative focuses on three core objectives: Empower, Inspire and Solve. During this journey, their tall ship, Oosterschelde, is stopping at 50 major ports visited by Darwin, transforming each into a platform for science, storytelling, and global conservation engagement.
The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust teams were thrilled to host three teams from the DARWIN200 planetary conservation initiative, a project aiming to change the world for the better by reconnecting people with nature and building a more sustainable future. “Working with international initiatives like DARWIN200 gives us the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and spark meaningful action,” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. “It's vital that we continue building bridges between conservation communities around the world to ensure the longevity of the work we're doing locally and globally.”
In March, Science Co-ordinator Rolf Schreuder joined the Marine Dynamics crew at sea. A veteran of global science communication, Rolf helped lead the Dutch television series Beagle: In the Wake of Darwin and has produced major projects for UNESCO and beyond. His mission now is to build a global legacy for DARWIN200 through a network of empowered environmental leaders.
This month, the team was excited to welcome their second DARWIN200 group to Kleinbaai under the guidance of Darwin Leader Manager and Marine Biologist, Eduardo Villouta. With over 40 years of experience in research and conservation management, Eduardo has mentored countless students and scientists while leading conservation efforts across New Zealand and South America. Joining Eduardo were two inspiring Darwin Leaders: Manar Elkebir from Tunisia and Valarie Silali from Kenya.
Next up was the arrival of Joe Grabowski, host of The World's Most Exciting Classroom! and an award-winning science communicator. With support from CapeNature, filming permits were secured to explore Dyer Island and document its critical conservation work. More than 22,000 people from around the world joined these live-streamed lessons - proof that conservation can inspire and educate across borders and generations.
“Cross-pollination between global conservation efforts is essential,” added Wilfred Chivell. “We learn from each other, support one another, and collectively inspire the next generation to care deeply about the natural world.” Wilfred has also been invited to sail aboard the Oosterschelde from Simonstown to Cape Town, continuing the journey of knowledge-sharing and storytelling aboard one of the world's most iconic historic vessels. Built in 1917 and magnificently restored, the Oosterschelde carries the legacy of previous global voyages, visiting over 55 countries - including remote destinations like Antarctica and South Georgia.
(Article shortened: Editor)
Christine Wessels - pa@marinedynamicstravel.com
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