Exceptional Darwin Leaders to drive global change over the coming decades
CHANGE THE WORLD
Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery to re-trace Charles Darwin’s voyage around the globe.
CHANGE THE WORLD
Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery to re-trace Charles Darwin’s voyage around the globe.
OUR MISSION
DARWIN200 is a planetary conservation initiative which aims to change the world for the better.
We are sailing a historic tallship around the world following Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HIMS Beagle two centuries ago.
Using our ship as a floating laboratory and media platform, we will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin’s passion for natural history to engage worldwide audiences and advance global conservation.
Discover our project goals below & join our mission.
Where are we on our Global Voyage?
Our journey will consist of 32 voyage legs and we will be making landfall at key locations where Charles Darwin stepped ashore. But where are we now….
50.3755° N, 4.1427° W
DEPARTED
15th AUG
2023
FROM
PLYMOUTH UK
01
GOAL 1
EMPOWER
Train exceptional DARWIN, LEADERS, one from each of 200 countries and states around the world. These young conservationists will become tomorrow’s environmental leaders.
02
GOAL 2
INSPIRE
Create the WORLD’S MOST EXCITING CLASSROOM to reconnect global audiences with nature, science and conservation.
03
GOAL 3
solve
Undertake citizen science RESEARCH PROJECTS tackling many of the world’s most critical environmental problems to engage global audiences in practical solutions.
DARWIN Leaders
DARWIN200 is selecting the world’s top young (18+ year old) conservationists – one from each of two hundred countries and states around the world.
These exceptional young conservationists (known as ‘Darwin Leaders’) are carefully chosen for their abilities, initiative and determination. Many have already accomplished inspiring conservation feats (such as setting up projects to save endangered species or efforts to educate audiences in their home countries). All show the raw, burning passion to protect the natural world and drive positive change for a better future.
From August 2023 to July 2025, groups of 4-8 Darwin Leaders will travel to our ship in each of the ports Charles Darwin visited, using our ship as a floating laboratory and media platform.
World’s Most Exciting Classroom
During the DARWIN200 2023-2025 Global Voyage, our goal is to engage with millions of students at schools across the planet via continuous streams of free online activities, research projects, experiments, lectures, competitions and weekly ‘nature hour’ events.
We call these outreach activities ‘the world’s most exciting classroom’.
All our outreach activities will be completely free of charge for students, teachers and the general public. Our goal is to engage 200 million students worldwide during our two-year global voyage and for years to come.
Research
In continuation of Charles Darwin’s work aboard HMS Beagle, the DARWIN200 ship will offer a unique platform to support 8 research projects into many of the world’s most critical environmental problems. Results will be displayed via live data feeds, results presentations, online lectures and interviews with the professional teams of researchers behind each initiative.
12.02.1809 – 19.04.1882
CHARLES DARWIN
In 1831, at the age of 22, Charles Darwin stepped aboard HMS Beagle in Plymouth, England to being a five year journey around the world. DARWIN200 builds on Charles Darwin’s legacy to educate global audiences about the threats our planet faces and the inspiring conservation work that can save the natural world.
FACTS &
FIGURES
200
200
Million
Reaching 200 million students worldwide
50
Meter
Historic tall ship Oosterschelde
32
Voyage Legs
8
Interactive Citizen Science Research Projects
2023
Voyage starts
The Global Voyage will be undertaken aboard the historic 50 metre long tall ship Oosterschelde. Built in 1918, this uniquely restored, three masted schooner is one of the most beautiful historic vessels afloat.
press releases
This #EarthDay, we’re not just talking about change — we’re sailing straight into it. 🌊
As DARWIN200 docks in Simon’s Town, South Africa, the historic Oosterschelde tall ship carries more than history — it carries our mission of hope.
From rescuing sea turtles to tracking the disappearance of great white sharks, two groups of young Darwin Leaders from across Africa have joined us for two weeks to learn, lead, and protect what matters most: our living planet.
These are the future’s scientists, storytellers, and changemakers — hands-on, hearts open, lifting up local ecosystems one project at a time.
Across our two-year global voyage, we’re training up to 200 of these extraordinary young conservation leaders.
Because our power isn’t just in wind or waves. It’s in knowledge shared, species saved, and a generation rising to meet the moment.
#OurPowerOurPlanet #EarthDay2025 #Darwin200 #YoungLeadersForNature #CapeTownChapter #darwin200 #oosterschelde #darwinleaders
In the field with Darwin Leader Joshua, tracking bontebok in De Hoop. 🦌
From early morning field drives to data collection twists (poo collection included), this project is uncovering how these unique antelopes have been coping after one of the wettest seasons on record in the Cape.
With parasites on the rise, Joshua’s looking at new ways to monitor population health – combining expert advice, hard-earned data, and a whole lot of patience.
Photo credit: Elliot Connor
#Darwin200 #Bontebok #DeHoopNatureReserve #CapeNature #FieldworkDays #DarwinLeaders #YouthForNature #BehindTheScenes
A legendary moment in our DARWIN200 Global Voyage as the Oosterschelde sails into Simon’s Town, South Africa — the very waters that once carried Charles Darwin himself. Here, history isn’t just remembered, it’s being relived. 🌍⚓
📸 @tomdixonfilm
#Darwin200 #SimonsTown #SailingIntoHistory #LegacyOfDiscovery #oosterschelde #charlesdarwin
From nearly extinct to a conservation comeback — the Bontebok’s story is one of science, genetics, and perseverance. Joshua, our Darwin Leader from Uganda, is on the ground in De Hoop Nature Reserve exploring what this success can teach us about protecting other endangered species.
Swipe through to follow Joshua’s journey:
📍 Interviewing CapeNature expert Marianne for deeper insight
🚙 Out in the field, tracking and assessing bontebok populations
💀 Analyzing remains to better understand past challenges and future threats
With the support of CapeNature, this project connects practical conservation work with youth-led research and global learning.
#Darwin200 #BontebokConservation #DeHoopNatureReserve #YouthForNature #CapeNature #BehindTheScenes #DarwinLeaders #WildlifeScience #ConservationSuccess
🎥 Behind the cliffs with Cape Vultures 🦅
Filmed at the breathtaking Potberg Mountains colony within De Hoop Nature Reserve.
Getting this footage was no easy feat — Darwin Leader Gift and filmmaker Josh hiked up the mountain at dawn, carrying all our gear, but every step was worth it to witness these incredible birds in their element.
A rare glimpse into the life of one of Southern Africa’s most threatened (and misunderstood) raptors.
Video credit: @joshclarkephotos
#CapeVultures #DeHoopNatureReserve #WildlifeReel #ConservationInAction #Darwin200 #VultureConservation #PotbergMountains #BehindTheScenes #YouthForNature
After South Africa’s record rainy season, De Hoop’s bontebok have been hit hard by parasites — so Darwin Leader Joshua has been testing new ways to assess population health.
One method? Collecting fresh dung samples. Timing is everything: catch it fresh, bottle it fast, and get it straight into the fridge. Not glamorous, but crucial for understanding the impact of climate on wildlife.
Real conservation, up close and personal.
Video credit: Elliot Connor
#Darwin200 #BontebokConservation #FieldworkUnfiltered #DeHoopNatureReserve #CapeNature #YouthForNature #PooScience #DarwinLeaders #WildlifeMonitoring
Darwin Leader Gift Munsaka from Zimbabwe sat down with expert guide Eddy in De Hoop Nature Reserve to learn more about the lives — and threats — of Cape vultures.
Often misunderstood or overlooked, these majestic birds play a vital role in healthy ecosystems. With support from our conservation partners CapeNature, Gift is exploring how conservation and public awareness can help protect one of Southern Africa’s most threatened raptors.
This conversation is more than just part of Gift’s Darwin Leader research — it reflects the heart of our mission: bridging local knowledge with global action to safeguard our planet’s biodiversity.
#Darwin200 #CapeVultures #VultureConservation #DeHoopNatureReserve #YouthForNature #DarwinLeaders #CapeTownConservation
🐧🎥 Filming in action!
Darwin Leader Manar and film maker Willem joined the team at the African Penguin & Seabird Sanctuary to capture footage of these critically endangered birds during their morning swim.
#Darwin200 #AfricanPenguins #BehindTheScenes #ConservationInAction #CapeTownConservation #darwinleaders
This morning in Gansbaai, Darwin Leaders Manar ElKebir from Tunisia and film maker Willem van den Heever joined the team at the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary for feeding time.
Working with @dyertrust, they’re helping care for critically endangered African penguins, whose numbers are plummeting due to overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.
Behind the scenes, it’s early mornings, careful monitoring, and constant teamwork — all part of the urgent mission to keep this iconic species from disappearing.
#Darwin200 #AfricanPenguins #SeabirdSanctuary #MarineConservation #CapeTownConservation #YouthForNature #DyerIslandConservationTrust #darwinleader
🦈 Where Are the Great Whites Going?
At the Shark Centre in Gansbaai, Kenyan Darwin Leader Valarie Silali is diving into one of South Africa’s biggest marine mysteries — the disappearance of great white sharks along the southern coastline alongside film maker Tom Dixon.
Working with @dyertrust and @marine_dynamics, Valarie is exploring how orca predation, shifting ecosystems, and climate change are reshaping shark populations — and what that means for the entire marine food web.
This project goes beyond fear and fascination. It’s about understanding apex predators, protecting balance in our oceans, and using science to guide conservation.
Video credit: Tom Dixon
#Darwin200 #GreatWhiteSharks #MarineScience #SharkConservation #CapeTownConservation #YouthForNature #darwinleader
This week, we welcomed our first group of Cape Town Darwin Leaders — a group of young conservationists from across Africa here to tackle real-world environmental challenges alongside local experts.
For one week these Darwin Leaders are getting stuck into hands-on field projects across the Western Cape, learning from some of the region’s most respected conservation organisations. Their mission? Protect endangered species, support community-based conservation, and build skills to lead future solutions.
Here’s what they’re working on:
🦈 Investigating the disappearance of great white sharks with @marinedynamics and @dyerict
🐧 Rescuing African penguins and supporting coastal bird monitoring
🦅 Helping reduce threats to Cape vultures with @capenature and VulPro
🦌 Learning from the recovery of bontebok antelope in De Hoop
💧 Tackling invasive carp in GroenVlei with @giftofthegivers
This is not a tour. It’s an immersive, practical experience designed to train and empower the next generation of African environmental leaders. Cape Town is the classroom — and nature is the curriculum.
Follow along as we share behind-the-scenes content of what they’re learning, who they’re working with, and how young people can shape the future of conservation.
#Darwin200 #CapeTownConservation #DarwinLeaders #YouthInConservation #HandsOnScience
Meet our Cape Town Darwin Leaders 🇿🇦
This week, five inspiring young conservationists begin their field placements with local partners across Cape Town.
From tackling invasive species in freshwater lakes to studying endangered penguins, great white sharks, and Cape vultures — they’re working hands-on with the species and ecosystems that need our attention most.
They’ll be learning from our fantastic local conservation partners:
🐧 Dyer Island Conservation Trust
🌱 CapeNature
🌊 Gift of the Givers
Stay tuned as they get stuck into their individual research projects — and share what conservation looks like on the ground.
#Darwin200 #CapeTownConservation #DarwinLeaders #YouthForNature
As the sun rises over Cape Town, we’re preparing to welcome the next wave of ocean changemakers: our Darwin Leaders! 🌍🔬
These inspiring young researchers from around the world will soon begin their independent conservation projects, working hands-on with our local partners across South Africa.
From marine ecosystems to wildlife protection — and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll have.
Photo credit: Josh Clarke
#Darwin200 #DarwinLeaders #OceanConservation #NextGenerationScientists #ResearchInAction #CapeTown #LifeAtSea #EnvironmentalLeadership #Oosterschelde #ScienceAtSea
Life aboard never stops — even in port!
From routine maintenance to meal planning for the next leg, the Oosterschelde crew are keeping busy while enjoying land life in Cape Town. ⚓
#Darwin200 #ShipLife #Oosterschelde #BehindTheScenes #PortPrep #LifeAtSea #CapeTown
Join us LIVE for the next episode of the World’s Most Exciting Classroom live from South Africa! 📚
Thursday, 10th April
9am Eastern / 2pm UK
Watch live or later via the link in our bio.
This week’s episode is jam-packed with global adventure! 🌎
We’re jumping from Canada to New Zealand, Antarctica, and Cape Town, South Africa, where the Oosterschelde has just completed its Atlantic crossing! ⛵
Here’s what’s coming up:
Live uplink from the ship in Cape Town
Guest spotlight: Biologist Sarah Kienle, expert on Leopard Seals
Virtual field trip to the National Kiwi Hatchery in New Zealand
Try a new science experiment in your classroom
Compete in Kahoot to win a $50 gift card for your class!
Discover our new Curiosity of the Week
…and so much more.
Get ready to explore, learn, and have fun with classrooms across the globe! 🌟
#WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #Darwin200 #Oosterschelde #STEMEducation #VirtualFieldTrip #Antarctica #CapeTown #KiwiHatchery #LeopardSeals #GlobalClassroom
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