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
DARWIN200`s founders Andrew Fox and Stewart McPherson visited William Puga`s school in Puerto Baquerizo, San Cristobal with Darwin Leader manager Eduardo Villouta, and gave to the school three iPads, fourteen books and a strimmer to help tackle non-native, invasive plants such as Lantana and Rubus. The donations of these wonderful resources was made possible by a partnership with the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation.
#darwin200 #donhansoncharitablefoundation #donation
Species Spotlight: Giant Tortoise 🐢🌟
Meet the gentle giants of the Galapagos!
🏝 Life in Paradise: Endemic to San Cristobal Island, these tortoises roam diverse habitats, munching on grasses and cacti.
💚 Centenarian Champions: With proper care, they can live well over 100 years, making them some of the longest-lived creatures on Earth!
🛡 Conservation Challenges: Threatened by habitat loss and invasive species, these tortoises need our help to thrive.
🌎 Guardians of Galapagos: Tortoises play a crucial role in shaping island ecosystems, making conservation efforts vital.
🧬 Darwin’s Discovery: Charles Darwin was inspired by these tortoises during his exploration of the Galapagos Islands, contributing to his groundbreaking theory of evolution.
Let’s ensure they continue to roam the Galapagos Islands for generations to come. 🐢✨
📸 @joshclarkephotos
#GalapagosGiants #SpeciesSpotlight #Darwin200 #CharlesDarwin
Last week, as we departed the enchanting Bartolome Island, Joe, the host of our weekly "World`s Most Exciting Classroom" events, captured this stunning sunset. The sky erupted in dazzling shades of orange and pink, marking a beautiful close to a memorable day.
#SunsetVibes #BartolomeIsland #NaturePhotography #TravelMoments #Darwin200
We have been reflecting on our first group of Galapagos Darwin Leaders’ week of studies from early May. At the end of their week of studies we had the pleasure of enjoying their final presentations with our local partner, Project Galapagos on board the Oosterschelde. Each Darwin Leader showcased their remarkable research projects focused on conservation in the Galapagos! Thank you to each of you for your hard work this week and dedication to conservation efforts. 🐢🌎 Stay tuned for their upcoming short documentary series.
We have just welcomed our next group of Galapagos Darwin Leaders 🙌🌎 Stay tuned for their introductions and updates on their research projects this week.
#DARWIN200 #GalapagosLeaders #ConservationSuccess
#GalapagosDarwinLeaders #ProjectGalapagos #ConservationEfforts
Our Darwin Doodle competition winner, Sol, enjoyed a day sail last week. Here he is, alongside his first mate Jenny, in the steering hut of the Oosterschelde. ⛵ #DaySail #darwin200 #Oosterschelde #DarwinWinner #SailingAdventure
Another tough day in the gorgeous Galapagos. 💤 These cheeky chaps will flop and flipper their way into the most unexpected spots. Whether it’s a sandy spot, a bench, a rocky ledge or even our dinghy, they’ll find their sea-esta spot anywhere! #GalapagosGurus #SeaLion #darwin200 #galapagos
Even the animals pause to witness the breath taking sunsets of the Galapagos Islands! 🌅 From sea lions to marine iguanas, the natural world joins us in awe as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues. 🌿
📸 @rhodri_hall
#darwin200 #GalapagosSunsets #NatureWonders #magicalmoments
LIVE meet and greet with majestic Galapagos giant tortoises tomorrow!
Interact with these magnificent creatures in real time during our free World`s Most Exciting Classroom online event.
🐢 May 9th – Live with Galapagos Tortoises in the Highlands
🕙 10:00 AM Galapagos / 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UK
Experience the iconic Galapagos tortoises LIVE in their natural habitat!
For more information or to join the live episodes, please visit the link in our bio or go to www.worldsmostexcitingclassroom.com
#Darwin200 #Oosterschelde #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #FreeOnlineEvent #GalapagosAdventure #ScienceEducation
EVENT REMINDER 🌎 Dive into The World`s Most Exciting Classroom, live from the Galapagos Islands! 🐢 There`s only two days left to join us. Don`t miss out on a journey filled with knowledge, inspiration, and the breathtaking beauty of the Galapagos!
Upcoming Events:
🐢 May 9th – Live with Galapagos Tortoises in the Highlands
🕙 10:00 AM Galapagos / 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UK
Meet the iconic Galapagos tortoises LIVE in their natural habitat!
🔬 May 10th – Live from the Charles Darwin Research Station
🕙 10:00 AM Galapagos / 12:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM UK
Join Sarah Darwin, Charles Darwin`s great, great-granddaughter, and Rakan Zahawi, Executive Director of ECCD, for an exclusive live session. Discover the remarkable scientific and conservation work at the station.
For more information or to join the live episodes please click the link in our bio or visit www.worldsmostexcitingclassroom.com
#Darwin200 #Oosterschelde #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #FreeOnlineEvent #GalapagosAdventure #ScienceEducation
FREE LIVE EVENT TODAY Join us today for our next online event in our World’s Most Exciting Classroom LIVE event series from the Galapagos Islands.
In today’s episode we will be Sailing for Bartolomé and Pinnacle Rock
Watch this live: May 8th @ 7:30am Galapagos time/9:30am eastern time/2:30pm UK time
The Oosterschelde will be setting sail for Bartolomé, a beautiful little island off the coast of a larger island called Santiago. It is probably the most photographed spot in the Galapagos with the famous Pinnacle Rock. We’ll have our full length World’s Most Exciting Classroom event from the ship where we’ll catch up on our time exploring the Galapagos, have some special guests, weekly experiment and curiosity, Kahoot quiz and much more. With any luck, we’ll wrap up the event on deck as we’re arriving at Bartolomé and the iconic Pinnacle Rock!
To watch this episode live or to learn more about this weeks live events please click the link in our bio or visit www.worldsmostexcitingclassroom.com
#darwin200 #thegalapagosislands #oosterschelde
Our Galapagos Darwin Leader, Veronica Avalos, and filmmaker Naia Andrade, recently uncovered the fascinating interplay between introduced and endemic plant species during their exploration of San Cristobal Island.
Here`s Veronica`s reflection on her recent Darwin Leader experience with DARWN200: "During the ship’s week in San Cristobal, I visited various regions of the island to understand the complex history of introduced and endemic plant species. Alongside conservation coordinators, national park rangers, local farmers, and environmental educators, I saw how important it is to focus efforts against introduced blackberry plants and reforest native endemic species like Miconia. These plants, found nowhere else in the world, are vital in the island’s ecosystem, providing food and shelter for finches. More importantly, Miconia’s shallow and dispersed roots filter water for both animal and human residents. My project can teach us that when we take care of nature, we are inherently taking care of ourselves."
Veronica`s project highlights the interdependence of nature and human well-being. By nurturing our environment, we inherently nurture ourselves. Special thanks to our local partner, @projectsgalapagos, for their invaluable support in Veronica`s research project.
#DarwinLeaders #Conservation #Galapagos #EndemicSpecies #Nature #Ecosystem #EnvironmentalEducation
The winner of our DARWIN200 Doodle Competition, Sol, is currently exploring the wonders of the Galapagos alongside his family. We arranged for Sol to bring his winning artwork to life as a vibrant mural on the picturesque island of San Cristobal.
👉 Swipe to see Sol`s masterpiece take shape from start to finish!
Congratulations again Sol for your brilliant Darwin doodle creation!
#DARWIN200 #Oosterschelde #Darwin #CharlesDarwin #Doodle #GalapagosIslands #ArtisticAdventure
Among lush greenery and pristine waters, the Galapagos Islands stand as a bastion of biodiversity. We`re privileged to spend three weeks in this sanctuary, retracing the steps of Charles Darwin. As we delve into its mysteries, encounters with unique endemic species shed light on the delicate balance of life in this remarkable ecosystem. Follow along for more! #GalapagosExploration #BiodiversityWonder #Darwin200 #CharlesDarwin #thegalapagosislands
🌊Earlier this week, Ben, one of our Darwin Leaders, began his exploration of the Galapagos sea lion colonies nestled along the shores of San Cristobal.
Under the expert guidance of Mario, a seasoned park guide, Ben delved into the rich tapestry of the Galapagos sea lion colonies and immersed himself in the lives of these colonies, gaining invaluable insights into their social dynamics and the formidable challenges they confront, both locally and globally.
Venturing beneath the waves, Ben had the opportunity to opportunity to explore their underwater world witnessing firsthand their grace and agility in their natural habitat.
#Darwin200 #Oosterschelde #DarwinLeaders #Students #Conversation #TheGalapagosIslands #Nature #SeaLions
The Galapagos is home to unique species found nowhere else on Earth! 🌎#GalapagosBiodiversity #EndemicWonders #darwin200 #thegalapagos #oosterschelde
Species Spotlight: Marine Iguanas
We have been lucky to spot many Marine Iguanas here in the Galapagos. Did you know they are the only lizards that brave the ocean waves?
🔍 Unique Adaptations: Marine iguanas possess special glands near their noses that filter out excess salt, allowing them to feast on algae while sipping seawater. They’re skilled swimmers too, using their powerful tails to glide effortlessly through the water, diving to depths of up to 30 minutes for food!
🌱 Sunbathing Saurians: Despite their aquatic lifestyle, marine iguanas love to bask on rocky shores, soaking up the sun’s warmth after their oceanic adventures.
🍽 Varied Diet: While primarily herbivorous, marine iguanas have been known to feed on small invertebrates and carrion opportunistically, showcasing their adaptability to different food sources.
🏝 Habitat and Threats: However, habitat destruction, climate change, and introduced predators pose significant threats to their survival.
Let’s work together to ensure their continued survival in the wild waters they call home.🌎
#darwin200 #oosterschelde #specieisspotlight #thegalapagosislands #MarineIguana #GalapagosWildlife #ConservationEfforts
Amidst the wonders of the Galapagos Islands, we reflect on Darwin`s enduring wisdom. 🌎#Darwin200 #GalapagosAdventures #charlesdarwin #quotes
🌿 Introducing the first group of our Galapagos Islands Darwin Leaders! 🐢
This week, our fantastic four Darwin Leaders will be diving into vital their individual research projects working with our wonderful local conservation partner, Projects Galapagos!@projectsgalapagos 🌏From safeguarding majestic Giant Tortoises to nurturing unique flora and monitoring dynamic Sea Lions and Marine Iguanas, their work will span the Galapagos conservation.
This amazing opportunity allows our Darwin Leaders a chance to tread the same paths as Charles Darwin and contribute to the preservation of this remarkable ecosystem.
Stay tuned as they uncover the wonders of these incredible islands, offering a glimpse into conservation in action!
#Darwin200 #oosterschelde #thegalapagos #darwinleaders #GalapagosConservation #ResearchHeroes #DiscoverTheUnexpected #research #researchproject #conversation #nature
Isabela Island: Where every moment is a wildlife spectacle! 🌿
Our journey began with a tranquil exploration of the town. As we glided on the dinghy towards the jetty, nature put on a spectacular show. Penguins, pelicans, stingrays, blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and turtles welcomed us, painting a vibrant picture of life in the Galápagos. Stepping ashore, we were greeted by marine iguanas sunbathing and sea lions crossing the road with ease, reminding us of the island`s enchanting harmony between man and nature.
Isabela Island, where every encounter is a treasure. 🦎🏝️
Photo credit: Josh Clarke
#IsabelaIsland #WildlifeWonder #GalapagosMagic #darwin200 #oosterschelde #thegalapagosislands
Congratulations to Sol, age 10 from Shrewsbury UK, who is the winner of the Darwin Doodle competition. Sol has won a trip for him and his family to the Galápagos Islands! 🦎🏖️ Thank you to @thejoewhale for judging the competition.
A huge thank you to everyone who participated! With over 250 fantastic entries, the creativity was truly inspiring.
Check out all the amazing doodle entries via the link in our bio.
#darwin200 #competition #doodle #doodlecompetition #art #creative
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