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
The People Behind DARWIN200 🌍
As we celebrate the end of the DARWIN200 Global Voyage, we thank the extraordinary individuals and organisations who made this two-year mission possible.
Huge gratitude to Stewart McPherson, our Founder and Project Leader, whose vision brought DARWIN200 to life, and Andrew Fox, Chairman of the Don Hanson Charitable Foundation, our major sponsor.
To Gerben & Mattias Nab and the incredible captains and crew of the Oosterschelde thank you for designing and safely navigating over 43,000 nautical miles.
To Joe Grabowski thank you for delivering 100+ live broadcasts to schools worldwide.
To our talented camera team Josh Clarke, Tom Dixon, Elliot Connor, and many others thank you for capturing the spirit of the voyage so beautifully.
To Eduardo Villouta and Rolf Schreuder, who led the Darwin Leader Programme and supported 106 young conservationists from 45+ countries thank you.
To our brilliant PR team Larissa Clark and Alice Dogruyol thank you for leading global communications with powerful storytelling. And to Sophie McPherson, who brought the journey to life online thank you.
To our 106 Darwin Leaders you are the heart of this mission. Your work is already making a lasting impact.
To our partners, NGOs, guests, and collaborators—thank you for your support.
To everyone who helped organise amazing events during the voyage thank you! Special thanks to Joost Timmer for planning our time in Sydney, and Caroline Cary for her key role in the London celebrations.
To our Patrons Sarah Darwin, Jane Goodall & Sylvia Earle thank you for your support and belief in our mission. A special thank you to Sarah Darwin for joining us at sea and mentoring our leaders.
To all researchers who joined the voyage thank you. DARWIN200 completed 20+ research and outreach projects across three continents.
To everyone who made this dream a reality thank you. The voyage may be over, but the movement has just begun.
#DARWIN200
As our very last Darwin Leader, Brianna Walcott has embarked on an exciting project in North Berwick, a tiny tourist town just outside Edinburgh, where nature is deeply embedded in the Scottish identity.
Last week, Brianna worked alongside camera operator Elliot on her independent research project. Partnering with the Scottish Seabird Centre, she explored how to inspire and engage local communities in the protection of Scotland’s marine and avian life, a fitting mission to mark the final stop of the DARWIN200 journey.
A highlight of Brianna’s project was an unforgettable day spent on Bass Rock, home to the world’s largest gannet colony. There, she joined scientists in productivity monitoring and invasive species control, witnessing firsthand how this iconic colony is rebounding after the catastrophic avian flu outbreak of 2022. The outbreak, which struck shortly after the DARWIN200 test UK voyage passed through, killed over 50,000 gannets a third of the population.
Through science, community, and education, Brianna’s work embodies the spirit of DARWIN200 and brings this two-year global voyage to a meaningful, hopeful close while lighting the way for future generations to lead the charge in protecting our planet.
#DARWIN200 #DarwinLeader #BriannaWalcott #ScottishSeabirdCentre #BassRock #SeabirdConservation #Gannets #AvianFluRecovery #Scotland #NorthBerwick #YouthInConservation #FinalChapter #FloatingClassroom
The Final Darwin Leader 🌍
After two remarkable years, we have worked with 104 young environmental Darwin Leaders from 45 different countries and now, we are honoured to introduce our very last Darwin Leader, Brianna Walcott, in Bass Rock, Scotland.
Travelling from the Turks and Caicos Islands, Brianna joined us this week to lead vital, community-based seabird conservation in partnership with the Scottish Seabird Centre, marking the final stop of the DARWIN200 journey. Her project focuses on engaging local communities in the protection of North Berwick’s iconic seabird populations, championing public awareness, education, and long-term stewardship of these vulnerable species.
Throughout the last two years, this beautifully-restored tall ship became a floating classroom, retracing Charles Darwin’s route and connecting scientists, NGOs, filmmakers, and young leaders. Together, they’ve helped safeguard over 100 vulnerable species and ecosystems, and brought the wonder of science to life through weekly live broadcasts to tens of thousands of school children around the world.
It’s been a global voyage of hope, action, and leadership and Brianna’s work in Scotland is the perfect final chapter.
Stay tuned for some more details on Brianna`s project.
#DARWIN200 #DarwinLeader #GlobalConservation #FloatingClassroom #FinalChapter #NextGenLeaders #YouthInConservation #Scotland #BassRock #SeabirdConservation
Last week, Darwin Leaders Rithu Sheena Jayan and Cassia Wilson completed a powerful conservation placement in Plymouth with our partner, the Ocean Conservation Trust.
Their project focused on the restoration and protection of seagrass meadows around the British Isles, essential ecosystems that store carbon, support marine life, and protect our coastlines.
From lab work and restoration tank maintenance to dives and public engagement, Rithu and Cassia immersed themselves in every aspect of the mission.
Throughout the week, they were followed by camera operator Riley McAvoy as they built their project story. On Friday, they had the honour of presenting their work during our final DARWIN200 celebrations, attended by conservation partners, guests, staff, crew, and none other than HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
We’re incredibly proud of their work, which showcases how local action and international collaboration can drive lasting impact for our planet’s most threatened ecosystems.
#DARWIN200 #DarwinLeaders #SeagrassRestoration #OceanConservationTrust #Plymouth #YouthInConservation #HRHTheDukeOfEdinburgh #MarineConservation #FinalCelebration #NextGenLeaders #FloatingClassroom
Meet Our Plymouth Darwin Leaders! 🌊
Last week, as part of the final leg of the DARWIN200 journey, we had the pleasure of working with two passionate young conservationists on the south coast of England:
Rithu Sheena Jayan (🇮🇳 from India)�
Cassia Wilson (🇬🇧 from the UK)
Based in Plymouth, Rithu and Cassia teamed up with the Ocean Conservation Trust to dive into the conservation of seagrass ecosystems around the British Isles, some of the UK’s most vital and vulnerable marine habitats.
Throughout the week, they explored restoration techniques, marine science communication, and the role of local communities in protecting these underwater meadows. We`ll be sharing more from their project soon, stay tuned! 🌿
#DARWIN200 #DarwinLeaders #Plymouth #SeagrassConservation #OceanConservationTrust #MarineRestoration #YouthInConservation #FinalLeg #FloatingClassroom #NextGenLeaders #UKConservation
A Royal Visit to Remember 🇬🇧⚓
On Friday, we were honoured to welcome HRH The Duke of Edinburgh @theroyalfamily aboard Oosterschelde at Tower Bridge Quay to celebrate the conclusion of the #DARWIN200 Global Voyage.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met with the DARWIN200 team, Darwin Leaders, patrons, crew, and conservation partners, taking time to hear firsthand about the global impact of this two-year mission and the young changemakers driving it forward.
From meeting our international leaders and supporters to stepping aboard one of the world’s most historic tall ships, Oosterschelde, HRH’s presence was a powerful recognition of the vision and values behind DARWIN200.
We are truly grateful for his support in marking the end of this extraordinary journey and the beginning of the next chapter in global conservation.
📸 Moments we’ll never forget, scroll to see the highlights.
#DARWIN200 #RoyalVisit #HRH #Oosterschelde #TowerBridge #Conservation #YouthInAction #CharlesDarwin #GlobalVoyage
What a setting 🇬🇧⚓ We`re not quite ready to stop reflecting on our celebrations in London on Friday. What a day aboard the Oosterschelde, moored beside Tower Bridge, as we celebrated the culmination of the #DARWIN200 Global Voyage.
From Darwin Leaders and conservation partners to special guests and friends, thank you for joining us to honour two years of impact, learning, and global collaboration.
A heartfelt thanks to Caroline @eat.nourish.love_ for her incredible support in bringing this event to life and ensuring the smooth running of the day.
We’re inspired by every conversation, every smile, and every story shared on deck. There have been so many memorable moments over the past two years but for now, here’s a look back at one truly special day. 💙
Do you want to come and look around the beautiful historic Dutch Tall Ship Oosterschelde and learn about our DARWIN200 Global Voyage? We are holding an Open Ship Day tomorrow, Monday 28th July.
🕙 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30
Free Entry | No Booking Required
Come and celebrate with us as we mark the conclusion of this epic journey.
#DARWIN200 #LondonCelebration #Oosterschelde #TowerBridge #DarwinLeaders #GlobalVoyage #ConservationCelebration #oosterschelde
We Have a Name! 🦗🌍
At our London celebrations aboard the Tall Ship Oosterschelde, we were thrilled to reveal the official name of the newly discovered marine cricket species from Rapa Nui: Pteronemobius himeneotepo translated from Rapanui as “song of the night.”
This beautiful name was chosen by students around the world through a global vote, and the winner was announced during the final episode of The World’s Most Exciting Classroom, live-streamed from Oosterschelde.
The winning name was submitted by Mangai Atamu, a 16-year-old student from Rapa Nui, who will receive a $1,000 scholarship from DARWIN200 in recognition of their contribution to science and conservation. 🏆
Northern Arizona University Conservation Ecologist Dr. Jut Wynne @jutwynne , who discovered this species during the DARWIN200 expedition from Rapa Nui to Pitcairn and Mangareva, joined us to announce the winner alongside DARWIN200 Ambassador Sarah Darwin @sarah.darwin and World’s Most Exciting Host Joe Grabowski. @joegrabowski @ebtsoyp
You can watch the name reveal live stream here via the link in our bio.
A perfect way to close day the voyage with a name that honours both biodiversity and culture.
@nauflagstaff
#DARWIN200 #NewSpecies #MarineCricket #PteronemobiusHimeneotepo #SongOfTheNight #RapaNui #YouthInScience #WorldsMostExcitingClassroom #ExpeditionDiscovery
A Book That Changed the World. 📖🌍
We were deeply honoured to welcome aboard a true piece of history at the celebrations in London yesterday. ⚓
As part of the final #DARWIN200 celebrations in London, a first edition of On the Origin of Species one of only 1,250 copies ever printed in 1859 was brought onto Oosterschelde by the Zoological Society of London @officialzsl
Charles Darwin’s groundbreaking work reshaped our understanding of life on Earth and remains one of the most influential books ever written.
To host this monumental work aboard the ship retracing Darwin’s journey around the world was nothing short of extraordinary. Having this rare and powerful piece of history with us today was a moving tribute to Darwin’s enduring legacy.
It reminded us why this voyage and its mission to inspire global conservation matters so deeply.
The voyage may be ending, but the evolution of change continues.
#DARWIN200 #Oosterschelde #CharlesDarwin #OriginOfSpecies #ZoologicalSocietyOfLondon
Royal Round-Up: A Day to Remember 🇬🇧⚓
Today marked a truly unforgettable chapter in the DARWIN200 journey, as we gathered on board the Oosterschelde at Tower Bridge Quay to celebrate the completion of this extraordinary two-year global voyage.
We were honoured to be joined by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh (images to follow), alongside many of those who have made this ambitious project possible from our dedicated staff, patrons, supporters, and crew, to the incredible Darwin Leaders and conservation partners who have been at the very heart of our mission.
We were especially grateful to be joined by some of our fantastic Patrons: Sarah, Andrew, and Lucie Darwin whose support has been instrumental throughout.
The day brought together the entire DARWIN200 family: the sailors and crew who navigated 43,000 nautical miles, the core team who turned a vision into reality, and the inspiring young leaders and global conservation partners working to protect our planet’s future.
Our Project Leader, Stewart McPherson, opened the event with a powerful reflection on the achievements and impact of the voyage a reminder of how far we’ve come since setting sail in Plymouth in August 2023.
We also heard from three of our most recent Darwin Leaders, who shared moving insights into their conservation work in Plymouth and Scotland, highlighting the real-world legacy of this programme in action.
With the Thames and Tower Bridge as our backdrop and Oosterschelde as our stage, today was not only a celebration of a voyage completed but of a global movement that is just beginning.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this remarkable journey. We’ll be sharing more highlights from today in the coming days it’s simply too good for just one post!
#oosterschelde #darwin200
A moving message from our Founder and Project Leader Stewart McPherson as we marked the end of our Global Voyage with a very special event today in London. 🌍
DARWIN200 has arrived into London. This afternoon, we welcomed the majestic tall ship Oosterschelde into London as the #DARWIN200 Global Voyage sailed along the River Thames and docked at Tower Bridge Quay, concluding our extraordinary two-year conservation journey inspired by Darwin’s HMS Beagle.
After 43,000 nautical miles, 31 ports, and 100+ young leaders trained worldwide, we will celebrate the project’s global impact with Darwin Leaders, partners, and special guests. We are honoured that HRH The Duke of Edinburgh will join us aboard to mark this occasion.
More than a voyage, DARWIN200 has been a global movement empowering the next generation to protect our planet. 🌍
📅 Open Ship Day
On Monday 28th July step aboard and explore one of the world’s most iconic historic tall ships and discover the story behind the DARWIN200 mission.
🕙 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30
Free Entry | No Booking Required
Come and celebrate with us as we mark the conclusion of this epic journey.
Photo credit:
Image 1 Tom Dixon
Image 2 Josh Clake
#DARWIN200 #Oosterschelde #TowerBridge #RoyalVisit #Conservation
⛵ Sailing into the final chapter…
This afternoon, Oosterschelde arrived in London after her final sail from Falmouth, marking the closing stretch of the #DARWIN200 Global Voyage, a journey two years in the making.
On board for this special final leg are Dr. @sarah.darwin , great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, and her son bringing a deeply personal connection to the legacy that inspired it all.
We’ve been fortunate to have such inspiring patrons. Reflecting on the voyage, Dr. Sarah Darwin shared:
“That spirit of curiosity, compassion and connection to the natural world is at the heart of DARWIN200… It has been a privilege to be part of this extraordinary voyage and the powerful sense of optimism and excitement this community is creating.”
From retracing the route of HMS Beagle to training the next generation of conservation leaders, this journey has been about more than distance it’s about lasting impact.
A heartfelt thank you to the crew, guests and DARWIN200 team on board and behind the scenes whose dedication and teamwork made it all possible.
London, we’re so glad to be here and are ready for our final celebrations. 🌍
Image credits 📸
Image 1: © John McKinley
Image 2: Tom Dixon
Image 3: © Oosterschelde
Image 4: © Kai Dieho
Image 5: Josh Clarke
#DARWIN200 #Oosterschelde #CharlesDarwin #SarahDarwin #TowerBridge #ConservationVoyage #SailingHome #TheWorldsMostExcitingClassroom #Teamwork
The votes are in! We’re thrilled to announce that the new marine cricket species discovered on Rapa Nui now has an official name, chosen by local students through a community vote! 🎉
This cricket is one of several new invertebrates discovered by biologist Jut Wynne during our DARWIN200 expedition from Rapa Nui to Pitcairn to Mangareva.
The student who submitted the winning name will receive a $1000 scholarship in recognition of their contribution to science!
Join us live for the name reveal with Jut Wynne and DARWIN200 Ambassador Sarah Darwin, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin!
Live from the Thames River, London aboard the Oosterschelde�
25th July
2:00 PM UK / 9:00 AM ET�
Watch it live via the link in our bio.
#Darwin200 #NewSpecies #MarineCricket #RapaNui #Biodiversity #ScienceEducation #YouthInScience #ExpeditionDiscovery
Farewell, Falmouth – Next Stop: London! 🇬🇧⛵
After an emotional homecoming weekend, the Oosterschelde has now set sail for London on a final “Victory Voyage” up the Thames – marking the last leg of the epic DARWIN200 Global Voyage. 🌍
📍 Friday 25th July
The ship will arrive at Tower Bridge Quay, where we’ll welcome partners, Darwin Leaders, supporters, and special guests including HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to officially celebrate the conclusion of this extraordinary two-year mission.
📍 Monday 28th July
The public is warmly invited aboard to explore the Oosterschelde, one of the world’s most iconic historic tall ships and discover more about the DARWIN200 project.
Open Ship Hours: 10:00–13:00 & 14:00–17:30
Free Entry | No Booking Required
Come and celebrate the end of our epic two-year journey with us.
#DARWIN200 #VictoryVoyage #TallShip #Oosterschelde #ThamesSail #TowerBridge #LondonEvents #ClimateExplorers #DarwinLeadership #ScienceMeetsAdventure #SustainableFuture
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