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Even though Charles Darwin sailed the HMS Beagle around the world nearly two centuries ago, his epic voyage is still inspiring young environmentalists today.

At the moment, a 106-year-old, three-masted sailing ship named ‘Oosterschelde’ is taking a two-year journey retracing the footsteps of the British naturalist, to document the natural world and boost conservation.

The nonprofit called Darwin200 is taking the old Dutch schooner on the same route as the 19th-century British naturalist from England to Australia. The ship will stop over at 32 ports around the world, including key locations where Darwin visited, such as the Galapagos Islands and the Falkland Islands.

This incredible project was cofounded by Stewart McPherson, a British geographer and natural history writer, inspired by a meeting over 10 years ago with Fred Burton, a conservationist on the Cayman Islands who instigated a project to save the blue iguana species, noted CNN:

“He refused to let it fall off the cliff of extinction and single-handedly saved this amazing animal,” said McPherson. “It proves that … it’s within our power to save many of these incredible species.”

“I’ve always loved Charles Darwin and his work, and obviously Darwin changed the world with his mind … The main message of Darwin200 is that it’s not too late. It’s still within our power to change the world of tomorrow for the better,” added McPherson.

McPherson said that Darwin was only 22 when he set sail from Plymouth on his life-changing voyage in 1831 aboard HMS Beagle, famously saying that it was by far the most important event in his life, determining his whole career:

“We wanted to create a similarly transformative experience for members of the public and 200 of the world’s brightest young environmentalists, who have the potential to be the STEM and conservation leaders of tomorrow and the catalysts to change the future of planet Earth for the better.”

The 164-footer is twice as long as Darwin’s ship and will carry double the passengers. Since its mission is to empower young conservationists, Darwin200 has selected one young conservationist from each of the 200 countries and states across the globe to join the adventure.

Meet the lucky sailors:

 

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The explorers will be tasked with steering, navigating, and manning the ropes of the tall ship under the guidance of a professional crew, whilst also documenting ocean plastics, coral reef health, and natural wildlife throughout the journey. The data collected will then be discussed via a weekly “nature hour” that will be beamed live from the ship to the public.

Darwin200’s transoceanic endeavour has even received the tick of approval from Darwin’s great-great-granddaughter, Dr Sarah Darwin, now a researcher at Berlin Natural History Museum:

“Each Darwin leader brings in different skills, and they will take away what they need,” she told CNN. “[It’s about] being part of a network and giving them the skills in order to continue their work and to feel that they’re not alone, that there are other people who say, ‘Hey, what you are doing and what you want to do is absolutely brilliant, and we are here to do whatever we can to support you.’”

The 200 ‘Darwin Leaders’ will also spend a week studying a specific endemic species of their choosing with local NGOs and conservation experts to see how much has changed over the past 200-odd years. In addition to carrying out investigative work, they will also develop new ideas to ensure their chosen animal or plant species have a brighter future.

Through a variety of free outreach activities dubbed the “world’s most exciting classroom,” the Darwin200 project aims to inspire those left behind on land, too.

The best part is adventurous souls can still apply to be part of the crew on various legs. Find more info on Darwin200 over here and here.

[source:cnn]