Darwin200 visits Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust

Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust were excited to welcome our second DARWIN200 group to Kleinbaai, Gansbaai.

DARWIN200 is a planetary conservation initiative that aims to change the world for the better.
They are sailing a historic tall ship around the world, retracing Charles Darwin’s voyage aboard HMS Beagle two centuries ago.

“Using our ship as a floating laboratory and media platform, we harness the legacy of Darwin’s passion for natural history to engage global audiences and advance conservation efforts around the world.”

Recognising the groundbreaking conservation work Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust do with African penguins, dolphins, sharks, whales, and seals, the DARWIN200 initiative immediately identified the organisations as ideal partners during their South African visit.

Valarie from Kenya, is one of the Darwin200 Leaders who visited Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust this week.

Manar was one of the Darwin200 Group Leaders, who joined the Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust teams.

With shared values of environmental education, scientific research, and community engagement, this collaboration is a natural alignment. Both organisations are committed to inspiring a new generation of conservation leaders and protecting our planet’s biodiversity.

Our first DARWIN200 visit was in March, when Science Coordinator Rolf Schreuder joined us at sea with the Marine Dynamics crew.

Rolf has spent years developing and executing science education and communication projects. He served as the science and education coordinator for Beagle: In the Wake of Darwin, a nine-month voyage and 35-episode series for Dutch national television. Recently, he produced major projects on UNESCO’s World Heritage Wadden Sea and on microbiology pioneer Antoni van Leeuwenhoek. His current focus includes building the legacy of DARWIN200 through a growing network of global environmental leaders.

Following in his wake, we were thrilled to welcome our second group—this time under the supervision of Darwin Leader Manager and Marine Biologist Eduardo Villouta.

Darwin200 Group Leader, Eduardo Villouta and the CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, Wilfred Chivell, shares their stories about Darwin, his research, and their passion for the oceans.

Eduardo has dedicated over 40 years to research and conservation management. Throughout his career, he has mentored students and young scientists, offering guidance, motivation, and support. He has led international collaborations with government agencies and research institutions in New Zealand and South America. As a manager, Eduardo has built and led marine, freshwater, and terrestrial conservation teams, providing essential scientific insights for practical conservation management.

He was joined by two passionate conservationists—Manar from Tunisia and Valarie from Kenya—as well as two talented filmmakers, Tom and Willem.
(More about the amazing projects they filmed and produced during their stay will be shared in a follow-up post!)

Tom and Valarie, meeting the bronze whaler sharks!

The DARWIN200 team thanked Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust for their dedication to marine conservation and their commitment to making a difference. Of course, our team’s warm hospitality did not go unnoticed!

Manar and Willem, filming from Marine Dynamics vessel, Calypso, close to Dyer Island.

We now look forward to welcoming our third DARWIN200 group this weekend. Some exciting things are planned—including filming Outdoor Classrooms from various Marine Dynamics vessels!