The Marine Dynamics and Dyer Island Conservation Trust teams were thrilled to host three teams from the DARWIN200 planetary conservation initiative, a project aiming to change the world for the better by reconnecting people with nature and building a more sustainable future.
DARWIN200 centres around the 2023–2025 Global Voyage, retracing Charles Darwin’s historic journey aboard HMS Beagle. The initiative focuses on three core objectives: EMPOWER, INSPIRE, SOLVE. During this journey, their tall ship Oosterschelde is stopping at 50 major ports visited by Darwin, transforming each into a platform for science, storytelling, and global conservation engagement.
Recognising the groundbreaking work Marine Dynamics and the Dyer Island Conservation Trust do with African penguins, dolphins, sharks, whales, and seals, the DARWIN200 team quickly identified them as ideal partners for their South African visit.
With shared values of environmental education, scientific research, and community engagement, the collaboration between DARWIN200 and the Marine Dynamics–Dyer Island Conservation Trust partnership is a natural alignment. Both organisations are deeply committed to inspiring future conservation leaders and protecting our planet’s biodiversity.
“Working with international initiatives like DARWIN200 gives us the opportunity to share knowledge, exchange ideas, and spark meaningful action,” said Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust. “It’s vital that we continue building bridges between conservation communities around the world to ensure the longevity of the work we’re doing locally and globally.”
In March, Science Coordinator Rolf Schreuder joined the Marine Dynamics crew at sea. A veteran of global science communication, Rolf helped lead the Dutch television series Beagle: In the Wake of Darwin and has produced major projects for UNESCO and beyond. His mission now is to build a global legacy for DARWIN200 through a network of empowered environmental leaders.
This month, the team was excited to welcome their second DARWIN200 group to Kleinbaai under the guidance of Darwin Leader Manager and Marine Biologist Eduardo Villouta. With over 40 years of experience in research and conservation management, Eduardo has mentored countless students and scientists while leading conservation efforts across New Zealand and South America.
Joining Eduardo were two inspiring Darwin Leaders: Manar Elkebir from Tunisia and Valarie Silali from Kenya, as well as filmmakers Tom and Willem, who captured the week’s activities.
Each DARWIN200 Leader is hosted aboard the historic Oosterschelde, which acts as a floating classroom and laboratory. Their placement project involves studying an animal or habitat that Darwin himself encountered, or tackling pressing conservation challenges guided by local experts and global mentors.
Next up was the arrival of Joe Grabowski, host of The World’s Most Exciting Classroom! and an award-winning science communicator. With support from CapeNature, filming permits were secured to explore Dyer Island and document its critical conservation work.
Joe’s whirlwind week included diving with bronze whaler sharks alongside head guide Susy Alexander, visiting the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary with Ranger Lwando Baleni, collecting shark and skate eggs at Franskraal beach with biologist Amy Webber, and monitoring the Uilenkraalsmond estuary—redefining what a classroom can look like.
More than 22,000 people from around the world joined these live-streamed lessons—proof that conservation can inspire and educate across borders and generations.
You can watch these live classrooms by clicking on the links below!
Meet our DICT African Penguin Ranger on Dyer Island
A Bronze Whaler Shark Dive from Slashfin with Susy
Shark and Skate Egg collection and identification with Amy Webber
Penguin Breakfast Buffet with Lwando Baleni at APSS
Estuary Monitoring with Amy Webber
“Cross-pollination between global conservation efforts is essential,” added Wilfred Chivell. “We learn from each other, support one another, and collectively inspire the next generation to care deeply about the natural world.”
Wilfred has also been invited to sail aboard the Oosterschelde from Simonstown to Cape Town, continuing the journey of knowledge-sharing and storytelling aboard one of the world’s most iconic historic vessels. Built in 1917 and magnificently restored, the Oosterschelde carries the legacy of previous global voyages, visiting over 55 countries—including remote destinations like Antarctica and South Georgia.
CEO of Marine Dynamics and Founder of the DICT, Wilfred Chivell, with Eduardo Villouta (Darwin Leader Manager) and Claudia Randall (Marine Dynamics Marketing Team).
As the ship sails onward, the bonds formed in Gansbaai between local and international conservationists will continue to ripple outward, helping to shape a future where people and nature thrive together.
22 April 2025
Christine Wessels
pa@marinedynamicstravel.com
