Today, the iconic DARWIN200 conservation mission aboard historic Dutch tall ship Oosterschelde sailed into Sydney Harbour for a programme of conservation projects and events in multiple locations in New South Wales and Hobart, Tasmania in November and December. 

Gerben Nab, Oosterschelde Captain says: “We are thrilled to be arriving in Sydney after our long sail from Rotterdam. It’s an honour to be the vessel chosen for such important environmental work, and we hope our efforts will inspire others to join in protecting our oceans and safeguarding the planet for future generations.”

Nine talented young conservationists selected from around the world will take part in the DARWIN200 immersive conservation leadership programme in Sydney as Darwin Leaders. Some of the conservation projects in Sydney include: 

#1 Restore the ecology of Sydney Harbour

#2 New hope for koalas after fires

#3 Reforesting wildlife corridors for gliding possums

#4 Platypus conservation

#5 Regent Honeyeater conservation

#6 Corroboree frog protection

The Oosterschelde set sail from Plymouth Harbour in August 2023 on an epic two year planetary conservation mission retracing Charles Darwin’s voyage of the Beagle and training 200 young environmentalists along the way. The aim is to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders with the message that there is still time to change the world and that conservation is about what we still have, not what we have lost. Since its departure from Plymouth the Oosterschelde has sailed over 22,500nm, on 23 voyage legs, and hosted 77 exceptional DARWIN Leaders representing over 40 countries.

Stewart McPherson, Director of DARWIN200 and Sydney resident said: “As we look ahead to our ship’s arrival in my hometown of Sydney it fills me with immense pride and excitement that the 107-year old historic tall ship Oosterschelde will visit New South Wales. Our time in Sydney holds deep personal significance, as it’s not just a homecoming but also a vital step in our mission and efforts to showcase Darwin’s important discoveries and adventures in Australia. We will also be looking at how the natural landscape has changed over the last two centuries, and we have an incredible range of Darwin Leader projects planned to enable young people from across the world to learn from many of Australia’s most inspiring conservation initiatives. We have planned an exciting rainbow of educational projects and outreach activities to engage the community during our time in Sydney and to promote the protection and preservation of Australia’s unique natural environment.”

Charles Darwin in Sydney

When Charles Darwin arrived in Sydney on January 12, 1836, during his voyage on HMS Beagle, he encountered a rapidly growing colonial city that was still in its early stages of development. Darwin observed the social and environmental changes brought about by European settlement, including the impact on the indigenous population and the landscape. He also noted the introduction of European plants and animals, which he found interesting in the context of his studies on natural history. Darwin’s observations in Sydney contributed to his broader understanding of species adaptation and the effects of colonisation on native ecosystems.

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