On August 28, a public presentation of the Darwin 200 project was held in the Assembly Hall of the Natural and Archaeological Museum of Tenerife. Four days later, he said, the space will also conduct a concluding session of the activities carried out in the previous days
During our stay on the island, members of the expedition had the Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation as their main host organization. At the request of this foundation, we maintain close cooperative relations, and the Friends of Muna actively participated with the organization to manage the visit to the exhibition areas to facilitate the use of the project’s opening and closing space. Natural and Archaeological Museum, and as local experts, assist visitors in making planned visits to various points of interest.
In late 1831, when he was 22 years old, Charles Darwin embarked on the HMS Beagle in Plymouth, England for a five-year world voyage. On this trip, Darwin became one of the world’s greatest naturalists.
He explored wet forests, climbed the Andes and ran with South American cowboys. He discovered new species of animals, discovered megafauna fossils, survived an earthquake, nearly lost his life in a glacier, and encountered blood-sucking insects.
His concept of natural selection is considered the greatest concept in the history of human thought. Publication of On the origin of species It revolutionized science and changed our understanding of the world forever. It all started with his epic journey…
The first place he visited outside the European continent was, precisely, Tenerife. Unfortunately, the cholera epidemic in Europe made it necessary for the Tenerife authorities to establish a quarantine in order to prevent the population from being affected by those wishing to land on the island. Twelve days had to be spent in obtaining permission to set foot on land, and the commanding officer, Robert Fitzroy, grew impatient and ordered the anchor to be raised to proceed to the Cape Verde Islands.
Almost two centuries later, the scientific project DARWIN200 was born, aboard the Dutch three-mast sailing yacht Oosterschelde, which would follow the rise of the Beagle for the next two years, bringing together young leaders in scientific exploration and conservation. From different countries and continents. Charles Darwin’s own great-granddaughter, Dr. Dr. Sarah Darwin, known for her efforts to support the conservation of chimpanzees and other great apes. Notable is the support of prominent figures such as Jane Goodall. Marine Conservationist Dr. Sylvia Earle.
His vision is summarized in three main objectives:
- Empower 200 outstanding young conservationists from around the planet to strengthen the decisions of environmental politicians to change the world of tomorrow.
- Inspire the general public through the activities of the “World’s Most Exciting Classroom”, promote appreciation of nature and conservation efforts.
- Address real security issues through interactive citizen science programs broadcast live from the ship to engage audiences around the world.
During their visit to the Canary Islands, the Telesforo Bravo-Juan Coello Foundation welcomed the first 20 young people participating in this adventure, which in turn has the collaboration of the Association of Friends of the Natural and Archaeological Museum. Both host organizations are in charge of facilitating visits to MUNA and various natural sites and ecosystems on the island, with local experts involved in various matters related to Canarian nature and its conservation.
In the words of project leader Stewart McPherson, “Conservation is not about what we’ve lost, but what we still have. Countless species and even entire ecosystems can be brought back from the brink. DARWIN200 will empower tomorrow’s conservation leaders and the global public to change the world for the better and create a brighter future.”
