This ship is following Charles Darwin’s voyage around the world

Named "Oosterschelde," this 50-meter Dutch schooner was built in 1918. It is now on a two-year voyage from the UK to Australia and back again, for the Darwin200 initiative.

Darwin200 co-founder Stewart McPherson, pictured, says the project is an attempt to change the world for the better by empowering young conservationists.

Oosterschelde reached Rio De Janeiro in November 2023, docking at the quayside by the "Museu do Amanhã" (Museum of Tomorrow). Five young conservationists, known as "Darwin Leaders," joined the ship while it was docked, to work on conservation initiatives.

Darwin Leaders are conservationists chosen from around the world for their passion and enthusiasm towards saving the planet. Joseph Roy, pictured, is one of them; he wants to apply what he learns from Darwin200 to help reintroduce the lion-tailed macaque species in India.

The President of the Cape Verde Islands, José Maria Neves, left, joined the ship when it docked there in September of last year.

Alongside the Darwin Leader initiative, the voyage is undertaking research projects into the world's most critical environmental problems, including getting data on microplastic pollution, and a wildlife survey.

Dr. Sarah Darwin, the great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, says what she loves about the project is its positive look at nature.

In November 2023, Darwin200 celebrated the 200th bird species documented as part of its global biodiversity survey, including the blue petrel pictured here.

It's estimated that the Oosterschelde will travel over 75,000 nautical miles during the two-year voyage, which is set to end in July 2025.