Earth Protect Blog

Galapagos Islands
April 6-10, 2010

Only in Galápagos will you come face to face with wildlife that has never developed a fear of people. With an expedition to the Land of Darwin, you have the opportunity to study blue-footed boobies performing a courtship “dance”, snorkel with playful sea lions, watch a male frigatebird ballooning his crimson chest pouch to attract a female, kneel beside marine iguanas, and marvel at Galápagos penguins.

The National geographic Endeavor ship features nimble Zodiacs and kayaks that take us to the volcanic shores and pristine beaches, and an undersea program utilizes underwater video, glass-bottom boat and hydrophone that bring seldom seen or heard worlds to life.

In response to the growing ocean crises, we are gathering the world’s most renowned ocean experts – marine scientists, deep sea explorers, technology innovators, policy makers, business leaders, environmentalists, activists and artists – for an epic adventure into the blue.

Together, this spectacular group will become immersed in learning about our earth’s waters and draw inspiration from the challenging new ideas presented to save the Blue Heart of the Planet.

Over four days, attendees will experience seven fully programmed TED sessions. In addition, we will explore the surrounding landscape and sea, designed to stimulate the intellect and stir the soul, discovering up close the wonders that make the Land of Darwin one of the world’s most unparalleled adventure travel destinations.

The Mission Blue Voyage was imagined to fulfill Sylvia Earle’s 2009 TEDPrize wish.

speakers include:
Barbara Block studies how tuna, billfish and sharks stay warm as they move around in the open ocean. Her work will help us understand how these large predators travel through pelagic waters — with larger implications for understanding the ocean ecosystem and for managing the world’s supply of important food fish.

Dee Boersma considers penguins ocean sentinels, helping her understand the effects of pollution, overfishing and climate change on the marine environment.

Jackson Browne has written some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music. Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, he’s defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics.

Explorer. Environmentalist. Educator. Film Producer. For more than four decades, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated himself and his vast experience to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our water planet.

Mike deGruy has been filming in and on the ocean for three decades. And he’s almost as famous for his storytelling as he is for his glorious, intimate visions of the sea and the creatures who live in it.

http://www.tedprize.org/mission-blue-voyage