PARTNERS
Together, we help
building a sustainable world.
Building a better world is a collective adventure for Captain Darwin, and to achieve this, we forge a strong network of partners encompassing financial, technical, institutional, scientific, and media support. Together, we drive environmental education initiatives and continuously expand the impact of our actions.
This interconnected network is our Captain Darwin Family, bound by shared values and a collective belief in the efficacy of our educational tools. Each day, our family grows, and we invite you to be the next member on this transformative journey. Will you join us?
Financial
Partners
Technical
Partners
Institutions
& Science
Media
Partners
Financial Partners
Financial Partners
The Fondation Iris is a private foundation under the aegis of the Fondation de France created in December 2012 whose objective is to help safeguard the fragile beauty of the world. In 2024, it becomes one of the main supporters of the Captain Darwin association, with which it shares the values of exploration, discovery and education. The Fondation Iris, particularly sensitive to the educational program in contact with Nature, supports Captain Darwin with 25,000 euros per year for 3 years.
Kangourou Kids is a childcare service… for demanding parents! With 135 agencies throughout France, it is one of the major players in the sector. A unique opportunity to introduce children all over France to the biodiversity of the world. Captain Darwin provides inspiration and tools to make the encounter with Nature one of the highlights of the time spent right after school for many children. Kangourou Kids supports Captain Darwin with 25,000 euros per year for 3 years.
Le Poids du Vivant is a private endowment fund that wishes to do its best to preserve biodiversity. It was founded in 2022 by Franck Couturieux with the objective of taking concrete action for the protection and restoration of living things, by providing support to the associations which work every day in the field. The endowment fund supports Captain Darwin with 25,000 euros per year for 3 years.
More than just a daily transport operator, Keolis is one of the world leaders in shared mobility. An expert in multimodality, the Group is the partner of public decision-makers who wish to make mobility a lever for the attractiveness and vitality of their territory. Strongly committed to supporting territorial initiatives connected to the major issues of climate and biodiversity, Keolis supports Captain Darwin in his exploration of the planet and in his educational work with Breton youth. Keolis supports Captain Darwin with 10,000 euros.
The Crédit Agricole du Finistère Foundation’s mission is to support the Finistère region in the areas of culture and heritage, social support, education, research and health, the economy and finally environment. A partnership was formed very early in the Captain Darwin adventure, with one-off support of 10,000 euros paid at the beginning of 2021, when the association had only just been created. A confidence that allows the team to complete the preparation of the ship, before the big departure for the world tour on September 12, 2021.
The Fondation d’Entreprise Grand Ouest supports and promotes citizen solidarity initiatives and innovative projects linked to culture, public research and the sea. Met during the Captain Darwin adventures, the Foundation is particularly sensitive to the Breton connection of the association and its capacity to bring together a network of environmental education stakeholders in the region. In 2024, she supports Captain Darwin with 7,000 euros.
Coppa is a new fast food concept of artisanal Italian pizzas. The pizza dough is homemade. The products give pride of place to local resources. Luc Laurent, the founder, is very involved in the subjects of ecology and the defense of biodiversity. The creations on the plate, in addition to being delicious, reflect this commitment to the planet!
The EDF Group Foundation is devoted to the collective welfare, driven by its sole purpose of fostering a fairer and more compassionate society. In 2021, it took its first steps in funding the association’s endeavors, assisting with the completion of exploration work in Cape Verde and the transatlantic expedition of January 2022. In a remarkable commitment, the EDF Group Foundation pledged its support for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024), solidifying its role as a major supporter of Captain Darwin’s initiatives.
The SNCF Foundation actively backs association projects in the domains of education, culture, and solidarity. In a meaningful collaboration, it has joined forces with the Captain Darwin association to execute the program “Outside and beyond borders: young people take action for biodiversity.” Through a generous endowment distributed over 3 years, the Foundation has become the primary financial ally of the association.
Concarneau Cornouailles Agglomeration (under the leadership of Olivier Bellec, mayor of Trégunc) wholeheartedly backs the Captain Darwin association, especially its educational program centered primarily on the agglomeration’s territory for the year 2021/2022. In 2022, the association and CCA forged an agreement, with CCA providing steadfast support to Captain Darwin through an annual grant.
The Explore endowment fund, an exploration incubator founded by Roland Jourdain, stands as a pioneering technical partner of the association. Notably, Captain Darwin benefits from an office in Concarneau, a designated spot on the expedition ship’s pontoon, and comprehensive assistance in organizing associative activities, courtesy of the endowment fund.
In August 2022, the Endowment Fund further solidified its support, transitioning into a financial partner with a donation to the association.
Under the leadership of Loïg Chesnais-Girard, the Brittany region wholeheartedly supports the association with a contribution for its educational program. This initiative aims to reach a wide audience of young Bretons. By supporting Captain Darwin, the region also strives to showcase the biodiversity of its territory and raise awareness among a broader audience through naturalist field trips organized throughout the year.
Guy Cotten stands as a global authority in maritime clothing. In addition to extending financial support to Captain Darwin, Guy Cotten generously supplies the ship’s crew with top-notch technical clothing and safety gear. In 2021, they contributed several navigation sets, comprising watch jackets, overalls, and boots, along with 5 survival suits (Thermal Protective Suits).
Yema, a French watch brand established in 1948, specializes in crafting timepieces tailored for diving, car racing, space exploration, and sailing sports. Captain Darwin was invited to participate in the launch of a watch model on Kickstarter, a collaboration that yielded funding. The sum was primarily allocated to the acquisition of the boat in 2020 and its subsequent re-engining, which concluded in 2021.
Under the leadership of Marc Bigot, the city of Concarneau is a strong advocate of the Captain Darwin project, backing the development of the exploration center established in collaboration with the Explore Endowment Fund. This partnership aligns with other prominent expeditions like Under The Pole, the Low Tech Lab, and Plastic Odyssey.
Their unwavering multi-year support significantly contributes to the salary of the association’s Director of Operations and Pedagogical Coordinator, currently held by Julien Raynaud.
In 2022, the Breton law firm specializing in taxation and corporate law Hoalen becomes a financial partner of the association. Support that allows teams at sea to explore Argentine Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. The firm, in addition to financially supporting Captain Darwin’s explorations, is a valuable technical partner on all tax issues raised by the association’s activity.
Panser.org is an amalgamation of projects centered around personal care, encompassing Adrenaline112 (dedicated to emergency medicine), Espace Piéton (focused on pedestrian well-being in urban settings), and Douleurs Chroniques (aiming to support individuals experiencing chronic pain). In 2022, Panser.org joins the Captain Darwin family as a valued financial supporter.
R2, an independent creative agency with bases in Paris and Rennes, breathes life into impactful ideas. Founded by Richard Rohou, the agency notably collaborates with Région Bretagne. Victor Rault, who was once a trainee for the agency, benefited from the guidance of Richard Rohou, the founder of R2 and an early supporter of the Captain Darwin venture. In 2023, R2 solidifies its commitment as an official financial partner of the cause.
Technical Partners
Technical Partners
Since 2013, Ino-Rope has excelled in the sale and processing of ropes. In a remarkable display of support, Ino-Rope supplies Captain Darwin with essential running rigging (ropes) and deck hardware for the expedition vessel. Their substantial contribution amounts to a generous endowment of €12,500 spread over 5 years, ranking among the largest technical endowments alongside the Explore endowment fund.
The Dussaillant Lehmann family produces excellent wines, in the purest French tradition… in Chile! A team of enthusiasts produces sparkling wines there, following the famous “champenoise method” to the letter. Discovered thanks to Inès Dussaillant, the glaciologist who guided the Captain Darwin expedition in the glaciers of the Darwin mountain range, in Patagonia, Dussaillant Lehmann wines have become the partners of major festive occasions on board!
Since 2014, OrcaTorch has been a leading producer of diving lamps. In a commendable gesture of support, OrcaTorch equips Captain Darwin with 7 top-notch lamps, valued at a total of €3,000. These lamps not only ensure the crew’s safety during diving but also facilitate the production of high-quality photographs and videos, vital for enriching the documentary and educational program.
Cristec, a renowned expert in energy conversion, stands firmly behind Captain Darwin’s mission. Their invaluable support comes in the form of various electrical equipment, including an MPPT regulator to harness renewable energy onboard, an electrical control system for the ship, and a 12V/220V converter, enabling the use of essential equipment such as laptops and photo and video equipment.
Marine Mobile Diffusion (MMD) serves as a premier reseller of a diverse array of technical products tailored for marine and nautical professionals. As part of their valued support, MMD supplies Captain Darwin with eco-friendly photovoltaic panels, enabling the generation of electricity onboard through both fixed and folding panels.
For over 40 years, Nautix has been a pioneer in the development and production of premium marine paints in Brittany. As a staunch supporter, Nautix equips Captain Darwin with the essential technical paints required for the preparation and upkeep of the expedition vessel, including Epoxy HPE primer and A 9000 SPC antifouling.
Since 1992, Kite Optics, a Belgian family business, has been dedicated to crafting high-precision optical instruments for nature observation. Their commitment lies in achieving exceptional optical performance and outstanding mechanical quality for both binoculars and telescopes. The APC 42 stabilized binoculars aboard the ship serve as invaluable safety equipment at sea and a magnificent tool for observing biodiversity.
With over 50 years of experience, Plastimo stands as a pioneer in the development and production of safety and mooring equipment, compasses, navigation instruments, as well as deck equipment and fittings. Their dedicated support extends to Captain Darwin, providing crucial on-board life jackets, lanyards, life raft, and various other safety equipment.
Windy.app is a professional weather application meticulously designed for water and wind sports enthusiasts, encompassing sailing, surfing, and fishing. As a generous gesture of support, Windy.app provides us with access to its professional version, granting us seamless access to comprehensive weather and coastal navigation information.
TravelMap is an exceptional travel blogging service that effectively showcases your current location, past journeys, and future destinations. As a significant boost to our online educational program, TravelMap generously bestows Captain Darwin with a Premium account, facilitating the seamless use of the interactive map—one of the program’s pivotal components.
Institutions & Science
Institutions & Science
An agreement inked between the association and the Brittany Academic Region has ushered the Captain Darwin educational program into the esteemed folds of the official National Education structure. This validation certifies the program’s unwavering dedication to educational excellence and ensures seamless alignment between the association’s activities and the official curriculum.
Located in Brittany, the marine biology station of Concarneau operates under the joint management of the National Museum of Natural History and the Collège de France. A harmonious collaboration between the Captain Darwin NGO and the Station bolsters our educational endeavors, jointly hosting events such as the Science Festival, while actively engaging in fruitful educational activities.
Under the direction of Nathalie Delliou, Esprit Nat’ure stands as a prominent Breton entity dedicated to environmental education. The Captain Darwin educational program benefits significantly from the valuable expertise of Esprit Nat’ure. In a heartening display of collaboration, Nathalie Delliou often dedicates her time voluntarily to contribute to the realization of the association’s educational initiatives.
La Maison, an associative organization rooted in Concarneau, strives to empower young individuals aged 11 to 25 in realizing their diverse projects outside the realms of national education. Following a fruitful collaboration during the 2020/2021 school year through a documentary film creation workshop, La Maison has expressed the honor of seeking Captain Darwin’s sponsorship.
Under The Pole, a remarkable underwater exploration initiative, is dedicated to advancing ocean knowledge and preservation. Victor Rault enjoyed extensive collaboration with its visionary founders, Emmanuelle and Ghislain Bardout, who served as a source of inspiration and wise counsel. It was only fitting that they were wholeheartedly embraced as the godmother and godfather of Captain Darwin.
Directed by the esteemed Patrick Tort, the Charles Darwin International Institute boasts a profound mission of bringing Charles Darwin’s legacy to life within French-speaking communities in both France and beyond. Their dedicated support to Captain Darwin extends to invaluable scientific advice and access to an array of rare books concerning Darwin’s voyage and the Theory of Evolution.
Hailing from Guaratuba, Brazil, the Instituto Guaju is a civic association with a noble mission—to safeguard the biodiversity of Parana state. Mirroring a shared consciousness and citizen-driven approach, Captain Darwin and the Instituto Guaju united their efforts in a fruitful collaboration during the documentation program for the scarlet ibises of the mangroves in 2022.
The Faculty of Science of the University of Lisbon (Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa) joined forces as a valued partner in the project, initiated during Eduardo Sampaio’s visit to Cape Verde. Notably, the faculty wholeheartedly endorsed the exploratory research program on octopuses, and has since been actively supporting and disseminating the expedition’s activities on a global scale.
The esteemed Max Planck Institute, a German Institution dedicated to fundamental research, plays an integral role in the scientific endeavors of Captain Darwin. Their close collaboration revolves around the meticulous preparation of an exploratory research program focused on the marine iguanas of the Galapagos.
Backed by the Ministry of the Environment of Cape Verde, the Biosfera association spearheads species and ecosystem conservation initiatives in the northern region of the archipelago. Now, as a valued partner of the association, Captain Darwin collaborates in spreading awareness of Biosfera’s endeavors to an international audience.
Media Partners
Media Partners
Zeppelin, a prominent producer of geographical and photographic reports for the press and publishing, plays a crucial role as our partner in disseminating biodiversity-related subjects globally, both in France and internationally. Their collaboration has resulted in a recent 16-page publication in GEO Vert, the prestigious European reference for photoreportage.
Hello Emotion produces quality documentary films that are beautiful, useful and which provide emotion. The production company, founded by Arnaud Hiltzer, wishes to contribute to creating a world that is more responsible, more engaged, more united and more connected to wild nature. It is therefore quite natural that a media partnership was created with Captain Darwin, in order to disseminate as much as possible the stories captured around the world, particularly on television.
Ouest-France, a prominent French regional daily published in Rennes and distributed in western regions of France, has been a reliable ally in promoting our initiatives. The newspaper consistently shares information about our activities, especially those pertaining to the NGO’s onshore educational program.
Le Télégramme, a prominent French regional media headquartered in Morlaix, Brittany, holds a significant presence in the regional daily press of Brittany. The publication is a valuable partner in disseminating our activities, especially the educational initiatives, across their local, departmental, and regional pages.
Voile Magazine, with its array of articles, provides boaters with practical solutions and concrete answers to their questions. The publication offers tests of new boats, equipment comparisons, and insightful reports on distant cruises. The magazine has been a consistent supporter, dedicating no less than 47 pages in each issue to relay the association’s activities at sea.
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