PANGAEA Expedition: in the threatened Amazon region
The PANGAEA Expedition: Ecological and social commitment in the threatened Amazon region
For ten young explorers from Monaco, South Africa, New Zealand, France, Australia, Brazil, Israel and the USA, the great Amazon adventure on board the PANGAEA expedition ship came to its close. Together with South African adventurer Mike Horn, the youths spent three weeks travelling through one of South America’s many threatened and fascinating regions. Following the motto “explore – learn – act”, the team experienced and investigated the local natural environment and took measures to protect it.
Friendly indigenous people and fascinating rainforest
The adventure, which is dedicated to sustainability, began in Manaus, the capital of the Amazon region, and led the team to the Rio Negro, an Amazon tributary. To prepare for the trip, Mike Horn showed his young charges how to manoeuvre with a pirogue. The dugout canoes used in the area are ideal for discovering the narrow rivers and streams. After the group successfully mastered the challenging trek through the rainforest, the next step of the adventure was to explore the wild marshes. The youths enjoyed a unique opportunity to swim with the pink river dolphins – a memorable expedition highlight! The Young Explorers then got to work planting rare guarana trees. “What a beautiful experience, to feel the roots in my hand and to know that these delicate little seedlings will soon grow into powerful trees”, said 20-year-old Shruthi Vijayakumar from New Zealand.
Subsequent investigations of the water using sonar equipment – a special ultra-sound localisation device – indicated that water levels at certain locations were high enough to ultimately threaten indigenous tribes. These proved extremely hospitable. In a workshop, the locals showed the Young Explorers how to use natural materials – to make jewellery for instance. To show their gratitude, Mike Horn’s team distributed first-aid kits, water filter systems, school supplies and toys. Then, back in the wilderness, survival training was on the agenda – with Mike Horn showing his young charges how to fish piranhas. A night spent outdoors in the middle of the jungle marked the end of the adventure.
One ship, four years, five oceans – and one mission
Since 2008, Mike Horn, the South African adventurer, has been travelling the world in the name of environmental protection. During the expedition, which is supported by Mercedes-Benz as main sponsor, Mike Horn has implemented ecological and social projects at twelve locations around the globe. Each one of the projects is joined by an international group of youths between the ages of 15 and 20. Their common goals are to experience the beauty of our planet together and to commit themselves to active environmental protection.
For more information on the PANGAEA expedition and on Mike Horn the adventurer visit mikehorn.com.
Category: TRAVEL