When we read dibery gap exploration, From a four-wheel drive perspective, we tend to focus on the huge career of time travel. But for the expedition captain of the 1971-72 expedition, Colonel John Brashford Sell, the expedition leader who was responsible for the first time in Darién’s gap with a team of Range Rovers, the mission also focused on plants, animals and people.
The British explorer admitted that he had done his best to protect wildlife, fauna, flora and its environment from the Darién Expedition. “I was shocked by the destruction of rainforests and the spread of disease from outsiders to indigenous peoples,” he explained. Fortunately, Scientific Exploration Society (SES) is already in progress and celebrates his love of exploration, challenge, conservation and education worldwide.
Founded in 1969 by Blashford-Snell and colleagues, SES is a registered charity that aims to “push the forefront of scientific exploration while advocating the conservation of biodiversity, indigenous cultures and ecosystems.” SES is a meeting place for purposeful pioneers, focusing on mentoring, funding, training, accreditation, and providing a platform for young explorers and scientists’ discoveries.
As the world’s longest scientific exploration organization, SES has led, funded and supported more than 200 expeditions since its launch. The Wings of SurvivalThis is an SES-accredited expedition that will meet ecologist Dr. Timm Döbert and endurance athlete Leanna Carriere Cycle and Packraft in 2024 after flying birds migrating in the Pacific Americas. The 30,000km nine-month expedition will emulate the migration of the embrace (Numenius Phaeopus), showing the inseparable connection between migratory birds and human endurance. Mission: Encourage progress towards the United Nations to protect 30% of the planet by 2030.
Dr. Döbert noted that although financial support is not part of the project’s recognition, the association helped to increase the visibility of the expedition. “We received the SES flag, SES posted about our efforts on its Instagram channel and tended to like and share frequently.” Timm is also writing an article for SES’ digital articles Exploration reveals Magazine and hope to ensure SES Explorer talks before The Wings of Survival Start date from June 2025.
Current and emerging science explorers can apply for the SES Explorer Awards program, which provides grants for leading scientific expeditions focused on discovery, research and conservation in remote areas of the world. Blashford-Snell pointed to political issues and bureaucratic barriers related to some of the challenges faced by future generations. The Explorer Awards program offers up to £7,000 awards for those who combine science and adventure, photography, botany, filmmaking and more.
Want to join or organize an expedition for the first time? Blashford-Snell has some tips. “Do thorough research into the region and its people, get healthy, get good equipment and see what you can do to help people, wildlife and the environment.”
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Even if you are not expeditions, SES offers membership benefits including free speeches (with access to recordings), VIP invitations to explorer awards party, copy Exploration reveals Magazine, newsletter subscriptions and opportunities to join an adventure or project. The annual membership investment is £65, plus a £15 entry fee. For more information on membership, donations, heritage and partnerships, please visit ses-explore.org.
To learn more about Survival Wings, go wingsofsurvival.comto see John Blashford-Snell’s past, present and future projects, visit Johnblashfordsnell.org.uk.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in Overland Journal Gear 2025 release.
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