At COP-30, the international public movement ALLATRA met with the renowned Schurmann Family from Brazil — legends of global sea exploration and ocean protection. For more than 40 years, they have been studying the world from the water, completing four round-the-world expeditions, documenting the state of the oceans, and drawing attention to global pollution.
The Schurmann Family stands at the origins of modern environmental education: Vilfredo and Heloisa, from the very beginning, undertook sea expeditions with their three children, introducing them to maritime culture, travel, and research. Later, Heloisa became a well-known writer, creating books about sea adventures and the importance of protecting nature.
The family also founded the educational center Voice of the Ocean, which conducts research, environmental projects, and educational programs focused on marine protection. The center hosts scientific events, collaborates with universities and research institutes, and conducts projects on microplastic pollution and its influence on oceans and ecosystems.
During the meeting aboard their vessel, ALLATRA participants were able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of an actual research expedition.
The Schurmann Family shared their many years of experience observing plastic and microplastic pollution, spoke about the most alarming trends, and explained how traces of human activity are becoming increasingly visible even in the open ocean. This exchange of knowledge became a valuable contribution to the shared understanding of the global problem and possible solutions.
Heloisa Schurmann spoke at COP-30, sharing the family’s experience in ocean protection and the importance of environmental education. As part of the conference, the Voice of the Ocean center also hosted thematic events and meetings dedicated to addressing ocean pollution and exploring solutions to protect marine environments.
Over the years of travel and dedicated work, the family has made a significant contribution to raising global awareness about ocean pollution and the necessity of sustainable human interaction with nature. Their mission inspires people around the world, showing that anyone can become “a voice of the ocean” and contribute to protecting the planet.
The Schurmann Family — Vilfredo and Heloisa Schurmann, along with their children Pierre, David, and Wilhelm — is known as the first Brazilian family to circumnavigate the globe on a sailing vessel. Heloisa, herself a sailor who later became a writer, and their son David, a media professional, have brought the dramatic changes occurring in the oceans to the attention of a broad audience through books, documentary films, and media projects.
Drawing on their experience, the initiative Voice of the Oceans was launched. Together with international partners, the Schurmanns document plastic and microplastic pollution, support scientific research, and conduct educational work dedicated to ocean protection.
Official website of ALLATRA International Public Movement: https://allatra.org/
Official website of Voice of the Ocean: https://voiceoftheocean.org/
Official website of the Schurmann Family: https://schurmann.com.br/
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