BBC embarks on Mission Galapagos

BBC One has commissioned a major natural history series following a team of international scientists working on new discoveries is the luscious Galapagos Islands.

Mission Galapagos will comprise three hour-long episodes, with prolific wildlife prodco Atlantic Productions coproducing along with Alucia Productions. Liz Bonnin will present the series.

BBC Worldwide, which shops Planet Earth II and the upcoming Oceans, will sell the miniseries internationally.

The Galapagos Islands are best known for helping shape the evolution theories of Charles Darwin after he voyagedthere to study the wildlife in 1831.

Mission Galapagos will see scientists exploring the “deepest depths of the ocean, journey deep inside volcanic craters and visit the Scalesia forest” to answer unexplained scientific and geological mysteries.

The production team will board a high-tech research vessel, use x-ray machines and LiDAR scanning sensor technology, and employ new filming techniques and graphics to showcase the exploration.

“Mission Galapagos takes the science expedition format to a new level. This is a unique opportunity to explore one of the world’s most exciting natural habitats, at a crucial time,” said BBC commissioning editor Craig Hunter.

“When the animals and islands are facing an uncertain future. This series promises to be a gripping adventure full of scientific firsts – a genuine voyage of discovery.”

The series will air in the first quarter of 2017.