January 22, 2025
Mission Spiritus: Completion of Phases 2 and 3
Celebrating Success: Mission Spiritus Completes its Expedition in Oman
Philanthropy
January 29, 2025
After a challenging and enriching journey across diverse landscapes, the Mission Spiritus team, led by Alan Chambers and joined by Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel for the 4th phase, has successfully completed their expedition in Oman. As they navigated from the vast Wahiba Sands to the bustling city of Muscat, the team overcame numerous challenges, demonstrating resilience and teamwork. Their mission, rich with scientific research and cultural exchange, culminated in a grand ceremonial reception and unique experiences that underscored the success of their expedition.
Here's a field report, direct from our Founder, sent on day three of Phase Four (the final phase):
This afternoon we completed day three of Phase Four. The Wahiba Desert, with its seemingly endless dunes, has proven to be very different from the sands of the Empty Quarter. This desert, except for a handful of Bedouin communities and animal life, is desolate. Our expedition party has greatly expanded for this fourth Phase as we are now supported by two expert desert instructors, Shibli and Ayman. In addition, Intisar, a female instructor hikes with us and serves as an interpreter with Mohammed, the herder who is driving three camels for us to ride as needed for the entire six days of this leg. As an expedition party we covered 55 km in the first three days, a distance which is well short of the target required to make our destination in Muscat on time. However, given the many obstacles we faced and have overcome so far, our team is pleased with our achievements overall and will adjust the plans to accommodate. We have now collected 48 of the needed 52 total samples and expect to collect the remaining samples on schedule. Due to the usually heavy rains this season, the desert has an excess of green foliage such as trees, shrubs, grasses, and desert sedge. This has brought unexpected threats to Phase Four thus far! There are more bugs, including ticks which we have encountered everywhere. The bugs bring mice who have been known to bite humans. Mice bring snakes, including the desert horned viper. Most of us have opted for a tent at night rather than sleeping on a rollpad under the stars. As we returned toward camp, a howling windstorm crept in from the northeast and caught Alan and Billy by such surprise the tour entire camp almost blew away! The team scrambled to tie everything down and quickly pack away anything that might catch the wind. Within 30 minutes the wind had grown to a full sandstorm, which raged for six solid hours, forcing us to take shelter in our three tents. Fortunately, we did not lose any equipment, only a few items of clothing that blew off the drying line and disappeared across the desert. Spirits remain high as we approach the final days of our expedition. We are excited to arrive to the welcome of our partners, Outward Bound Oman in Muscat. We will send our next report upon completion of Phase Four.
David Segel
Founder
Navigating through the unpredictable terrain and challenges of Oman’s deserts, the team's resilience was on full display. Their scientific endeavors, which involved collecting valuable sand samples, were matched by a deep engagement with the local culture and environment.
Before we share the final field report, here's a reminder about who the Mission Spiritus expedition team was:
Alan Chambers
Alan Chambers MBE – a polar adventurer, former Royal Marine, and motivational leader who has dedicated his life to pushing limits and inspiring others to do the same.
Alan led the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the North Pole, trekking 672 nautical miles in temperatures as low as -65°C. For 70 grueling days, Alan and his teammate hauled sledges weighing as much as a baby elephant, raising the Union Jack on May 16, 2000. He’s since led over a dozen expeditions to the North Pole with top CEOs and business leaders, helping them reflect on leadership in the face of extreme challenges.
From traversing Iceland in the depths of winter to completing the Yukon Arctic Ultra Challenge and leading expeditions to Greenland and the South Pole, Alan’s achievements span the globe. His adventures have inspired countless individuals, including the England Rugby Team, whom he motivated before their 2003 World Cup victory. Alan has raised over £14 million for charity and founded the groundbreaking ‘Extreme Classrooms’ initiative, empowering children with special needs through resilience-building experiences in some of the world’s most extreme environments.
Awarded an MBE by HM The Queen at just 32 years old, Alan embodies the spirit of perseverance, courage, and determination. His motto: “The only limits are those of vision.”
Billy Perham
Billy Perham – a former Royal Marines officer with 32 years of service, an experienced leader in operations, and a passionate advocate for environmental and humanitarian causes. During his military career, Billy was deployed on operations in Kuwait, Afghanistan, Iraq, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan, among others. He served in diverse roles, from instructor at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines to Senior Military Adviser to Cameroon, showcasing his expertise in operations, crisis response, and strategic planning.
Since leaving the Royal Marines, Billy has devoted himself to giving back. He’s a listening volunteer for the Samaritans, cycled 1,000km along the First World War trench lines to raise funds for brain tumour patients, and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to support Kids’ Village charity.
Billy brings his unmatched experience in leadership and operations to Mission Spiritus, driving the team forward in its mission to advance environmental research and inspire global change.
David Segel
David Segel – a philanthropist, adventurer, and founder of the Mako Group, whose passion for exploration and environmental advocacy drives his role in Mission Spiritus.
David founded the Mako Group, a London-based financial services business, and co-founded SGL, an investment company with a focus on both commercial and philanthropic initiatives. He has also made his mark in the entertainment industry, co-founding Mpower Pictures and creating the Video Genome Project, which was acquired by Hulu.
David’s thirst for adventure has taken him to the most remote corners of the globe. From skiing to the North Pole in 2004 to navigating the Northwest Passage with Bear Grylls in 2010, and now trekking 679 miles across Oman’s Empty Quarter with Mission Spiritus, he thrives on pushing limits.
David supports environmental and social initiatives worldwide. As an advisory board member of American Rivers and a supporter of Mission Spiritus Oman, he actively champions projects that protect ecosystems and inspire global change.
Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel
Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard Segel – a trailblazer in the film industry, environmental advocate, and adventurer joining Mission Spiritus for the final phase of the Oman Expedition.
Elisabeth is the President of Global Distribution & Sales at Storyboard Media, where she focuses on acquisitions, production, and strategic licensing of independent films worldwide. With a career spanning decades, Elisabeth has worked on Academy Award-winning films like Dallas Buyers Club and global hits like the Underworld franchise and Million Dollar Baby.
As an active philanthropist, Elisabeth is an advisory board member of American Rivers, alongside fellow Mission Spiritus team member David Segel, and is also on the advisory board of Stop Poaching Now!, supporting conservation efforts and community welfare.
Elisabeth is bringing her adventurous spirit and equestrian expertise to Phase 4 of the Oman Expedition, where she’ll help the team navigate the Wahiba Sands with camels.
The long-awaited, final field report by our Founder is here!
Phase Four of Four officially complete! Our final few days in the desert gave us time to collect and secure the full 52 sand samples. We traversed approximately 105km of desert over 6 days, traveling on foot and on camelback. The more time we spent in the desert, the more we began to see the hidden wildlife and variations in vegetation. We've grown a respect for the terrain and life that it sustains. Our final day culminated with a ceremonial reception of dignitaries drummers and firearm salute as we approached the Outward Bound Oman Center. Elisabeth led the way on foot, with Alan, Billy and David on camel mount. A large group of leaders and OBO professors gathered in anticipation of our arrival. We were welcomed with singing, the giving of gifts and a celebration meal. We were honoured by their hospitality and warm welcome. Additionally, Dr. Beizhan Yan, Adjunct Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory flew from New York to Muscat to meet us at the Outward Bound Oman Center. Our team was asked to share about the expedition and facilitate a discussion on earth science with the group. Dr. Beizhan then presented on the significance of these samples which will help inform Columbia's research on the growing threat of plastics. Alan was interviewed for the local radio station. After the closing ceremony, we four headed by car into Muscat for a day of rest and administrative work, before boarding our homeward bound flights tomorrow. It has been a truly amazing experience to be immersed in the natural beauty and vast expanse of the Oman desert. We are grateful for the opportunity to build new friendships, learn new cultures, experience ancient traditions (that still live on today) and be entrusted by our partners at Columbia University with this important mission.
David Segel
Founder
The Mission Spiritus expedition’s conclusion was marked by celebratory events that showcased the rich cultural tapestry of Oman. Follow @makotrading on Instagram to see the videos! Amongst many, those of the ceremonial reception and another of Mohammed skillfully riding a camel while standing, really highlight the joy and unique experiences that punctuated their successful mission! These visual testaments, along with the detailed accounts from the field, paint a vivid picture of an unforgettable journey that not only achieved its scientific goals but also fostered deep cultural understanding and connections.
Why The Mission? Here's a reminder of its importance and the science behind it!
Mission Spiritus is partnered with the Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory to address the critical issue of plastic pollution and explore the resilience of humans in extreme environments.
- 🔬 Scientific Research: The team collected 52 sand samples to analyse the presence of micro and nanoplastics in one of the world’s most remote regions, expediting research that would otherwise take years to complete.
- 💪 Human Performance: In collaboration with the Department of Psychology at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), the mission will study human adaptability and endurance in extreme conditions. Insights from this research could inform approaches to resilience in isolated environments, such as Antarctic stations or spacecraft.
- 🌱 Global Impact: Beyond science, the mission aims to inspire millions to take action in combating environmental challenges and restoring critical ecosystems.
Findings from Mission 1: Antarctica
Mission Spiritus began its global journey with a groundbreaking expedition to Antarctica, one of the most remote and pristine environments on Earth. While the findings from the first mission are still being analysed by scientists at Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, early results have revealed the following insights:
Findings
Using advanced scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the analysis identified various particles, including Al₂O₃ (aluminum oxide). These particles are likely derived from sources outside Antarctica, offering a glimpse into possible particle origins.
Microplastics and Nanoplastics (MNPs): Some PET microfibers have been identified in the snow samples collected using Raman spectroscopy. Laboratory work to identify other microplastics and nanoplastics is ongoing. Researchers anticipate higher concentrations of MNPs near the South Pole due to increased human activities.
Significance
Atmospheric Transport: The presence of these particles in Antarctic snow indicates that they have entered the atmosphere and traveled vast distances, settling in remote regions. This finding underscores the global nature of human impact on the environment.
Why This Study Needs an Expedition Team
The remoteness and harshness of the Empty Quarter make this a mission only an experienced team can undertake. By collecting samples in such extreme conditions, the expedition team is advancing research timelines by years. Their efforts have brought us closer to finding solutions to the global plastic crisis and we are incredibly grateful for this!
We also extend our gratitude to:
- Columbia Climate School’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory – The scientific powerhouse driving the research.
- e-Innovate – The technology and communications partners for Mission Spiritus.
- Outward Bound Oman – The mission navigators who have supported the team’s preparation.
- Gordano - Providers of the expedition team's science packaging and transportation vessels for both Antarctica and Oman.
- Mako Trading and Segel Group – For their unwavering support of this initiative.
- And every navigator, helper, supporter, connection, friend or family member who made the success of this mission possible, and enjoyable!
CONGRATULATIONS!
Stay updated as Mission Spiritus continues to advance science, inspire global action, and safeguard the future of our planet.
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