Mundus maris

English

Sustainable Development Goals: We work in support of the SDGs

Encounters

Our relationship with the sea takes on countless forms. To some it speaks through scientific study, to others through art work, many enjoy surfing, bathing and angling. For entire communities it means their livelihoods. It connects distant lands and people. Even those not living next to the sea are often fascinated with the folklore and myths lingering in many cultures. Here we share encounters with different people explaining their personal or professional relationship to the sea.

Come on board for a ride, enjoy the caleidoscope of stories and comments. Contribute your own by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Artists

What do artists want to tell us about the sea or get us to discover? How do they arouse our sensitivity and let us share their experience or understanding of the sea?

Scientists

Scientists study the oceans in different ways from artists, but may be as passionate about the seas. Curiosity and practical needs have induced study of the seas and their creatures since antiquity.

More recently, as a result of a public invitation on facebook to suggest questions, we've been asking several scientists what they consider the greatest threats to the oceans and what they suggest to do about them.

The resulting video interviews, TED talks of leading scientists fascinated by the oceans and more are here for you to discover.

People of the Sea

The ocean does not only provide much of the air we breathe and makes our climate. Many people and entire communities depend on the sea for their living in other, very direct, ways. Small-scale fishers and gleaners of seafood have often a more intimate relationship with the sea than even seafarers on modern high ships or workers on offshore platforms. Traditional practices, where they still exist, often entailed protective measures in the form of the sacred. Much of this has been lost in 'modernity'. How do these different people experience the sea, what do they see as their most important challenges and what are their aspirations? There are as many perspectives as people - discover at least some of them.