The peoples of Asia and the Pacific Islands are inextricably linked to the sea, depending on it for their food and livelihood. In addition, many Pacific and Asian islanders have a deep spiritual connection to the sea that goes beyond physical and economic survival. Modern times have led to a loss of habitat and resource health, as well as their traditional connection to the sea. This project seeks to develop a public marine awareness exhibit showcasing the work of the Locally-Managed Marine Area (LMMA) Network, an organization that assists communities in the Asia-Pacific region in taking charge of managing their marine resources. The exhibit will illustrate the very specific situation of these coastal peoples, their dependence on the sea, the issues that modern times has wrought, and their efforts to protect their resources by blending traditional management practices with modern science. The key focus here is the fact that the local people are guiding and carrying out the work, rather than scientists, government or NGOs leading the way. The exhibit will show exactly what they are doing to protect their resources, how they are doing it, and how the audience can influence marine conservation in their everyday choices. On another note, the exhibit will hopefully give people an improved appreciation of very diverse cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

WHY THE PROJECT IS NEEDED:

The ocean makes up approximately 70% of the Earth. People of the world rely on the ocean more than they realize - no matter where they live - for food, weather stability, and countless everyday consumer products (ice-cream, chocolate milk, pet food, cosmetics, and many home furnishings all contain some kind of marine-produced component). Many modern day people are unaware of this connection and dependence to the sea. At the other end of the spectrum are 40% of the world's population living within 100 kilometers of a coast, many of whom are directly dependant on the sea for subsistence. Our choices and demands for products (such as decorative shells from Pottery Barn, certain nutritional products, among others) can affect the lives of these people profoundly. Many of these people, particularly in the Pacific region, have an historic knowledge of the sea and traditions that govern their use of it that can help modern marine management efforts. This project is needed to create awareness of marine issues that in the end, affect us all, and to affect behavior changes in consumers in how they relate to and can influence the condition of the world's oceans by the everyday choices they make. top

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