Lighthouse Projects

The lighthouse keeps ships away from danger and helps them navigate toward their destinations. Lighthouses proclaim local conditions to mariners from everywhere. Similarly, these "Lighthouse Projects" are local initiatives that document and renew local knowledge, skills, and values associated with the marine environment.

These initiatives, achieved by small organizations and individuals worldwide, show great variety. Some are science-based; some connect to cultural traditions. All rely upon community participation, exchange between generations, and the synergies among science, humanities, arts, social advancement, and sustainable development.

In this section, we showcase and applaud the efforts of small groups around the world who are working to address ocean-related issues that affect them locally. Other examples can be found at the UNESCO page of The Cultural Ocean.

World Oceans Map

This interactive map explores the world’s oceans through oceanography, geography, fisheries, and historical information; links to relevant web sites, a physical description and satellite images of each ocean.

It is part of the exemplary work of The Lighthouse Foundation (in German, English and Spanish).

TLF embodies the idea of thinking globally and acting locally: It enables local projects on behalf of the seas and oceans of the world, and emphasizes the oceans’ importance to all levels of life.

Marine Environment

Local Beach, Global Garbage

A Brazilian photographer spent days walking Brazil's North Coast and shares his findings about the flotsam he collected.

Outpost on the Southwest Atlantic

The EcoCentro in Puerto Madryn, Patagonia, Argentina educates visitors and residents about the Southwest Atlantic marine ecosystem.

Think Blue e.V - Children and coral reef conservation in Indonesia

In Indonesia, the largest archipelago on Earth, the ocean is the single most important resource on which many people's lives depend. But human beings pose an ever-growing threat to mangrove forests, eelgrass meadows and coral reefs. 'ThinkBlue e.V.' is an association which has embraced the mission of making young people more familiar with the fascinating habitat of the ocean. Since 2002 it has maintained close links with the Bunaken National Marine Park in Indonesia.

The Mangreen Project

Mangroves are grown in coastal villages on the southeast coast of India. Click here for an interview with a Mangreen project participant.

Cultural Traditions

In the Canary Islands, the connection between myth and marine is explored through music, as Canarians and outsiders alike discover to their delight.

East African fishers' traditional customs and religious beliefs aid in improving fisheries management.

Islands

Global Islands Network

The Global Islands Network represents a hub that connects and coordinates efforts to help ensure a healthy and productive future for islanders.