“The protection of dolphins and whales and their habitats is in the hands of humans more than ever. But it must also lie in their hearts.”

The world is currently facing multiple global crises caused by humanity, which are increasingly pushing our planet’s ecosystems to their limits. As the ones responsible, we can – and want to – contribute to the solution.

Scientific research and our experience from over 25 years of marine conservation work show that these crises are fundamentally linked to the disconnection of many people from nature and the world around them. We recognise as well that this disconnection is continuing to grow with current social developments, is increasingly regarded as “normal,” and that traditional approaches to marine conservation are failing to counteract it. A new direction is needed.

M.E.E.R. wants to help shape a shift in consciousness that makes the connection between humans and nature more tangible.

Alternative approaches are reflected in our educational activities, scientific research, environmental advocacy and policy, as well as in the way we enable encounters with the sea and its inhabitants. Our work on La Gomera shows that encounters with wild dolphins and whales through respectful whale watching can help experience such a connection.

Today, science recognises whales and dolphins as intelligent and sensitive beings with individual personalities. Their complex social structures are primarily based on community and cohesion. They pass their knowledge on from generation to generation, and have thereby developed their own forms of tradition and culture over millions of years. They are, therefore, more similar to us humans in many respects than most people realise.

By learning from them and our encounters with them, we can also begin to tell new stories about ourselves. For this, we need narratives that center on community, compassion, and the capacity for peace. With an attitude shaped by these values, we come to see ourselves as part of nature and foster a respectful coexistence. This is also reflected in our mindful use of language – one that values living beings and natural environments instead of reducing them to mere resources.

These approaches can be applied to other living beings and a variety of social contexts. Together, we can shape a shift in consciousness that goes far beyond marine conservation.