The Terra Mar exhibition took part in Escale à Sète from March 31 to April 6, one of France’s largest maritime cultural events, held in the city of Sète under the environmental partnership of Ifremer. Having previously travelled to Montpellier and several cities across Brazil, the exhibition brought its unique blend of art, science, and environmental awareness to a French audience, focusing on the conservation of tropical Atlantic coastal ecosystems.
Throughout the week, the event welcomed approximately 400 students, alongside the general public, with a programme dedicated to the land–sea continuum – a central concept that integrates coastal, lagoon, and marine environments, along with the uses, knowledge, professions, and heritage that connect them. Terra Mar’s participation reinforced the message that the ocean can only be understood through its interactions with the territories, societies, and imaginations that shape it.
Exchanging Experiences and Innovations in Environmental Awareness
One of the most enriching aspects of Terra Mar’s presence at Escale à Sète was the opportunity to exchange experiences with researchers from Ifremer and other partner institutions, who are developing innovative projects at the interface of science, education, and citizen engagement.
Among the projects highlighted was “Mon Lopin de Mer“ – an educational and playful game that invites participants to discover their relationship with the ocean. By building their own “plot of ocean”, players explore the interactions between biodiversity and human activities, reflecting on the balance needed to preserve this vital environment for life on Earth and our shared future.
“It was a valuable opportunity to learn about other methodologies and projects that enrich the outreach work we have been developing with Terra Mar. These exchanges strengthen our approach and inspire us to continue innovating in how we communicate ocean science,”.
Terra Mar team.
A Diverse Programme and Institutional Collaboration
The Village Environnement offered a rich and varied programme, including workshops on plankton, marine viruses, ecotoxicology, climate change, and non-native species, as well as interactive activities such as the ImmerSO game and the Mon Lopin de Mer project. The programme was made possible through collaboration with partners, including meetings of the region’s Aires Marines Éducatives, facilitated by CPIE Littoral d’Occitanie; the Campus des Métiers et Qualifications d’Excellence – Économie de la Mer; the Biodiversarium in Banyuls-sur-Mer; the CIRDOC – Institut occitan de cultura; The Lost Compass; and researchers from UMR MARBEC.
Open and Accessible Science for All
Escale à Sète reaffirmed its commitment to open, participatory, and accessible science – values fully shared by the Terra Mar project. The diversity of perspectives, expertise, and energy gathered at the event demonstrated that it is possible to tell the story of the ocean in multiple ways: scientific, artistic, educational, and cultural.
Terra Mar’s participation in Escale à Sète not only extended the exhibition’s reach but also strengthened partnerships and paved the way for future international collaborations in support of marine conservation and ocean literacy.
