Despite its many secrets and wonders, oceans have been under threat for years. Corals are dying and sea life is disappearing. Although this is a global phenomenon, some people are affected more than others—and as with many a climate issue, these inequalities bear witness of the afterlife of (post)colonialism. In this talk, we shed light on the ambiguous nature of marine protection and the colonial dimensions of ocean health.
If we continue the way we do, the island of Bonaire will be under water in about 60 to 70 years. Yet, as with other crises, people tend to look away as long as the problem does not hit home. In this NIAS Talk we take a deep dive in our ideas of the ocean. How can we rethink human relations with the sea? Why do we need to be aware of ocean health? And in what ways has colonialism shaped our minds and dealings with the sea?
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