The Living Ocean Initiative is an multi-faceted effort bringing together religious leaders and their constiuents, and connecting them with ocean conservation and education organizations to promote ocean stewardship on California’s Central Coast.

Co-sponsored by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Center for the Future of the Oceans, the Monterey Bay Sanctuary Foundation, Upwellings Ministry of Environmental Stewardship, the Santa Clara University, Environmental Studies Institute and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the initiative included an interfaith retreat attended by over 120 clergy, educators and lay people and over 30 conservation and science organization representatives.

The majority of the world’s religions emphasize and value environmental stewardship. This initiative seeks to build upon the historic role that religious communities have played in promoting positive social change, and to help religious leaders become even more credible messengers for effective action related to ocean conservation. In addition to the retreat, participants have received an extensive kit of resources that may be used in their local communities. The ultimate goal of the Living Oceans Initiative will be fostering new environmental constituencies to act on behalf of ocean conservation, and a broader consensus for conservation initiatives rooted in ethics and values. For more information, or to schedule a special program for your religious community, contact info@mbnmsf.org and reference the Living Ocean Initiative.