The Mind Museum proudly launches an exhibition about the rich marine biodiversity in the Philippines

The Mind Museum and the California Academy of Sciences (CAS), with the support from the U.S. Government, launched “A Glass of the Sea: An Exhibition on the Coral Triangle” last July 16, 2015. The exhibition features the astounding biodiversity of the Coral Triangle, particularly the Verde Island Passage which is dubbed as the world’s “center of the center of

marine biodiversity”.

“The proposal was inspired by a scientific study that came out last year that if you scoop a glass of water from the ocean and examine its content, you will know the variety of life present in that ocean. For A Glass of the Sea which we nicknamed AGoS, it meant figuring out how a relatively miniscule space with a few exhibits, can do justice to the enormity of its source and science going on in there”, shared Maria Isabel Garcia, Curator of The Mind Museum.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn about fascinating marine creatures and how to care for marine life through stunning underwaterfootage taken from the expeditions conducted by the CAS in the Coral Triangle area, interactive games and art sculptures.

A Glass of the Sea can be experienced through three“short” connected stories: the story of the sea, the story of the science of the sea, and the story of your role in the sea.

*For the story of the sea, select raw footages of the CAS expedition and of tantalizing creatures are shown – like in an aquarium.

*For the story of the science of the sea, The Mind Museum designed original exhibits where physical objects were melded with sensing technology so one can get to know specific creatures up close and get to know them individually. There are also original interactive games that would educate and imbibe the ethic that comes from understanding marine sustainability in terms of fishing and throwing trash in it.

*For the story of your role in the sea, intriguing sculptures that would make one think of our relationship with the Coral Triangle were made. The sculptures are silent but hopefully, will make one not just think but also feel that the choices we make affect our seas. There is also a space for educational activities to further the appreciation on marine life and conservation.

This project is supported by the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development under the Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in (Science) Research or PEER Science Grant. The grantenabled local researcher Maria Isabel Garcia, to partner with U.S.-based researcher Dr. Terrence Gosliner of the CAS to work together on achieving ecosystem resilience.

“The U.S. Government is pleased to be part of this exhibit which aims to showcase the wealth of the Philippines’ biodiversity and more importantly, to raise awareness on the need to conserve the Coral Triangle to support marine resources and the coastal communities that depend on them. Strengthened natural resources and environmental management contributes to our shared goal of broad-based and resilient growth in the Philippines. Surely with the best minds in the Philippines and in the U.S. working together, many of the country’s development challenges can be addressed,” USAID Mission Director Gloria D. Steelesaid.

The Mind Museum will also be bringing A Glass of the Sea to other parts of the country in the next two years. 

Located in Bonifacio Global City, The Mind Museum is a non-stock, non-profit science museum of the Bonifacio Art Foundation. The institution opened in 2012 and won the International THEA award in 2014 for its thematic thread, design and execution.