To know is to love, to love is to conserve
MATER is an innovative environmental education center, focused on encouraging people and communities to move towards ways of life that are more respectful of nature.
MATER is an innovative environmental education center, focused on encouraging people and communities to move towards ways of life that are more respectful of nature.
At the helm is the ITSAS GELA – AULA DEL MAR Association, a non-profit organisation with more than 20 years of experience dedicated to promoting respect, protection, and above all, the enjoyment of the sea. MATER is our tool, our philosophy, and our calling card.
We are MATER
Environmental commitment
Crew
Passion for the marine environment and commitment to conservation.
The MATER crew is made up of people committed to our surroundings, very aware that we must change the way we relate to the planet in order to build a sustainable future. We are a multidisciplinary, versatile team that enjoys sharing our passion for marine culture and the environment.
Experience and commitment
The beginnings, more than 20 years ago
MATER was born from a group of Sanjuandarras, sea enthusiasts with the dream of ensuring their town could continue to live off the sea in a sustainable way. They invested their capital and time to save the fishing boat from being scrapped and sunk, offering it as a legacy to their community. A small group of young enthusiasts took up the challenge and dedicated ourselves fully to it. We began by researching and collecting the tangible and intangible memory of Pasaia’s maritime heritage.
In 2003, we committed to carrying out an annual environmental analysis of the Jaizkibel and Ulia coasts; and we began to establish collaborations with different people and maritime organisations, inside and outside Pasaia Bay. In our search for new ways of outreach and environmental education, we created the first Ecoactive Museum Ship and began offering experiences to get to know, love, and conserve our sea.
With over 20 years of history, we have built:
Lines of action
To achieve our goals.
Community Museum
“A mirror where the community is reflected, its history and identity; born from the community; created and developed with the participation of the community, responding to its needs and rights, using its own resources; preserving heritage and local cultural identities.”
Network of alliances
Our more than 20-year trajectory has allowed us to build a wide network of organisations with which we collaborate and share values.
Collaborations
- Basque Camping Club
- Surfrider Spain
- SEO birdLife
- Jaizkibel Ama Harri
- Lurgaia Foundation
- Official College of Biologists of the Basque Country
- Azti
- Nakusarbe
- CIMASUB
- Luberri, Oiartzungo Ikasgune Geologikoa
- Fishermen’s Guild of Pasajes San Pedro
Networks
Museum networks and alliances:
- Basque Museum Network (Basque Government)
- Basque Coast Museum Network
- Oarsoaldea Museum Network
- Gipuzkoa Museums (Gipuzkoa Provincial Council)
- Museum Houses
Marine litter:
- AEBAM: Spanish Marine Litter Association
- Reeducamar
Collaboration Agreements
- Plentzia Marine Station (UPV)
- Kofradia
- Department of Economic Development, Sustainability, and Environment of the Basque Government
Professional Advice
We are advised by professionals:
- Elkarrikertuz Research Group (UPV)
- 2basque Academic Network (Ikerbasque Foundation)
- Environmental Psychology Research Group (UPV)
Síguenos