Honda created the Honda Marine Science Foundation based on the idea that humans can and should have a mutually beneficial relationship with coastal ecosystems. This idea is known as “sato-umi”. In Japanese, “sato” means the area where people live, and “umi” means the sea. Sato-umi is a coastal area where biological productivity and biodiversity thrive due to human interaction.

HMSF considers projects that advance the understanding and/or implementation of living shorelines, which are natural approaches to protecting coastal habitats and communities (“community” is interpreted broadly beyond strictly geographical parameters). Living shorelines promote harmonious interaction between humans and the ocean. They also provide habitat value, enhance coastal resilience, and boost ecosystem services. Projects must integrate the sato-umi philosophy of prolonged human interaction.

For more information.