What is it?

The Oceans and Human Health Chair provides a new, state-of-the-art tool with which to study and disseminate the importance of marine ecosystems on human health and wellbeing.

The Oceans and Human Health Chair was created in 2017 by the University of Girona (UdG) and the City of Roses, both of which continue to provide support along with sponsorship from the Fishermen's Association of Roses and the Fishmongers Guild of Catalonia.

Garota — Sea urchin and gorgonians Photo: Lluís Mas Blanch

The Chair promotes and carries out studies on the complex relationships that exist between marine ecosystems and human health, and contributes to the transfer of this knowledge to society.

In this way, the Oceans and Human Health Chair aims to address different aspects that have often been treated independently, but in reality are closely related, such as the conservation of marine ecosystems, the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

All this can only be achieved if marine ecosystems are considered from a holistic perspective that includes a broad range of disciplines including marine biology and fisheries, marine ecology, medicine, veterinary, environmental education, health promotion, management of fishing resources and social and economic sciences.

In addition to this general objective, the UdG aims to position itself as an international point of reference in the field of "Oceans and Human Health", while sharing with the City of Roses, the Fishermen's Association of Roses and the Guild of Fishmongers of Catalonia, the aim of making people aware of the benefits and risks deriving from the sea. This local initiative is expected to contribute to the initiatives that are being developed in the field of "Oceans and Human Health" worldwide. Thus, the Chair will not only contribute to a better understanding of the relationships between marine ecosystems and human health, but will also help disseminate something which is not widely known, namely, that marine ecosystems and their fishing resources must be protected in order to preserve the health and the well-being of people.

The Oceans and Human Health Chair enjoys the collaboration of more than 50 experts, including marine biologists, physicians, veterinarians, environmental educators, social anthropologists, environmental and public health managers, and members of patient and environmental associations.

Photo: Viktor Jakovlev - Unsplash

Photo: Lluís Mas Blanch

Photo: Margot Bosch

These experts belong to various universities, research centers, hospitals, companies, administrations and associations in Catalonia, Spain and around Europe. The Chair was set up with this interdisciplinary and international spirit with a clear vocation to serve society, seeking to get its message across to all age groups, from the youngest to the oldest.

The activities of the Chair have the support of the Department of Territory and Sustainability of the Autonomous Government of Catalonia.

Searcher

What is it?

The Oceans and Human Health Chair provides a new, state-of-the-art tool with which to study and disseminate the importance of marine ecosystems on human health and wellbeing.

In this way, the Oceans and Human Health Chair aims to address different aspects that have often been treated independently, but in reality are closely related, such as the conservation of marine ecosystems, the promotion of health and the prevention and treatment of certain diseases.

The Oceans and Human Health Chair enjoys the collaboration of more than 50 experts, including marine biologists, physicians, veterinarians, environmental educators, social anthropologists, environmental and public health managers, and members of patient and environmental associations.