[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Header & Video” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”648a1132-235b-4fd6-b651-25d84587ca58″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-1f1bf5fb-a99d-4acc-8d9e-ddac074c158c%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-a78660e1-cfc7-4771-a566-6834d6a7f06a%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93,%22gcid-24b0db87-dafa-47d9-995f-b90181e18c52%22:%91%22background_color_gradient_stops%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”About Us” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”eedb4555-f77b-477e-b52c-4539b5b713f4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”e07919c0-6929-4df9-a149-a687ae8b30f8″]<\/p>\n
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At Mermaids Beyond Borders (MBB), we believe the ocean connects us all, and that everyone, regardless of background, location, ability, or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to protect and connect with our blue planet.<\/p>\n
Founded by Marine Conservationist and Ocean Advocate Tsian Deslandes<\/strong>, Mermaids Beyond Borders was born from a simple but powerful question:<\/p>\n “If the ocean has no borders \u2014 why should ocean science?”<\/strong><\/p>\n MBB is a global inclusion initiative working to break down the invisible barriers that prevent so many people, especially young people from underrepresented, island, and marginalised communities, from entering marine conservation spaces.<\/p>\n Without inclusion, conservation falls short. Without education, opportunity is limited. Without collaboration, impact is temporary.<\/strong><\/p>\n We exist not only to educate, but to create belonging<\/strong>.<\/p>\n \n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Our Approach” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”eedb4555-f77b-477e-b52c-4539b5b713f4″ title_text_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”e07919c0-6929-4df9-a149-a687ae8b30f8″]<\/p>\n Marine conservation challenges from climate change to biodiversity loss are not just scientific issues. Yet too often, the people most affected by ocean change are the least represented in the spaces shaping solutions.<\/p>\n At Mermaids Beyond Borders, we take a whole-journey approach to inclusion from first curiosity about the ocean to long-term participation in marine spaces.<\/p>\n Our work focuses on:<\/p>\n Removing financial, geographic, social, and physical barriers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Creating accessible, flexible, and inclusive learning environments<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Valuing lived experience as knowledge<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Supporting non-linear pathways into ocean careers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Connecting communities across borders and cultures<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Empowering youth as leaders, not just participants<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n We recognise that there is no single way to belong in ocean science and no single path into protecting the sea.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/mermaidsbeyondborders.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Mermaids-Beyond-Borders.mp4″ image_src=”https:\/\/mermaidsbeyondborders.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/non-profit-04-1.jpg” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”8dac30a8-014b-4562-bf6e-14176c68d307″ hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” title_text=”Mermaids Beyond Borders | The Ocean Has No Borders” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Features” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”ac0a7fc5-06bf-4dc4-b107-0544819953ec” background_color=”gcid-ce695d38-7b45-4ff3-bae8-e54df8b6593b” locked=”off” collapsed=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-ce695d38-7b45-4ff3-bae8-e54df8b6593b%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”We Believe in A Collaborative Approach” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”cc57d527-31cf-4d89-af4e-194194d7ae22″ title_text_align=”center” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Ocean Conservation” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”2138de72-41f6-43a2-8256-c938ea53ba03″ background_color=”gcid-1f1b4e15-7cc6-4e13-8154-74d77a956460″ text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d7cd5a78-aaef-4f36-82a3-4d3706015cba%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-1f1b4e15-7cc6-4e13-8154-74d77a956460%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n We support hands-on and digital conservation initiatives that centre people alongside ecosystems, inspiring meaningful, community-led action to protect marine life.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Community Engagement” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”2138de72-41f6-43a2-8256-c938ea53ba03″ background_color=”gcid-4c79ba3d-a281-4fb6-9b14-02f9a4c793f2″ text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-d7cd5a78-aaef-4f36-82a3-4d3706015cba%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22link_text_color%22%93,%22gcid-1f1b4e15-7cc6-4e13-8154-74d77a956460%22:%91%22link_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22,%22link_text_color%22,%22quote_text_color%22,%22quote_border_color%22%93,%22gcid-4c79ba3d-a281-4fb6-9b14-02f9a4c793f2%22:%91%22background_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n We collaborate with schools, mentors, grassroots organisations, and youth communities to co-create change, amplifying voices that are too often unheard in marine spaces.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Education and Innovation” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”2138de72-41f6-43a2-8256-c938ea53ba03″ background_color=”#002256″ text_orientation=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Through adaptive learning, creative storytelling, and inclusive engagement, we reimagine how marine science is shared and who gets to access it.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Call to Action” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”ac0a7fc5-06bf-4dc4-b107-0544819953ec” locked=”off” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mermaidsbeyondborders.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screenshot-2025-07-15-172839.png” title_text=”Screenshot 2025-07-15 172839″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/mermaidsbeyondborders.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Tsian-doing-Boatwork-236×300.jpg” title_text=”Tsian doing Boatwork” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||0px|||” border_radii=”on|30px|30px|30px|30px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Real People. Real Impact.” _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”cc57d527-31cf-4d89-af4e-194194d7ae22″ custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.2″ _module_preset=”1ec979d0-4110-4b09-b16e-a299935578d7″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Mermaids Beyond Borders is built on the belief that connection creates change.<\/p>\n Our programmes centre culture, compassion, and community knowledge, whether through Ocean Sign Language, virtual exchanges, youth-led storytelling, or creative campaigns.<\/p>\n We create spaces where young people can confidently say:<\/p>\n \u201cThe ocean is mine to protect too.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n Because the ocean has no borders and neither should opportunity.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/mermaidsbeyondborders.org\/contact\/” button_text=”Donate Now” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”b49452db-986d-44c5-91b2-fea82cc38607″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" At Mermaids Beyond Borders (MBB), we believe the ocean connects us all, and that everyone, regardless of background, location, ability, or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to protect and connect with our blue planet. Founded by Marine Conservationist and Ocean Advocate Tsian Deslandes, Mermaids Beyond Borders was born from a simple but powerful question: “If the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n
They are social, economic, and human ones.<\/p>\n\n