Sonar is a think-tank, advocacy and research organization that explores human relations with the more-than-human world. We recognize that dolphins and whales, being charismatic and inquisitive species with cultures of their own, can reveal and help resolve the logical inconsistencies in ways modern human culture perceives our ecological and interspecies relations. Our goal is to promote increased understanding and compassion toward other animals, other nature, and our own species.
We believe that a diversity of approaches, considerations and tactics is necessary in order to effectively achieve our stated goals. Sonar’s various scientific, educational, advocacy, art and interspecies community-building projects incorporate the foundational ideas outlined below:
- A shift in dominant Western cultural framing of the world is necessary.
- We recognize the existing rights and intrinsic worth of nature and individuals of all species.
- We support multi-species communities, both coastal and land-based, in which humans share land, air and seascapes with other species collaboratively and with mutual respect.
- We find no justification for using cetaceans or other animals as instruments or objects of commerce, entertainment, or invasive research.
- We are demonstrating that ecological and interspecies relations and research can, and should, be dictated by terms other than domination and submission; and instead embrace terms of collaboration, partnership and reciprocity.