The TerraMar Project
The TerraMar Project was a nonprofit organization founded by Ghislaine Maxwell in 2012. Its stated mission focused on ocean conservation and building awareness of the high seas as international territory.
The Organization’s Activities
TerraMar organized events, spoke at the United Nations, and networked in environmental and international affairs circles. Maxwell was a credible public face for environmental advocacy given her connections and public profile.
The UN Connections
Maxwell represented TerraMar at the United Nations, where she gave presentations on ocean policy and conservation. This gave her legitimate access to international diplomatic and NGO networks.
The Credential Function
Critics noted that TerraMar served, at minimum, a dual purpose: genuine ocean advocacy and a vehicle for Maxwell’s social rehabilitation. With Epstein allegations beginning to circulate more widely, having an identifiable public role gave Maxwell a form of institutional cover.
The Shutdown in 2019
The TerraMar Project was abruptly shut down in July 2019, within days of Epstein’s arrest. The timing Maxwell likely knew arrest pressure was building was noted by observers.
Assets at Closure
The organization appeared to have few physical assets. Questions arose about where the funds it had raised had been spent.