The end of the sea?
Challenge
According to rough estimates, up to 12.7 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans every year. There, it causes immeasurable and sometimes irreversible damage to wildlife and entire ecosystems. From floating islands of rubbish of unimaginable proportions to tonnes of bottles, plastic bags and other waste found in the stomachs of fish and marine mammals, plastic is one of the greatest global threats to the ocean habitat.
However, this problem is particularly difficult to grasp for countries without access to the sea.
With this campaign, the Haus des Meeres wants to raise awareness among its visitors and encourage them to recycle or avoid plastic products. Without measures to protect the vital marine ecosystem, there will be more plastic than fish in the sea by 2050!
An effective statement for environmental protection.
Solution
The campaign uses a holistic, experience-oriented and participatory approach to educate people about the dangers of ocean pollution. The wall of the Haus des Meeres, which normally depicts a colourful and intact ecosystem, was strikingly ‘flooded’ with plastic waste, thus becoming not only a venue but also a stage for interaction.
Visitors, especially children and their parents, were encouraged to remove pieces of plastic and learn more via a QR code. By combining experience, interaction, education and sustainability, a comprehensive and effective statement for marine conservation was created.
‘With this intervention, we are generating awareness for climate change without producing a single poster or other printed material.’
Wien Nord Serviceplan
‘The installation on the mural in front of the Haus des Meeres is intended to illustrate the situation in our oceans and encourage people to rethink their own actions.’
Creative Director
Wien Nord Serviceplan
Key Takeaways
#1
Making abstract topics tangible.
#2
Don't shy away from polarising topics.
#3
Interactive awareness training for young and old.
