Let’s save the Baltic Sea, before we lose it #GodzinaDlaBaltyku

Contact: Magdalena Melaniuk

Earth Hour 2021

“What if the Baltic Sea we know can only be seen in a museum?” says the host of Poland’s Who wants to be a Millionaire?, Hubert Urbański. For Earth Hour 2021, WWF Poland took a trip into the future, guided by Urbański,  via a virtual museum of the Baltic Sea. The campaign was to raise awareness about the threats to the Baltic Sea and to collect signatures for a petition setting out specific actions to tackle overfishing and bycatch, eutrophication and the implementation of marine protected areas.

The audience moves through the virtual space of an imaginary museum set in the future, filled with exhibits related to the sea. In the background we hear the chorus of the unforgettable hit of the great Polish diva, Irena Santor, There are no wild beaches anymore. Projected onto sculptures of a seashell, a porpoise, a cod, a fishing boat and a sand castle, that were created in 3D technology, we see footage filmed decades ago at the Polish seaside.  Together, we reminisce about the things we associate with the Baltic Sea –  sunsets, jumping in the waves, playing in the sand, collecting shells, and the picturesque sight of fishing boats at sea.

“Save the Baltic Sea, before we lose it is a campaign that reminds us about the personal experiences and emotions that are universal for people who spend their holidays at the Polish seaside. At the same time, we present the perspective of losing what we all know and love. There is hope for a better future if we act in solidarity,” says Magdalena Melaniuk, WWF Poland. One such action is to sign the petition. Over 50,200 signatures have been collected on www.godzinadlaziemi.pl, with more continuing to roll in which will be given to the Polish government to show public support for the Baltic Sea.

Insta ready

Since 2007, Earth Hour has drawn its power from the people. This year was no exception. Throughout March, #GodzinaDlaBałtyku (Polish for Baltic Hour) went viral on Instagram. Everyone could share a sentimental photo from the Baltic Sea, tag it, and encourage others to both do the same and sign the petition. The action was a huge hit with celebrities, influencers, companies and regular users of Instagram joining in. There were over 1,000 posts with our hashtag on the feed and ten times as many in Instastories. See the highlights here.

For the finale, an unusual illumination appeared on the most important building in Warsaw. The projection of the surging sea occupied the facade of the Palace of Culture and Science. Images remind us that we can lose places dear to our hearts.

This article is part of the WWF Baltic Newsletter – May 2021