‘Niretta the Caretta’ Approaching Environmental Education and Awareness Creatively

Approaching Environmental Education and Awareness Creatively ‘Niretta the Caretta’

Introduction With environmental education established in the 1980s, late in the development of Greece’s education system, and still lacking to this day, it is essential for environmental NGOs to engage in activities targeted at schools, youth institutions, and the general public to help increase environmental consciousness.

According to the Eurobarometer survey: Most Greek citizens feel poorly informed about the environment compared to the average European (Special Eurobarometer 295 “Attitudes of European Citizens Towards the Environment” 03/2008). Greek citizens judge that the environmental situation in their country is negative, yet other European citizens express satisfaction about the environmental situations in their countries (Eurobarometer 70, 2008).

Paving the way for 2010 International Year of Biodiversity, MEDASSET conducted an electronic survey in the Fall of 2009 to assess the level of awareness in Greece regarding the loss of biodiversity.

The creative learning and awareness raising “Niretta the Caretta” project was launched in 2008 following the ongoing, successful “Small Garbage” campaign, launched in 1996, about the impact of small garbage on marine species. The overall vision of “Niretta the Caretta” is to approach sea turtle conservation in Greece with creativity and innovation.

The project aims to raise awareness about the endangered sea turtles, their habitats, the negative impact of humans on our environment, and the actions that each and every one of us can take in order to minimise impact on these species. To capture the imagination of young and old alike, MEDASSET joined forces with costume designer Inbal Gildin to create the turtle mascot, “Niretta.” The centre-piece of the project, Niretta's 'larger than life' charisma has been effectively conveying environmental messages through her immediacy and appeal.

Methods used: The “Niretta the Caretta” programme is targeted at primary and pre-school children with lessons lasting about an hour and a half. An experienced educator leads the children through various issues related to biology, dangers, and conservation of turtles by using such educational tools as storytelling, presentations, workshops, games, DVDs, music, leaflets, drawing, and of course, the mascot.

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“Return to Origin” was created in 2008 through the use of 2D and 3D computer animation to serve as a television Public Service Announcement and to target audiences of all ages in Greece and other Mediterranean countries. Its powerful environmental message is communicated through high aesthetics and depicts the devastating effects human behaviour has on our planet and the challenges humanity faces to preserve life on earth, in just 30 seconds! In 2008 and 2009 it aired on all national television stations in Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. The animation stars a sea turtle that takes us on its life's journey showing the perils it faces on its marine and terrestrial ventures: Coastal development, fisheries interaction, boat collision, intentional predation and pollution are taking a toll on this charismatic inhabitant of our seas and oceans.

Objectives: a)

Increase knowledge and understanding of sea turtles, other related species and their habitats

b)

Increase awareness of the immediate bond between humans and the future of the world's fragile ecosystems

c)

Refresh and reinvigorate attitudes toward the environment

d)

Engage and involve (the proactive approach)

e)

Encourage live participation in learning and capacity building

f)

Build a visible and appealing emblem of sea turtle conservation efforts, accompanied by information provision of the most recent research

g)

Present environmental conservation to the public through creative, fresh, and innovative ideas

Awards In May 2008, the ‘Niretta the Caretta’ project received the 8th Mediterranean Honorific Award in Spain, for an Awareness Raising project that relates to the environment and sustainable development. The award was granted by Μediterrania CIE and the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO ECSDE). The selection criteria were viability, originality, planning and social interest of the project.

Conclusions “Niretta the Caretta” proved to be most successful in raising awareness in children, youth, and adults. The impressive mascot is often invited to appear at various events, such as award ceremonies, street festivals, and plays and has become a symbol of environmental protection in Athens (Greece).

Much like “Niretta”, the animation “Return to Origin” is very versatile. Although originally created to serve as a TV PSA, it has been shown at film festivals throughout the world, making the most of all opportunities to influence to different groups. To celebrate World Turtle Day 2009, Greek company “Tram S.A.” launched its screening on all vehicles in Athens and as a result, the animation was viewed by approximately 2

65,000 passengers daily for a period of two months! In May 2010 MEDASSET will hold a photo exhibition at the Athens International Airport where the film will be viewed by an estimated 1,000 visitors daily for two months.

MEDASSET’s creative approach to education and public awareness has resulted in two impressive and unique sea turtle symbols that leave no one, especially children, unenthused. At one school in particular, the students were so inspired that with the help of their very dedicated teachers went on to create their own sea turtle stop-motion animation.

References “The Mediterranean Sea, A Source of Life” Environmental Education Kit MEDASSET, The Hellenic Children’s Museum, Kaleidoscope Publishing

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