Awareness and Direct Action Activities

Transmitting research and conservation to society

Through various actions and activities, the work carried out at the Oceanogràfic and that of its collaborators is disseminated, while at the same time raising awareness in society about the situation of the oceans, promoting small gestures to protect them.

Lines and campaigns

Direct action

This line encompasses actions that directly impact the conservation and improvement of species and natural environments, as well as the promotion of awareness in our society.

A block that covers various activities that can be carried out both inside and outside the Oceanogràfic facilities. These include releases of marine fauna, projects with native species, contests that merge art and science, beach cleanups, and the presentation of dolphins as resources and meeting points to connect with our visitors.

One of the most impactful activities carried out by the Oceanogràfic Foundation is the release of turtles recovered in the ARCA del Mar, both on the beach and from boats.

With this type of activity, the Foundation seeks to publicize one of the most emblematic conservation projects and involve society as a whole.
"The Sea Begins Here" campaign

This is the “The Sea Begins Here” awareness campaign, which takes place every summer between the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the National Network of inland and coastal Paradores, and has been active since 2018.

The objective is to disseminate sustainable practices and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the marine environment and natural surroundings. This collaboration results in the installation of informative panels in the 97 Paradores establishments in Spain and Portugal.

The campaign promotes responsible consumption and highlights the direct connection between our daily actions and the health of marine animals. By addressing the irresponsible consumption of single-use plastics, it is highlighted that 80% of marine litter originates inland. From cotton swabs and wipes to cigarette butts, packaging, and balloons, these items affect one hundred thousand marine animals each year.

This alliance focuses on communication and outreach activities, including the installation of information panels in hotels.

All these efforts contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 14 of the 2030 Agenda, dedicated to the preservation of underwater life.
"Turtles in the Mediterranean" campaign

The “We Save Turtles Here” campaign is materialized through the installation of more than 1,700 posters on street furniture in the coastal towns of the Valencian Community, Valencia Metro stations, Alicante Tram, and beach Paradores de Turismo.

This call to citizens seeks to inform bathers and travelers about the presence of sea turtles on the Mediterranean coasts. In the event of a sighting, the importance of calling 112 to activate the Stranding Network is highlighted, a collaboration between the University of Valencia, the Ministry of the Environment of the GVA, and the Oceanogràfic Foundation.

Since its inception in 2018, the “Turtles in the Mediterranean” campaign has experienced significant regional growth. Initially present in the towns of the Valencian Community, Region of Murcia, and Balearic Islands, the summer of 2023 marked a new milestone by expanding to Andalusia. Currently, 80 municipalities have joined the initiative, named “We Save Turtles Here”, consolidating the campaign as a joint effort along the Mediterranean coast.

This campaign receives continuous support from key players who share the commitment to marine conservation. The Ministry of the Environment of the Generalitat Valenciana, FGV, 112 Emergencias, Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, Fundación Azul Marino, Acuario de Sevilla, Universitat de València, and Global Omnium support it, consolidating an essential support network.

Crucial Commitment During Nesting Season:

The campaign acquires crucial relevance during the nesting season, when female sea turtles approach the beaches to lay their eggs.

At this time, it is essential to avoid any disturbance to these specimens. Citizen participation becomes a vital link for the conservation of this unique and emblematic species in the Mediterranean.