In this course, you'll immerse yourself in the marvels and complexities of our planet's most crucial asset—the ocean.
Case Study 1: Developing the Seabin OCEAN HEALTH course
Context
A Seabin is a floating rubbish bin designed to be installed in marinas, ports and yacht clubs. Seabins filter 500 million litres of water and remove over 3.6 tonnes of marine litter from our waterways and oceans every day. Seabin Foundation works in collaboration with the existing fleet of Seabins around the world, to take action as a result of monitoring plastic pollution. Seabin Foundation data is used to tell a story about the local priorities to reduce plastic pollution, and collated to amplify awareness of the issue and report to the community, empowering and inspiring change for a cleaner, better future.
Behavioural change and better education is required to turn off the tap of plastics making their way into our oceans. Seabin Foundation deliver solutions through education to progress global behaviour towards cleaner oceans, helping support the world’s biodiversity.
Earthed were appointed by Seabin Foundation to design and deliver an Ocean Health course to inspire students as change-makers, empowering proactive understanding and strategic action for the health of waterways, and the oceans. The requirement was to provide a resource for education that is accessible by anyone, anywhere, and thereby to progress humanities behaviour towards cleaner oceans, ambassadorship, mentorship programs, and ocean conservation career pathways.
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Designing the Course and Responding to Identified Needs
Our content development process was a collaborative effort involving marine biologists, environmental scientists, and a range of conservation organisations to ensure both accuracy and relevance. We focused on crucial topics such as ocean ecosystems, pollution, plastic waste, overfishing, and conservation strategies. The course was structured to be engaging and informative, incorporating interactive modules, videos, and quizzes.
Stakeholder input and comprehensive research were integral to addressing the most pressing issues. Feedback from conservation organisations helped us fine-tune the material. Recognising the need to cater to a younger audience, we developed an additional version of the course tailored for children aged 10-16. This version was designed based on direct input from young learners, ensuring it was both accessible and engaging for this age group.
Connection Between Practitioners
We identified partners by leveraging our extensive network within the environmental and marine conservation sectors and by recognising key contributors to educational materials on ocean health. Prominent organisations such as Sea Shepherd, the Jane Goodall Institute, The Ocean Cleanup, and Ocean Generation were chosen for their expertise and active involvement in ocean health initiatives.
We integrated existing video content from these organisations to enhance the course’s depth and relevance. To ensure our objectives were aligned and that the content reflected the latest developments and best practices in marine conservation, we conducted regular round-table discussions. These discussions allowed us to share insights and keep the course up-to-date with the most current and effective conservation strategies..
Growing Stakeholders
To effectively promote the Ocean Health Course and grow our stakeholder base, we leveraged the extensive networks and large followings of our course partners. By collaborating with renowned NGOs such as Sea Shepherd and The Ocean Cleanup - with their combined millions of followers - we tapped into their established audiences across Australia. Additionally, we utilised the support of Ocean Heroes in the UK, who funded the course and helped expand our reach internationally. To integrate the course into school curriculums, we strategically partnered with Take 3 for the Sea, ensuring that our educational materials reached students and educators nationwide. The development of an additional version of the course tailored for younger participants (ages 10-16) enabled us to introduce the course into primary schools and engage a younger audience growing our stakeholder base.
A comprehensive marketing campaign was developed, featuring engaging content, social media promotions, and strategic outreach to key stakeholders. The campaign culminated in a launch event, garnering significant attention and support. This multi-faceted approach amplified our promotional efforts and solidified our relationships with key partners, driving the growth and impact of the course. Additionally, corporate partners integrated the course into their staff training programs and promoted it within their networks, significantly broadening the course's reach and impact. These partnerships enhanced employee engagement in sustainability efforts and fostered a culture of environmental responsibility within their organisations, furthering our mission to educate and inspire individuals on ocean conservation.
Ocean Graduates Community
Upon completing the Seabin Foundation Ocean Health Course, participants become part of the Ocean Health Graduates community. This vibrant network fosters continuous dialogue, enabling graduates to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for ocean conservation. Through this community, members can exchange ideas, find inspiration, and collaborate on projects that promote marine health.
The Ocean Health Graduates community also serves as a platform for leadership and personal development. Graduates have access to mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, and avenues for higher education in environmental science and marine conservation.
Pathways Post-Course to Foster Future Ocean Advocates
Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certificate of achievement and gain entry into a network of inspiring organisations committed to ocean conservation. This network offers numerous opportunities for continued engagement, including volunteer opportunities worldwide, avenues for higher education, and mentorship programs.
Feedback
The Ocean Health Course has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, highlighting its significant impact on both individual learners and the broader community. Graduates have praised the course for its comprehensive and engaging content, noting that the interactive modules and practical activities have deepened their understanding of ocean health issues. Many participants have reported increased confidence in their ability to advocate for marine conservation and implement sustainable practices in their daily lives.
