Exploring the Emotional Connection to the Seas this Decade: How Digital Seascapes Foster Real-world Activists
The Hydrous, a non-profit organisation on a mission to connect 10 million learners to the ocean by 2030, is revolutionising ocean education with its innovative approach to learning. Through projects like AR Reef, Immerse 360, and Explore VR, The Hydrous offers educational opportunities for students, teachers, and ocean enthusiasts, making the ocean more accessible and transforming participants into marine scientists [1].
Dr. Erika Woolsey, marine biologist and Chief Scientist & CEO of The Hydrous, emphasises the importance of human connection through meaningful ocean experiences. By leveraging cutting-edge virtual experiences, The Hydrous aims to remove physical and social barriers that often separate people from the sea [2].
One of the key initiatives by The Hydrous is the Decade of Ocean Empathy, an initiative aimed at fostering ocean literacy and empathy by using immersive technology and virtual reality to create powerful, interactive ocean experiences [1]. This initiative allows people to virtually swim with sea creatures like sea turtles and manta rays, making ocean conservation personally meaningful and emotionally engaging through these immersive encounters [1].
This immersive approach helps bridge the gap between humans and marine environments by simulating real, compelling underwater experiences that are otherwise inaccessible to most people. The Decade of Ocean Empathy promotes ocean empathy by using virtual reality and immersive tech to simulate close encounters with marine life, enhancing ocean literacy by offering interactive, educational experiences, and cultivating a direct emotional connection to ocean ecosystems, fostering a conservation mindset [1].
In addition to its virtual dives, The Hydrous has also developed the Learning Expedition Kit, designed for middle school students and introduces coral biology and ocean stressors [3]. The podcast, 21st Century Mermaids, launched in 2021, highlights the career paths of women marine scientists and advocates and is available on Spotify [4].
The Hydrous' Decade Action is the Decade of Ocean Empathy, a global effort that mixes science, storytelling, and immersive technology to make marine life accessible to everyone [5]. The organisation provides resources to learn more about the Decade of Ocean Empathy, including a webpage, newsletter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and AR Reef and IMMERSE 360 [6].
The Decade of Ocean Empathy addresses two Ocean Decade Challenges: Skills, knowledge, technology, and participation for all, and Restore society's relationship with the ocean [7]. The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet and provides over half of the oxygen we breathe, feeds millions, drives the global economy, and regulates our climate [8]. The Hydrous' goal is to create "open access oceans" and promote understanding of the marine environment through engaging and fun activities [8].
By fostering empathy for the ocean, The Hydrous aims to transform ocean indifference into ocean advocacy, playing a crucial role in protecting our planet's most vital resource.
References: 1. The Hydrous 2. The Hydrous 3. The Learning Expedition Kit 4. 21st Century Mermaids 5. The Hydrous 6. The Hydrous 7. UN Ocean Decade 8. NOAA Ocean Service
- The Hydrous, by promoting ocean literacy and empathy through immersive technology and virtual reality, aims to inspire a lifestyle of conservation, bridging the gap between home-and-garden dwellers and the underwater world, transforming people into environmental-science advocates for ocean conservation.
- Leveraging technology like AR Reef, IMMERSE 360, and Explore VR, The Hydrous' Decade of Ocean Empathy stimulates a sense of connection and understanding of the ocean, encouraging people to delve deeper into the science behind marine life and technology's role in ocean conservation.
