Greenpeace UK has collaborated with Aardman, the animators behind Wallace and Gromit, to get the word out about its petition for a global ocean treaty.
Using a delicate mix of Aardman humour tinged by deep emotion, Greenpeace wants to hit home that six out of seven sea turtles species are currently threatened with extinction. To protect them from the risk of extinction, it is calling on people to sign a petition that would, in effect, create a global network of ocean sanctuaries to protect the turtles' homes.
In a similar vein to Greenpeace's historic 'Rang-tan' campaign, the NGO is relying on animation to draw attention to a reality that isn't common knowledge.
'Turtle Journey' stars some famous voices, including Olivia Coleman, Dame Helen Mirren and Stranger Things' David Harbour, alongside Game of Thrones’ Bella Ramsey, Downton Abbey’s Jim Carter and comedian Ahir Shah.
The stop-motion animation tells the poignant tale of a turtle family returning home after visiting the grandparents.
As they make their way home, they pass seascapes that are under increasing threat from climate change, plastic pollution, oil drilling and overfishing.
When the turtles finally make it home, they find their neighborhood is at the receiving end of a massive bulldozer that is working its way towards it.
“Our oceans are in crisis, with six out of seven sea turtle species threatened with extinction. Aardman's global popularity and distinctive blend of humour and emotion can bring this message to people around the world, spurring bold action to protect the oceans," said Louisa Casson, oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK.
She added: “Governments have an opportunity to take action at the United Nations this year when they meet to agree on a new Global Ocean Treaty. A strong treaty would pave the way for a global network of fully protected ocean sanctuaries, placing 30% of the world’s oceans off-limits to exploitation by humans and giving marine species such as turtles a chance to recover and thrive.”
