Coinciding with World Nature Protection Day, the Oceanogràfic of Valencia has today submerged a time capsule in the shape of a diving suit in one of its aquariums, where it will remain until the year 2030. The container, designed by the Valencian artist Ana Docavo , contains within it more than a thousand wishes for the conservation of the seas and oceans from visitors to the center in the last year.
In eight years, the capsule will be opened again to determine whether it has fulfilled its purpose of serving as a witness to the "collective commitment" towards environmental protection and marine sustainability. The initiative is part of the "Decade of the Oceans 2020-2030", coordinated globally by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and is part of “The Tide of Change”, a cycle of scientific dialogues and participatory activities that has been Made in collaboration with Frosch, a brand of ecological cleaning products for the home.
Both the participants in the conference series and the visitors to the Oceanogràfic have been depositing their messages in two categories: "What should we do to protect our seas?" and "What do we want our ocean to be like in the future?" Alicia Borque, disseminator of the Oceanogràfic Foundation, has highlighted the importance of society's participation: "We need the collaboration of each individual to achieve our marine conservation objectives. A small change in our daily habits can make the significant difference we seek" .
For his part, José Espín, general director of Frosch, has praised the initiative of the Oceanogràfic Foundation and has highlighted the importance of acting now and not waiting until 2030. "Our company is an example of responsible consumption, demonstrating that we can live in a sustainable without harming our environment".
The capsule, before its immersion, has been closed by the students of the Special Education classroom at the IES Andreu Alfaro in Valencia, who have added their last wishes for a prosperous environment. Immediately afterwards, two Oceanogràfic divers deposited the capsule at the bottom of the aquarium, where it will be guarded by marine animals until its opening in 2030.
