Conservation International's Great Turtle Race
Geoff Thiessen — April 19, 2007 — Social Good
References: conservation.org
Now non-profit organizations are joining the reality media space with Conservation International's "The Great Turtle Race". The organization, which aims to increase ecological conservation, will used custom made satellite tracking devices to track eleven turtles as they race from Costa Rica to the Galapagos Islands. The race's humorous motto is "They are going faster than you think" and the organization is supporting the event with an website showing the race progress, educating users, and creating a small social network to follow the event. They've also got a turtle mascot "Mr. Leatherback" (interesting nickname). I don't know about you but I'm cheering for "Stephanie Colburtle" (even though it's a shameless ploy to get a mention on his show).
Trend Themes
1. Eco-entertainment - Non-profit organizations are leveraging new media formats and gamification to promote ecological conservation through unique events like 'The Great Turtle Race'
2. Satellite Tracking Devices - The development and use of customized satellite tracking devices offer opportunities for innovative ecological research and wildlife conservation efforts
3. Social-environmental Awareness - Increasing public awareness of ecological issues through engaging social media campaigns such as 'The Great Turtle Race' is key to promoting sustainable practices and generating support for conservation efforts.
Industry Implications
1. Non-profit - Non-profit organizations can use new media and gamification techniques to engage audiences and promote advocacy for environmental conservation and sustainability efforts
2. Wildlife Conservation - Innovative technologies such as satellite tracking devices and social media platforms can be used to better understand and protect wildlife populations
3. Media and Entertainment - New media formats and technologies can offer engaging ways to promote social-environmental awareness and generate support for eco-related causes and initiatives
1.7
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
