The Challenge
Raet National Park, a unique marine-dominated protected area on Norway's southern coast, is home to rich ecosystems like eelgrass beds, kelp forests, and glacial moraine formations. Despite its protected status, the park faces increasing pressure from human activities. Communicating the importance of marine protection in ways that resonate with diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to fishers and the general public, remains a challenge, particularly when most of the park lies hidden beneath the ocean surface.
The Project
Commissioned by Agder Fylkeskommune, GRID-Arendal is producing a short animated explainer video to communicate the purpose, process, and participatory nature of the "Bevar Raet" initiative. This collaborative project, involving Agder Fylkeskommune, Arendal, Grimstad, and Tvedestrand municipalities, has engaged a wide range of stakeholders through the SeaSketch mapping tool to explore user interests and propose future protection measures for the park. The animation will highlight this inclusive approach and make the story accessible ahead of Arendalsuka 2025.
Our Transformative Approach
The animation blends compelling visual storytelling with clear, inclusive narration in Norwegian. It draws on data and personal testimonies collected through SeaSketch, bringing voices from commercial and recreational users into the narrative. The video uses creative direction and participatory communication to reflect GRID-Arendal's values of transparency, co-creation, and evidence-based decision-making. It also showcases how digital tools can support democratic marine governance.
Why It Matters
This explainer video is more than a communications product, it is a tool for public engagement, policy transparency, and environmental stewardship. By helping viewers understand the complexity and significance of marine spatial planning, it encourages active participation in conservation efforts. As a resource released during Arendalsuka, Norway's largest democratic meeting place, it will reach decision-makers, stakeholders, and the public at a pivotal moment in the project's timeline.
Region: Southern Norway
