Making the Invisible Visible

In a time of increasing environmental anxiety and hopelessness, we wanted to highlight positive examples and the power of nature to self-regenerate, but also not diminish the threats and the responsibility of individuals to become aware and contribute to the nature regeneration. The backbone of the project is the naturally occuring Island-Trapped Waves phenomenon and the local and scientific communities working in tandem in order to instate a specific protection zone. At the same time, the topic of protection inevitably brings certain restrictions, which can become cause for a clash of interests. Through the project, we are working to bring awareness to threats. A central focus is the proposed No Take zone in the area where the Island-Trapped Waves phenomenon has been scientifically documented. The campaign builds on the opportunities protection creates for ecological recovery and nature’s capacity to regenerate, while recognising the threats that can undermine its effectiveness: coastal construction, nautical tourism and sea traffic, rising sea levels, and overfishing. It creates a space for mediation between stakeholders whose interests and responsibilities may differ, including the scientific and artistic communities, fisheries, tourism, public authorities, and local residents. This dialogue addresses both the anticipated ecological benefits of protection and the practical effects of restrictions on those who use and depend on the sea, acknowledging that a No Take zone must be supported by wider efforts to address environmental pressures. By making these interdependencies and tensions explicit, the project encourages informed discussion about individual and collective responsibility, the distribution of benefits and burdens, and the conditions needed for effective and equitable implementation.