nature based solutions at the heart of the flats
case
For over 60 years, World Wide Fund (WWF) has been a driving force for nature conservation. Being the world’s largest environmental organisation, they are active in 100 countries. We were honoured to have been given the chance to create a large video campaign for them.
We were asked by the WWF to create an animated film to promote their efforts of Nature–Based Solutions in two large conservation zones in Zambia: The Kafue Flats and The Lukanga Swamps.
An assignment like this makes us want to go the extra mile. That’s why we did not spare any expense or effort to design something that tickles your brain and makes your heart race.
In exchange for full creative freedom, we took the project on our own expense to a higher level. Our biggest challenge, among many others, was to explain these complex Nature-Based Solutions and the effects of it in a compelling narrative. A narrative where nature and humanity are at the base. The most important target group: local and national legislators. We took it upon us to inform and persuade them of the importance of Nature-Based Solutions.
To connect the narrative with the target group we first performed some in-depth research on the region, local habits, government structure, political sensitivities, and much more. After this we shaped the story and wrote the script together with animation film director Douwe van der Werf.
The Kafue Flats en the Lukanga Swamps are vital components of a natural system that regulates water levels in and around the Kafue River, taking care of a stable energy and water supply for millions who rely on agriculture in the Kafue Flats.
With climate change accelerating, periods of extreme rainfall and droughts are becoming more common and unpredictable. This leads to destructive floods, failed crops, and starvation of the population of Zambia. Finding a solution is not easy. It takes time and a long-term vision where the health and sustainability of the natural system is at the centre.
WWF is working together with organisations like Voices for Just Climate Action and the Red Cross to provide more information to the public and to stimulate local political commitment to implement Nature-Based Solutions.
And we are proud of the result. After many hours of research, writing and animating with a 6-headed team including WWF NL, WWF colleagues, Douwe and our own team, we came to a visual piece that moves.
