#ProtectOkefenokee
saving the largest blackwater swamp in North America from mining
the Okefenokee Swamp is under threat from mineral mining companies getting dangerously close to the swamp
440,000 acres of wildlife reserve, 2 times the size of Miami, that has been protected since the 1930s
stores 28 million tons of carbon dioxide in its centuries-old peat deposits
Twin Pines Minerals wants to mine Titanium Dioxide near the swamp. this could cause irreversible drop in water levels
threat to 200 species of birds, 40 types of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles
85+ scientists have shown that mining poses serious threats to the swamp and could destroy its ecosystem
one of the most biodiverse areas in the US and one of the seven natural wonders of Georgia
the mission
the Georgia River Network, on behalf of the Okefenokee Protection Alliance, a coalition of more than 30 organisations aimed to emphasize the Okefenokee Swamp's historical, cultural and environmental importance to Georgia as a biodiversity hotspot and store of more than 28 million tons of CO2.
the coalition wanted to spread awareness about the threat to the Okfenokee Swamp by Twin Pines LLC’s intention to mine dangerously close to the swamp.
mining will risk water levels dropping and hence, the potential collapse of the ecosystem that thrives there. it could also unleash emissions equivalent to a quarter of Georgia's annual CO2.
The campaign was timed with the public comments period for mining permits - where local citizens and civil bodies are invited to comment on whether or not the licenses should be issued.
how we spiced it up
citizens from Georgia and across the US sent dozens of emails directly to lawmakers and publicly expressed strong support to protect the swamp.
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we ran a multi-week campaign targeting dozens of key stakeholders involved with the Okefenokee Swamp. from conservation groups to civil bodies to tourism authorities, to journalists, to finally, the lawmakers & the local Environmental Protection Agency responsible for issuing the permits.
we ensured that the messaging of each call to action was carefully crafted hand in hand with the advice of the Georgia River Network to ensure the campaign gets bipartisan support.
each action reiterated a resounding message - the Okefenokee Swamp is a cultural icon that Georgians will relentlessly protect from destruction.
the impact
mass awareness for Okefenokee Swamp led to a UNESCO World Heritage designation, which is helping delay mining permits being issued
public awareness, media attention and corporate support not only helped the swamp get the UNESCO designation, it made the prospect of industrial activity in the area all the more unpopular and unlikely.
organisations like DrawdownGA recognised the importance of the swamp in Georgia's net zero goals and supported its' preservation.
together, we delayed permit decisions by Senator Brian Kemp and the local Environmental Agency, potentially preventing 28 million tons of CO2 emissions (1/4 of Georgia's CO2 emissions) being released into the atmosphere and protecting diverse wildlife.
the fight continues for the Okefenokee Swamp and we will keep pushing until the permits are denied.
add fire to your campaign with chilli
