IMO unveils new PSSA exhibition display by Coracle

IMO (the International Maritime Organisation) has unveiled a new, permanent exhibition display, which was designed and developed by learning and development specialist, Coracle for IMO’s Headquarters in London.
The multi-faceted exhibit showcases the wonders of Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs) - areas that need special protection because they are deemed vulnerable to damage by international maritime activities or are of significance for recognised ecological, socio-economic or scientific reasons.
The aim of the display is to educate IMO’s audience about the issues and challenges facing sea areas and to highlight the significant contribution that has been made to environmental protection through IMO’s PSSA scheme.
The display combines physical exhibition stands with engaging digital content for people to browse on interactive, touch screens. It is supported by a website at pssa.imo.org ensuring the content is accessible to all.
Designed to appeal to a broad audience, ranging from members of the public to mariners and policy makers, the exhibition, interactive touch-screens and website draw the viewer in with an intuitive structure and impressive imagery including huge seascapes, coral reefs, sea life and coastlines. A giant, wall mounted map of the world locates the 14 PSSAs to help orientate people quickly.
Coracle used its experience in developing inspiring and engaging learning materials to create content that connects people with the sea and the environmental issues IMO is tackling.
Commenting on the project, James Tweed, MD, Coracle said:
“As committed advocates of open and social learning, we are delighted to see IMO embracing such a holistic approach to engaging and educating their audience. With access to a wealth of appealing visual content at IMO’s disposal, we have brought the sea, in all its shapes and forms, to life and created what I believe is a highly accessible, visual and informative display, both online and offline.”
Speaking at the launch, IMO Secretary-General Koji Sekimizu said the new display would serve as a continual reminder and a celebration of the substantial contribution that has been made to environmental protection through IMO’s PSSA scheme, which currently protects 14 PSSAs around the world.
Mr Sekimizu continued:
“More than that, I hope that it will galvanise further efforts to identify, and protect more of these special areas throughout the world. I believe that progressing the concept of PSSAs fits perfectly with the work we have already instigated to identify and implement sustainable development goals for the maritime transport sector, as IMO’s own contribution to the United Nations-led work on sustainable development goals and the wider efforts of the United Nations arising from Rio+20.”
Source: Coracle