By DIVE Staff
*** Update: due to technical problems the storytelling workshop has been delayed until 6pm BST, Friday 13 September ***
World Manta Day is on 17 September and the Manta Trust is inviting people to celebrate manta rays, and raise awareness of the threats they face, through this year’s theme – ‘The Power of Storytelling’.
The charity will also be holding a Facebook Live conservation storytelling workshop on Wednesday, 11 September in a joint collaboration between the Manta Trust and conservation and education group, Ocean Culture Life
‘The Power of Storytelling emphasises the pivotal role that storytelling plays in manta ray conservation,’ said a spokesperson for the charity. ‘We believe each anecdote paints a picture, each story resonates, and every narrative can echo the urgent cry for safeguarding the world’s magnificent manta rays.
‘Join us as we celebrate compelling narratives and heartwarming journeys that can be the beacon of hope manta rays desperately need. Every story counts – let’s let them be heard!’
To get started with the storytelling theme the Manta Trust and Ocean Culture Life’s exclusive conservation storytelling workshop on 11 September will be co-hosted by the Manta Trust’s media and communications manager and marine scientist, Jasmine Corbett; and writer, artist and activist, Francesca Page.
Members of the public can send manta-related questions in advance to info@mantatrust.org. The workshop will run between 1800 and 1900 hrs on 11 September.
Several visual stories have been made available on the Manta Trust’s YouTube channel, including stories following manta conservation teams in Ecuador, Makunudhoo Maldives, North Maldives, the Caribbean and New Zealand.
The Manta Trust has also created a new collection of downloadable resources, including social media posts and posters, which are available on the World Manta Day Website.
The Trust says it recommends sharing the media on social media platforms, as well as using them in public spaces to promote World Manta Day.
Join the conservation storytelling workshop
