Octopus, an association founded in August 2019 in Strasbourg, stands out for its commitment to protecting the oceans, despite its geographical distance from the sea. Its goal is to raise awareness, clean up and preserve the oceans, with a particular focus on protecting coral reefs and reducing plastic waste.

The name ‘Octopus’, which refers to the octopus, symbol of the ocean, is also a play on words, representing the conjunction of eight co-founders. The initial goal was ambitious: ‘To bring the issue of coral reef protection to Strasbourg,’ explains Lola. In 2019, the association set up an experimental reef in Corfu, enabling seahorses to return to the Mediterranean. However, the public response in Strasbourg, where the ocean seems a distant reality, was more mixed at first. ‘At first, people smiled when we talked about oceans in Strasbourg, but little by little, attitudes have changed.’ Today, after five years of activity, the association enjoys growing support and is regularly called upon for its awareness-raising activities.

Concrete and innovative actions for ocean preservation

One of the key aspects of Octopus’ work is its desire to raise public awareness of the links between land-based waste and its impact on the oceans. Indeed, ‘80% of the waste found in the sea comes from rivers, which means that the inhabitants of Strasbourg have a direct responsibility.’

One of Octopus’ flagship projects is the recycling of plastic waste through the Precious Plastic initiative. This movement, which originated in the Netherlands and is now active in eastern France, recycles plastic waste into useful objects. The association is the only representative of this initiative in the region. Citizens are invited to participate by bringing their plastic waste and using specialised machines in an experimental laboratory called Octolabo, located in Strasbourg. These machines transform plastic into reusable objects, thereby helping to reduce pollution.

In addition to plastic management, Octopus also fights against hydrocarbon pollution. Animal hair is used to absorb up to eight times its weight in hydrocarbons. This low-tech, simple and effective method has great potential to help treat oil spills and other hydrocarbon-related pollution. By raising public awareness of this untapped resource, Octopus is demonstrating that it is possible to contribute to the preservation of the oceans through simple solutions that are accessible to all.

The impact of citizen action and fun awareness campaigns

One of Octopus’ strengths is its ability to make its actions accessible to a wide audience, regardless of age, background or level of environmental involvement. ‘We want to reach everyone, from children to adults, families to people who are unemployed.’ The association organises a variety of workshops, ranging from creating recycled objects to fun awareness-raising events.

For example, the activity using biodegradable glitter, used to address the issue of microplastics and their impact on health and the environment, has been a great success. Participants, young and old alike, have their faces painted with glitter, while learning about the environmental issues behind this seemingly harmless act. The association reaches both adults and children, particularly during events such as festivals and school visits.

Active education and local and European partnerships

Octopus has developed original educational tools, such as the game Re-Cycle le plastique, which helps people understand the life cycle of plastic waste, from its creation to its recycling. The game, based on a giant domino system, is designed to be understandable by everyone, without text, but through explanatory visuals. This fun approach makes it possible to educate all types of audiences, including the youngest, in an interactive and guilt-free way.

Octopus’s activities also extend to the European level, where the association collaborates with other organisations, notably the brand Si Si La Paillette, which specialises in biodegradable make-up. These partnerships help to strengthen the impact of local actions and create links between awareness-raising in Strasbourg and initiatives at the European level.

A European reach and local roots

The Octopus association is not limited to actions in Strasbourg, although the city is its base. ‘We are active at both the local and European levels, particularly through Erasmus+, by sending young people abroad.’

In addition to its concrete projects, Octopus is also involved in international summits, contributing to discussions on water protection, environmental legislation and the structuring of public policies related to the oceans. Octopus is part of the Octopus Network, which brings together 43 countries around the world. This global network enables the association to collaborate with other ocean protection actors on a global scale.

The importance of law in ocean protection

During her research, Lola became aware of the importance of coral for the planet’s balance. ‘The oceans absorb up to 50% of carbon dioxide, and it is thanks to ecosystems such as coral reefs that this absorption is possible.’ This discovery led her to question the legal protection of coral. ‘Coral is a hybrid between an animal, a mineral and a plant, but legally it is very poorly protected.’ There is a legal vacuum surrounding its protection, especially when compared to other animals. The association is therefore working to fill this legal void by developing concrete solutions and raising awareness of the legislation.

Lola also mentions the importance of legislation, even though, in her view, responsibility cannot be left solely in the hands of governments, businesses or citizens. ‘Responsibility is shared equally: one third by citizens, one third by governments and one third by businesses. If one of these actors fails, ocean protection will not be effective.’ She emphasises that legislation, although important, must be followed by concrete measures in order to have a real impact.

Art as a lever for awareness

Art plays a central role in Octopus’ awareness strategy. The association uses artistic media to popularise the scientific issues surrounding ocean protection. ‘Beauty attracts attention. We are more likely to believe something that is visually appealing, even if the information that accompanies it is not necessarily as attractive.’ That’s why Octopus has collaborated with graphic designers, underwater photographers and artists to develop fun educational tools.

Citizen transition: action at all levels

Octopus aims to give everyone the means to take action, regardless of their age or background. ‘The idea is to raise awareness of the green and blue transition by implementing concrete and accessible actions. We offer a space where everyone can come together, whether they are interested in education, producing recycled objects or taking action on the ground.’

The aim is to make citizen action accessible. « It’s not up to one single player to solve the problem. We need collective action and solutions that are accessible to all. Everyone can contribute in their own way, » he concludes.

With Octopus, every action, whether small or large, local or international, is part of a global movement to preserve the oceans. The association reminds us that, even if we live far from the sea, we all have a role to play in protecting our planet.