11/19/2024
As Disney's Moana 2 prepares to grace theaters on November 27, it’s not just the story of a spirited voyager charting her own path that has audiences buzzing. This time, the iconic animated adventure teams up with the National Geographic Pristine Seas initiative and the Polynesian Voyaging Society to spotlight a critical mission: safeguarding the world’s oceans and empowering real-life Moanas around the globe.
The Ocean’s Call: A Global Connection
Accompanying the film’s release, an all-new featurette reveals how the ocean unites cultures, inspires joy, and serves as a lifeline for countless communities. This short film dives into the symbiotic relationship between humanity and marine life, urging viewers to appreciate and protect the waters that sustain us.
📽 Watch the Featurette:
YouTube
The collaboration with National Geographic's Pristine Seas brings weight to this campaign, amplifying efforts to preserve vital marine ecosystems. Since its inception in 2008, Pristine Seas has spearheaded initiatives to create 29 marine protected areas, safeguarding over 6.8 million square kilometers of ocean. These "national parks of the sea" are a testament to what’s possible when science, local communities, and government entities unite for conservation.
“When marine life thrives, the ocean gives back abundantly,” says Pristine Seas leader Enric Sala, reflecting the ethos that underpins this partnership.
Navigating the Way: Honoring Polynesian Traditions
Moana's journey wouldn’t be complete without the wisdom of traditional wayfinding—a nod to Polynesian culture's incredible legacy of ocean navigation. Through its partnership with the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Disney celebrates this ancient art form, showcasing its relevance in the modern world.
Long before the advent of compasses or GPS, Pacific Islanders journeyed across vast seas using stars, ocean swells, and natural signs to guide their way. This craft, central to Moana’s story, faces the threat of obscurity in a rapidly modernizing world. Yet, the Polynesian Voyaging Society is reigniting interest in wayfinding through its legendary canoe, Hōkūleʻa, which has traversed nearly 300,000 miles in service of cultural revival and ocean advocacy.
As part of its Moanauiākea Voyage, Hōkūleʻa will continue a circumnavigation of the Pacific, uniting Indigenous leaders, scientists, and educators to foster global action for ocean conservation.
Disney’s Legacy of Conservation
Disney’s dedication to environmental stewardship is nothing new. Under its Disney Planet Possible initiative, the company has invested in creating a healthier planet for people and wildlife alike. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has directed over $125 million to conservation projects across 40+ countries and all five oceans.
The fund supports grassroots programs that protect marine life while educating communities about the importance of sustainability. From coral reef restoration to initiatives that empower local fishers, Disney’s conservation work exemplifies its belief that small actions can create monumental change.
Answering the Call
Moana 2 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a call to action. Whether it’s through preserving marine habitats, honoring ancestral knowledge, or fostering a connection to the natural world, this campaign reminds us that we all have a role to play.
“When we protect the ocean, we preserve our stories, our cultures, and our future,” says Disney’s spokesperson for the initiative.
Ready to make a splash? Visit NatGeo.com/AnswerTheCall to learn how you can support ocean conservation and join this wave of change.
With Moana 2, Disney doesn’t just bring joy to audiences—it inspires a movement. So grab your tickets, embrace your inner explorer, and help chart a course toward a brighter, bluer future.