MARE at EXPO 2025 in Osaka

The MARE Foundation participated in the Japanese Sea Day celebrations, organized by the Polish Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka. EXPO is not only about exhibitions and fairs – it is also a platform for global dialogue on ecosystem protection and the future of our planet.

Every year, on the third Monday of July, the Japanese celebrate Umi-no Hi, or Sea Day. Japanese identity and culture are deeply connected to the sea, so it’s no surprise that this day is recognized as a national holiday and a day off work. Umi-no Hi is an opportunity to express gratitude to the sea for all its blessings and to hope for its continued favor in the future.

This year, the Polish Pavilion at EXPO 2025 in Osaka also participated in the Sea Day celebrations, and the MARE Foundation was invited to take part and help co-create the event.

One of the central points of the Sea Day celebrations was the “One Voice for the Sea” conference. The event was opened by Arkadiusz Marchewka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, followed by an international panel discussion moderated by Olga Sarna. Participants included representatives from the Portuguese Pavilion – Tiago Pitta e Cunha (Oceano Azul), Saudi Arabia – Dr. Hamed Albalawi (SFDA, KAUST), and Japan – Yusuke Saraya (Honorary Director of Blue Ocean Dome). The panelists represented various sectors, bringing diverse perspectives on marine protection and resource management, which reinforced the conviction that collaboration – both international and cross-sectoral – is crucial to effective marine ecosystem conservation.

Additionally, during the conference, the MARE Foundation presented its initiatives for the protection of the Baltic Sea. Olga Sarna spoke about projects carried out in collaboration with scientists and cultural and sports institutions (including the ECOMARINAS project), educational initiatives (such as the EKO-BOTY project), numerous collaborations with artists supported by the foundation, and engaging businesses in marine conservation efforts. During the conference, representatives from the Gdynia Maritime University and the Szczecin University of Technology also presented Poland’s activities in Baltic Sea protection.

The official opening of Sea Day at the Polish Pavilion was accompanied by the photography exhibition “Traces on the Water” by Karol Tomaszewski. The photographs were taken during a voyage aboard the STS Generał Zaruski as part of the ECOMARINAS project. The exhibition, which tells a story of humility toward the sea and human impact on its future, served as a starting point for discussions on marine protection and sustainable sailing.

The ECOMARINAS project is an initiative of the Gdańsk Sports Center, implemented with partners from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, and Germany, and co-financed by the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021–2027. It represents a joint response from four Baltic countries to the challenges of protecting the Baltic Sea, sailing, and marina management. Together, we are creating a network of eco-marinas – places that are friendly to nature, water, and people.

We know that the Baltic Sea is unique – and exceptionally sensitive. Sailing and marina infrastructure can negatively impact the ecosystem if not managed sustainably. That’s why ECOMARINAS analyzes, educates, and takes action – bringing together multiple sectors, from local authorities and municipalities to marina operators, research institutions, and NGOs, as well as collaborations with sailors and the artistic community. This project is an example of how local initiatives can have a global impact. At EXPO, we demonstrated that international collaboration around aquatic environments is both possible and necessary.

Another highlight of the event was the immersive art installation “Into the Baltic Depths”, presented at the Polish Pavilion and created in collaboration with Polish artists. It took visitors to the Baltic Sea and its depths, engaging multiple senses and encouraging a moment of pause. It invited reflection, reminding us that to fully experience nature, our mindfulness is essential.

The installation consisted of several elements carefully designed to make visitors feel a sense of unity with the sea. The film, created by Krystian Bielatowicz, showcased the beauty of the Baltic Sea in its authentic form – all visual materials were recorded above and below the water surface, creating a hypnotic experience. For the music, Krzysztof Topolski used underwater sounds of the Baltic Sea recorded with a hydrophone. The scenography, designed by Linda Lemon, imitated the seabed and Zostera marina seagrass meadows and was made from old clothes and ghost nets, following an upcycling approach. The choice of materials was intentional – prompting reflection on overproduction, consumption, and the exploitation of Earth’s resources. Additionally, a subtle scent of seaweed and saltwater filled the air.

Collaborating with artists and using art to convey eco-friendly messages allows us to create communication that reaches deeper – directly into the viewer’s imagination. It is there that curiosity and sensitivity to beauty are born. And it is exactly these qualities that we need to protect nature.

We are proud to have been part of the Sea Day celebrations at EXPO, and we can’t hide that we were a little envious of the Japanese for having such a wonderful holiday – we could use a national celebration of the beauty of the Baltic Sea too!