Unveiling the Source: WWF Hungary’s "Danube is more than you think" campaign

"Danube is more than you think" campaign

Unveiling the Source: WWF Hungary’s "Danube is more than you think" campaign

Last summer, WWF Hungary embarked on a crucial Citizen Awareness survey along the Danube. A goal was to understand how residents living near the river perceive this vital waterway. The results were illuminating, revealing a significant gap in public knowledge. While many appreciate the Danube's beauty, most were largely unaware of the concept of ecosystem services – the incredible benefits nature provides us. Even more striking was the widespread lack of understanding that a portion of their drinking water originates directly from the Danube.

This eye-opening data became the catalyst for WWF Hungary's latest social media initiative: the "Danube is more than you think" campaign. Launched on WWF Hungary's Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels, this campaign aimed to bridge that knowledge gap and connect people more deeply with their water source.

A key component of the campaign was a vox pop video. We hit the streets of Budapest, asking everyday citizens if they knew where their drinking water came from. The responses, often surprising, highlighted the very disconnect our survey had identified.

Beyond the video, we developed a series of static, emotionally resonant content designed to engage a general audience. These visuals and messages aimed to foster a sense of appreciation and responsibility for the river. To further empower our audience, we also created an interactive quiz. Participants could test their knowledge about the relationship between drinking water and the Danube, while also receiving valuable educational insights about the Restoriver project and the broader importance of protecting living rivers.

The "Danube is more than you think" campaign is more than just an information dissemination effort; it's a call to action. By understanding the intricate link between the Danube and our daily lives, particularly our drinking water, we hope to inspire greater appreciation and a stronger commitment to the protection and restoration of this magnificent river. Because when you know what you drink, you truly understand what's at stake.