Telemach: Happy Sea – from environmental action to cultural storytelling

In partnership with DIH Innovamare and the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Happy Sea brings together expertise from telecommunications, maritime innovation, and scientific research, creating a multidisciplinary approach to marine protection and environmental awareness.

In an era where sustainability is increasingly becoming a shared responsibility across society, the Happy Sea project stands out as an example of how purpose-driven communication can evolve into measurable environmental and social impact, supported by strong cross-sector collaboration between industry, science, and innovation .  The project is implemented with the support of Telemach, leveraging the potential of its advanced 5G network, which has enabled technological development in marine innovation, including the launch and operation of the autonomous vessel Faust V. This dimension of technological enablement brings a new layer to environmental initiatives, demonstrating how connectivity and innovation can actively support sustainability goals.

In partnership with DIH Innovamare and the Ruđer Bošković Institute, Happy Sea brings together expertise from telecommunications, maritime innovation, and scientific research, creating a multidisciplinary approach to marine protection and environmental awareness.

What began as a focused environmental initiative has developed into a broader platform combining ecological action, education, technology, and cultural engagement. To date, the project has implemented five major underwater and coastal clean-up actions, resulting in the removal of 7 tons of waste from the seabed. These efforts have contributed directly to marine ecosystem preservation while also highlighting the scale of underwater pollution and the importance of continuous, collective action.

Alongside its environmental activities, Happy Sea has placed a strong emphasis on education. Through interactive workshops and community programs, more than 200 children have been educated about marine conservation, responsible waste management, and the importance of protecting natural resources. By engaging younger generations, the project fosters long-term awareness and encourages sustainable habits from an early age.

Building on these foundations, Happy Sea is now entering a new phase through its expansion into cultural programming. The introduction of a theatre performance for children in continental Croatia marks a significant evolution of the project’s reach and format. By bringing the story inland, away from its natural coastal context, the project reinforces an important message: the responsibility for protecting the sea extends beyond coastal communities and belongs to society. Through storytelling and performance, environmental topics are translated into an accessible and emotionally engaging format, enabling broader public connection and understanding.

The impact of Happy Sea has also been recognized by the professional communications community. The project has received the Grand PRix Award for Social Impact and Sustainability from the Croatian Public Relations Association (HUOJ), one of the most respected industry acknowledgements in the region. In addition, it has been nominated for the Global PRWeek Awards in London, positioning it among internationally recognized communication initiatives with strong societal relevance. These recognitions further confirm that communication projects grounded in purpose, consistency, and cross-sector collaboration can deliver both tangible environmental results and meaningful societal impact. From removing waste from the seabed, to educating children, enabling innovation through 5G connectivity and autonomous maritime technology, and now extending its message through theatre, Happy Sea continues to develop as a platform where environmental responsibility meets science, technology, culture, and communication. Following the removal of 7 tons of waste from the seabed and the education of over 200 children, the project moves forward with the same mission and even greater momentum – to raise awareness, inspire action, and contribute to a more sustainable future.