In contrast, Indigenous communities have always shown a deep reverence for nature, presenting an alternative viewpoint.
They perceive humans as integral elements of nature’s web, promoting a life in harmony rather than dominance.
Their wisdom lights the way towards genuine sustainability and mutual respect.
Doug Aitken x Parley x Underwater Pavilions, Catalina Island, California 2016
The theme for this year acts as a thoughtful nudge to reconsider our bond with the natural realm.
Embracing this theme, we seek to alter the prevailing narrative.
It involves recognising our non-superiority to nature and understanding that exploiting our environment is not just erroneous but unsustainable.
Cyrill Gutsch, portrait by Eric White
Partnering withParley, a leading global environmental organisation, was a natural progression for us.
Their primary mission revolves around repurposing human-made materials, transforming them into both functional and aesthetically pleasing products.
This goal is supported by a broad environmental education initiative that bridges educators, experts, and the youth.
Beach clean up campaigns
Parley started 12 years ago in a meeting with Captain Paul Watson of Sea Shepherd.
He was arrested in Germany, and I was there visiting.
That was such a shock, especially since nobody was discussing it.
Ocean Beauty
The initial idea was to create peace.
The idea was to push the creative community to the center of a revolution, a material revolution.
And that is the direction we are still working towards.
Doug Aitken x Parley x Underwater Pavilions, Catalina Island, California, 2016
How do you describe Parley’s approach to tackling these challenges, and what makes it unique?
At Parley we aim to be a web connection, a collaboration space that is rapidly transforming the economy.
Parley is all about collaboration.
Clean Waves sunglasses – plastic recycling process
The concept of being fear-driven as a society and clinging to old technology is outdated.
Our approach to operating businesses is vision-based, driven by new technologies and materials.
Nature is true high tech.
Dior Men’s Parley beachwear capsule, 2023
And its something that we need to work with rather than against.
Which is what we are doing now with all of our partners and creative collaborators.
What do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?
Photo by Chrisian Miller.
The environmental movement is so visual now.
We have learned over decades from cinematic films and imagery how the future of humanity could look.
And now we are actually living in it and now it’s time to switch.
Beach clean up campaigns
Switch from fear to vision and empowerment.
It’s about human survival.
Could you elaborate on the power of visual media in driving environmental consciousness and action?
Visual media and film especially are key to evoking emotion and driving forward the new and the innovative.
A majority of environmental issues we are facing today are because of corporations.
you’re free to protest and not buy their products, but this is difficult.
We depend on the products that they make but we know that they are destroying our planet.
To help them innovate new products and materials.
And invest in a new business model by investing in nature.
At Parley we believe that community solutions are essential.
Since 2015, we have activated 1 million participants in cleanups and education programs across 57 countries.
Photo by Chrisian Miller.
Looking ahead, what new initiatives or areas of focus is Parley exploring to further its mission?
Now we are trying to push it further.
To go back to nature.
I think the main thing to understand is that innovation is not just one road.
It’s an open process.
Thats the beauty in it and that’s the danger.
Failure can actually be the biggest success.
I have always found inspiration in failure.
When things fall apart, theres space for the new and an urgent opportunity to rebuild.
I truly believe we are at a turning point in the story of humankind.
We need to reconnect to nature, and actually talk to one another.
Together is the only way we can do that.
Its the only way forward.
The more you learn and the closer you look, you see that all of nature is interconnected.
The threats we are facing impact every living species on this planet.
For environmentalism to break through its echo chambers, we need everyone.
At this point, collaboration is a survival imperative.
