About scientific communication, which is anything but dry, and the super power of wetlands
Mission to Marsh: Ann Christin Kornelsen turns science into a film
Marshes are mystical places, often depicted in literature and mythology as ominous landscapes. Yet they are fascinating and highly complex ecosystems of inestimable value to the planet, since they can store up to five times more CO₂ than forests. However, their reputation is not very sexy and their existence is under threat. That's what Ann Christin Kornelsen, a researcher specialising in marshes, is trying to change. With ‘Mission to Marsh’, she is bringing scientific communication straight to the big screen.
Marshes: facts about these marvellous wetlands
Peatlands cover around 3 to 4% of the world's land surface and are responsible for storing 30% of the soil's carbon. Peatlands play an important role in the water cycle, filtering and storing water, providing clean water and preventing flooding. They are home to unique species and are of great cultural importance to communities around the world.
Some miraculous facts:
- Some peat bogs grow cacti, which are actually champions of drought.
- Moss is over 90% water - but we can walk on it.
- Moss is both dead and alive - the lower layers die and form peat, while the upper layers continue to photosynthesise.
- Before the German Purity Law, beer was brewed from the Moor-Gagel bog plant.
The main function of peat bogs today is to store carbon. While intact peatlands fix huge quantities of CO₂, drained peatlands release harmful greenhouse gases. Kornelsen makes it clear that protecting and restoring peatlands is one of the most effective measures for combating climate change.
About Am(o)ore ... The foundation of Mission to Marsh
Ann Christin Kornelsen became aware of the ecological importance of the marshes during her studies, but also about the fact that nobody was talking about them. ‘Marshes have an image problem, which makes it even more difficult to communicate about them’.
During the pandemic, Ann Christin met Alexander on a Tinder date. He: a marketing expert in search of more meaningful work- she: a scientist in search of the right words. A few dates later, they live together… and found Mission to Marsh. Their goal: to spread knowledge about the wetlands, prevent their destruction and encourage people to protect them. To make the importance of the marshes more tangible for the public, Ann Christin Kornelsen and Alexander came up with the idea of bringing their research journey to people through a cinema film. But how the film should be financed?
‘I said to myself: if they believe in us, we can do it!
They pitched their idea to regional sponsors and the fashion brand Patagonia and won both as sponsors. What followed was a collaborative movie shoot, interviews with researchers from different countries, minivan rides through the swamps, and a positive pregnancy test. Contrary to the medical prognosis, Mother Nature surprised the couple by giving them a child, Robin. And so, this month, the movie premiered unexpectedly with the three of them.
‘We're happy to welcome anyone who wants to see the film and support the marsh projects."
Ann Christin Kornelsen and her team have a clear message: peat bogs need protection - and for that they need society's support.
You can submit film proposals on the website. If you would like to support the restoration of a wetlands near you, you can also contact Mission to Marsh.
And what does this have to do with fashion?
As always, each theme is spiced by a short fashion story. The cattail is one of the plants that thrives best in marshy areas. Its fibres are perfect as a vegan alternative to down in winter jackets. The Ponda BioPuff® jacket is one example. Peat's insulating and anti-inflammatory properties are also exploited in mattress textiles and functional clothing.