THE 14TH ANNUAL SHORTY AWARDS

The Shorty Awards honor the best of social media and digital. View this season's finalists!

Special Project

Special Project
From the 8th Annual Shorty Impact Awards

The Open Water Project

Bronze Honor in Event & Experiential

Objectives

Mastercard and Octagon collaborated with the environmental platform for two of the most prestigious golf events in the world to raise both awareness and funds for the Priceless Planet Coalition (PPC) reforestation programs. The joint effort, known as The Open Water Project, targeted the more than 300,000 attendees of The Open and AIG Women's Open. Through promoting small acts, the project allowed these golf fans uncomplicated ways to engage with and support the cause while enjoying the historic sporting event.

The R&A, organizers of The Open and AIG Women's Open, and Mastercard have worked together snce 2021 on a shared vision that desires to transition to low carbon solutions and recognizes reforestation as a significant carbon offset opportunity. In its third year, The Open Water Project continues its sustainability journey with a global impact where everyone can play a part.

Launched in January 2020, Mastercard's Priceless Planet Coalition unites the efforts of consumers, finanicial institutions, merchants, and cities to fight climate change through the restoration of one hundred million trees over five years - together with climate science and forest restoration experts Conservation International (CI) and World Resource Institute (WRI). Mastercard seeks to improve upon the positive environmental effect on this initiative by adding a certified reforestation programme, and by bringing a range of marketing assets to enhance visibility and awareness of this platform.

Strategy and Execution

The Open Water Project educated and motivated golf fans to get involved through several avenues including phased content, merchandise, influencer integrations, media coverage and fundraising.

Short-Form Content:

 

Influencer Engagement:             

Reduction of Waste:

 

 

Donation Mechanisms:

The Open Water Project promoted a £1.50 donation as the approximate cost of planting a single tree as advised by Conservation International, the planting partner behind the programme.

 

 

 

Results

The Open Water Project has made great strides during the overall collaboration by planting approximately 80,000 trees in total and saving approximately half a million water bottles since 2020.

In 2023 alone, The Open Water Project at The Open and AIG Women’s Open yielded the following results:

 

 

 

 

 

Media

Entrant Company / Organization Name

Octagon, Mastercard

Links

Entry Credits