Collaborative Neptune Project unites
science and art to tackle pollution crisis.
A creative initiative from the South
African Research Chair (SARChI) in Waste and Climate Change at the University
of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), dubbed the Neptune Project, is bringing together a
stellar team to use art to draw attention to effects of pollution on the
environment, and to convey ideas for solutions emerging from high-quality
scientific research conducted under the SARChI Chair.
The Neptune Project, which will be
officially launched in November 2019 during the Waste to Resources Summer
School at UKZN’s School of Engineering, is uniting artists, engineers and
experts in waste management and in the creative arts to explore innovative and
exciting ways to tackle waste and pollution, particularly the plastic pollution
plaguing South Africa’s oceans, through recycling and re-use. Through these
efforts, the project team also hopes to sensitise the public to the impact of
climate change on the environment.
SARChI Chair Professor Cristina Trois is
heading the initiative with a team that comprises International Waste Working
Group Southern Africa Regional Branch Manager (and Neptune Project coordinator)
Gisella Reale, Durban Green Corridors, and representatives from Durban-based
self-sustaining social enterprise Umcebo Design, namely Creative Director Robin
Opperman, Creative Consultant Jackie Sewpersad and Project Facilitator Cristina
van der Westhuyzen.
Umcebo Design is known for its creation of handmade
décor items and wall installations inspired by flora and fauna themes using a
range of materials, including recycled items.
The Neptune Project is part of the Green
UKZN Programme, a component of the institution’s Campus Master Plan that will
establish a platform of expertise to activate green projects and increase
student awareness through sustainability education across the five campuses,
mobilising its own experts to address the issues of water, energy and waste
facing the University and its surrounding communities.
The Neptune Project aims to create a
permanent art exhibition of recycled artwork at UKZN’s School of Engineering’s
Unite Building, highlighting the seriousness of problem of plastic pollution in
the oceans and the value of recycling at a community level. This will also
creatively communicate results of scientific research into managing waste as a
resource undertaken by UKZN’s School of Engineering. The first exhibits at UKZN
were unveiled in the presence of the Ambassador of Italy, Paolo Cuculi, and
UKZN’s new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Poku, on August 7, 2019, in
conjunction with a workshop on water, waste and energy for a sustainable
future.
‘We aim to use art as a form of
communication that goes beyond scientific language to inform people about what
the science community is doing about climate change issues, such as plastic in
the oceans,’ said Trois. ‘Through this project, we hope to reach out to unite
the people of South Africa in the fight against plastic pollution in the ocean
and in the environment, and to support scientific research.’
UKZN is driving the advancement of this
strategic and crucial sector. It recently launched the first coursework
Masters in Waste and Resources Management
through its School of Engineering, where postgraduate students from all over
the country will have the opportunity to specialise in research committed to
finding solutions.
For more information contact Facebook:
Robin Opperman; Umcebo Trust; Umcebo Design; The Intellectual Property Studio
Instagram: umcebodesign; robinoppermanart
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