Danube Delta
This body of work looks into the eco systems of the Romanian Delta, in particular highlighting the natural habitat that must remain in order to attract the migratory birds – a key to ensuring that endangered species continue to thrive. The key to developing a stable environment lies beneath the surface. Water hyacinths threaten to kill and suffocate the fish population, however, weevils are hard at work controlling the plant growth and keeping the eco-system stable.
This work is currently large scale paper sculptures, in which laser cut shapes of plants, hyacinths, fish and pelicans are used to create sculptural forms reminiscent of sprouting seed structures.
Why are the natives losing? The Invasion of the Water Hyacinth!
The Danube delta provides a critical refuge for several globally threatened species. It is home to about 330 bird species, including 70% of the world’s white pelican population and 60% of the world’s pigmy cormorants. The delta is home to a remarkable population of glossy ibis, spoonbill, different species of egrets and herons. Most of the European freshwater fish species (around 70 species) exist in the delta.(World wildlife Fund Organisation)
The effect on the environment through the introduction of invasive species and the consequences of human development, tourism and fishing have changed the natural balance of the Delta.
Pollution, damming, industrialisation, agriculture, livestock, and urban settlements disrupt the fragile ecology of the delta. Over-exploitation of birds, frogs, and introduction of exotic species constitute other significant threats. Recent human conflicts in the Danube basin have also had negative impacts on this eco-region. (wwf.org)
One of the major threats to the Danube Delta is water hyacinth. As stated by the World Wildlife fund.
“The presence of water hyacinth most likely resulting from human impacts, was observed. Considered one of the worst aquatic weeds in the world, it is a fast growing plant with populations known to double in as little as 12 days. Infestations of the weed block waterways, limit boat traffic, swimming and fishing, and prevent sunlight and oxygen from penetrating the water surface. Shading and crowding of native aquatic plants can dramatically reduce biological diversity in aquatic ecosystems. “Its properties and competitive power may be a considerable threat to oxbow and still water systems in the Danube floodplains if further warming continues.” (wwf.org)
At present, my investigation into the Romanian Delta system has focused on how the problem with water hyacinth can be alleviated; in particular highlighting the natural habitat that must remain in order to attract the migratory birds.
Water hyacinth is known to have a suffocating effect; thus the key to keeping a more stable environment lies beneath the surface. The change in the oxygen levels of the water has serious consequences for the balance of underwater life. Excess water-weeds kill and suffocate the fish population, however, weevils are hard at work controlling the plant growth and keeping the eco-system stable.
The fragile nature of the eco-system is paralleled through the use of a delicate medium and structure in the paper sculptures. Laser cut shapes of plants, hyacinths, fish and pelicans are used to create sculptural forms reminiscent of sprouting seed structures and allude to images of growth through association with plant buds and roots. The use of repetitive imagery through joined paper shapes echoes cloning methods, prevalent in scientific experimentations used in regeneration methods.
This work is currently large scale paper sculptures, in which laser cut shapes of plants, hyacinths, fish and pelicans are used to create sculptural forms reminiscent of sprouting seed structures.
Why are the natives losing? The Invasion of the Water Hyacinth!
The Danube delta provides a critical refuge for several globally threatened species. It is home to about 330 bird species, including 70% of the world’s white pelican population and 60% of the world’s pigmy cormorants. The delta is home to a remarkable population of glossy ibis, spoonbill, different species of egrets and herons. Most of the European freshwater fish species (around 70 species) exist in the delta.(World wildlife Fund Organisation)
The effect on the environment through the introduction of invasive species and the consequences of human development, tourism and fishing have changed the natural balance of the Delta.
Pollution, damming, industrialisation, agriculture, livestock, and urban settlements disrupt the fragile ecology of the delta. Over-exploitation of birds, frogs, and introduction of exotic species constitute other significant threats. Recent human conflicts in the Danube basin have also had negative impacts on this eco-region. (wwf.org)
One of the major threats to the Danube Delta is water hyacinth. As stated by the World Wildlife fund.
“The presence of water hyacinth most likely resulting from human impacts, was observed. Considered one of the worst aquatic weeds in the world, it is a fast growing plant with populations known to double in as little as 12 days. Infestations of the weed block waterways, limit boat traffic, swimming and fishing, and prevent sunlight and oxygen from penetrating the water surface. Shading and crowding of native aquatic plants can dramatically reduce biological diversity in aquatic ecosystems. “Its properties and competitive power may be a considerable threat to oxbow and still water systems in the Danube floodplains if further warming continues.” (wwf.org)
At present, my investigation into the Romanian Delta system has focused on how the problem with water hyacinth can be alleviated; in particular highlighting the natural habitat that must remain in order to attract the migratory birds.
Water hyacinth is known to have a suffocating effect; thus the key to keeping a more stable environment lies beneath the surface. The change in the oxygen levels of the water has serious consequences for the balance of underwater life. Excess water-weeds kill and suffocate the fish population, however, weevils are hard at work controlling the plant growth and keeping the eco-system stable.
The fragile nature of the eco-system is paralleled through the use of a delicate medium and structure in the paper sculptures. Laser cut shapes of plants, hyacinths, fish and pelicans are used to create sculptural forms reminiscent of sprouting seed structures and allude to images of growth through association with plant buds and roots. The use of repetitive imagery through joined paper shapes echoes cloning methods, prevalent in scientific experimentations used in regeneration methods.