In the heart of COP28’s Green Zone, an extraordinary art installation is creating a buzz – a swarm of handcrafted origami bees in vibrant yellow. By Day 5 of the climate conference, over 500 individuals have pledged their commitment to environmental preservation through this interactive artwork, aptly named SWARM.
Crafting Pledges for Collective Impact
The atmosphere around SWARM pulsates with determination, as visitors are invited to create their miniature origami bees and inscribe personal pledges to nature. These pledges, symbolising the collective power of individual actions, are then integrated into the sculpture, demonstrating how many hands can collaboratively drive positive change.
A Symbolic Home at Expo City
Once COP28 concludes, this collective masterpiece will find a lasting home at Expo City within the Terra Pavilion. Origami artist Leonie Bradley, a member of the Royal Society of Painter-Printmakers, UK, shares her excitement, revealing that the installation has already grown from the initial 900 origami bees to an impressive 1,400, with the public continually contributing.
From Neonicotinoids to Playful Activism
Bradley draws inspiration from her collaboration with the University of Bristol in 2018, where she explored the effects of neonicotinoid pesticides on bumble bees’ circadian rhythm. Seeking to communicate complex scientific concepts in a playful manner, she emphasises the need for a cultural shift alongside scientific solutions to address the climate crisis.
Empowering Change through Art
Bradley believes that the act of crafting origami bees transports individuals to a different mental space, prompting reflection and conversation about intricate scientific topics. The installation serves as a catalyst for awareness and conversation, encouraging people to question the origins of plants and sparking a dialogue about the use of pesticides.
Bee The Change Campaign and Global Initiatives
Representing the Bee The Change campaign, Bradley aligns with the Trillion Bees coalition, a science-led initiative mobilising billions of people and raising funds to support projects preserving bees, protecting habitats, and fostering biodiversity. SWARM serves as a beacon for global movements committed to safeguarding pollinators.
Pledge Station – Personal Commitments to Nature
Visitors at the art installation take a moment to honour and protect the environment by making personal pledges at the dedicated Pledge Station. Each signature represents a vow, with heartfelt messages ranging from reducing carbon footprints to advocating for sustainable practices.
Voices from the Pledge Station
Individuals from diverse backgrounds share their pledges, emphasising the significance of the installation. From UAE nationals committing to personal sustainability initiatives to global citizens vowing to be responsible stewards of the planet, the Pledge Station becomes a focal point for shared environmental commitments.
In conclusion, SWARM emerges not just as an art installation but as a powerful symbol of collective responsibility and commitment to environmental stewardship. As COP28 progresses, the swarm of origami bees continues to grow, echoing the collective will to Bee The Change our planet urgently needs.
