In a world facing unprecedented environmental challenges, the Royal Geographical Society will host an extraordinary event on Friday, October 22nd, 2021. Two iconic figures, Sir David Attenborough and Professor E.O. Wilson, will engage in a conversation as part of Half-Earth Day, an initiative that advocates for the preservation of half the Earth's land and sea to maintain biodiversity.
At the heart of this event stands a powerful symbol, an image of a Wood's Cycad carved in stone, reaching a majestic 9 meters in height. This tree, native to South Africa, is the last of its kind in the wild, echoing the plight of many species teetering on the brink of extinction. This poignant reminder of nature's vulnerability is both a call to action and a testament to the resilience inherent in the natural world.
Portland, situated on the Jurassic Coast, adds a layer of significance to this conversation. The island is an essential international site for cycad fossils, connecting the present to a time when these plants thrived during the Jurassic period. The Wood's Cycad stands as a living fossil, embodying the fragility and endurance of Earth's biodiversity.
The inscription on the trunk of the cycad carries profound words spoken by HRH Prince Philip in 2014. As the Royal Patron of the project for the last decade of his life, Prince Philip's words serve as a rallying cry for collective responsibility toward the environment. The rest of the inscription, crafted in collaboration with school groups on Portland, becomes a call to action directed at world leaders convening at COP26 in November and the UN Biodiversity Summit in China in the coming year.
What sets this artistic and environmental endeavor apart is the collaboration with the youth of Atlantic Academy on Portland, Dorset. These young minds are not mere spectators; they actively contribute to the project's message. Their involvement in creating over 700 'mason's marks,' which will appear beneath the inscription, reflects a hands-on approach to environmental education.
Individual mason's marks, traditionally used by stonemasons as a unique signature, are repurposed here to signify unity and collective responsibility. These marks, designed by the children of Atlantic Academy and St. George's Primary School, add a personal touch to the project. The multitude of marks collectively represents a diverse chorus of voices advocating for the preservation of our planet.
Eden Portland https://edenportland.org/, the creative force behind this initiative, brings together a talented team led by founder Sebastian Brooke and stonecarver Alex Evans. The Wood's Cycad, with its inscription and mason's marks, transforms into a living testament to the intersection of art, conservation, and education.
As the two giants of biodiversity, Sir David Attenborough and Professor E.O. Wilson, engage in conversation, the live London audience, including the young participants from Atlantic Academy, will witness a visual masterpiece unfold behind them. The high-resolution image of the cycad, with the inscription and mason's marks, will serve as a backdrop, emphasizing the urgency of the message conveyed.
Eden invites everyone to participate in this monumental project. By creating your own mason's mark and sharing it on social media, you become a part of a global movement advocating for environmental stewardship. The collaborative effort extends beyond the physical carving; it resonates in the digital realm, creating a virtual tapestry of shared responsibility.
For schools eager to contribute, Eden P. extends an invitation to submit mason's marks. Contact Seb for a pack, and any marks received by Friday, November 5th, will find a place on the walls of the mine. The collective effort of schools worldwide will be showcased through a high-resolution CGI image, published during COP26, amplifying the message of environmental conservation to a global audience.
This remarkable project wouldn't be possible without the support of various entities. Grateful thanks are extended to Dorset LEP, Sue Lyons, Albion Stone, DBOX, Weymouth College, Emily Young Sculpture, and the dedicated staff and students of Atlantic Academy and St. George's Primary School, Portland. Their collaboration highlights the power of community and collective action in addressing the pressing environmental challenges of our time.
In conclusion, Portland's Wood's Cycad project is a beacon of hope, showcasing the potential for collaboration between art, education, and environmental advocacy. As the world grapples with the urgent need for conservation measures, this initiative stands as a testament to the power of collective action and the enduring resilience of the natural world. The Wood's Cycad, with its inscription and mason's marks, becomes a living testament to the intricate dance between humanity and the environment, urging us all to take responsibility for the precious speck of the universe we call home.
Wood's Cycad project emerges as more than just a striking sculpture; it symbolizes a collective commitment to environmental conservation, education, and the crucial role of the younger generation in shaping our planet's future. Sir David Attenborough and Professor E.O. Wilson, the stalwarts of biodiversity, provide a guiding light in a conversation that transcends generations, urging us all to take heed of our impact on the delicate balance of nature.
The Wood's Cycad, standing tall and solitary, mirrors the urgent reality faced by countless species on the brink of extinction. Yet, it also serves as a beacon of hope, echoing the resilience of the natural world and the power of collaborative efforts. The inscription, featuring the words of HRH Prince Philip and the voices of school groups from Portland, carries a poignant message that resonates not only within the walls of the Royal Geographical Society but also across global platforms.
As the mason's marks, crafted by the hands of enthusiastic school children, adorn the sculpture, they embody the unity required to address the environmental challenges of our time. The diverse marks, like a mosaic of aspirations, represent a shared commitment to preserving the unique speck of the universe we all call home.
Portland's invitation for global participation, especially from schools worldwide, underscores the universal significance of this initiative. By submitting their own mason's marks, students from different corners of the world contribute to a symbolic tapestry, illustrating the interconnectedness of all living things.This project's success is a testament to the collaborative spirit fostered by Eden and the unwavering support from various organizations and communities. The involvement of Dorset LEP, Sue Lyons, Albion Stone, DBOX, Weymouth College, Emily Young Sculpture, and the students and staff of Atlantic Academy and St. George's Primary School, Portland, reflects a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
As the high-resolution CGI image is unveiled during COP26, the global audience will witness not just a sculpture but a call to action. The Wood's Cycad stands as a living reminder that we are custodians of a delicate and intricate web of life. The message echoes far beyond the walls of the Royal Geographical Society, reaching leaders at COP26 and the UN Biodiversity Summit.
In the grand tapestry of life, each mason's mark, whether carved in stone or shared on social media, becomes a thread contributing to the narrative of a sustainable future. The Wood's Cycad invites us to reflect on our role in the preservation of biodiversity, reminding us that every action, no matter how small, has the potential to create a profound impact.
As we celebrate the culmination of this remarkable project, let the Wood's Cycad be a lasting reminder of the power inherent in collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to the well-being of our planet. In the face of global challenges, may it inspire us all to become stewards of this fragile yet resilient speck of the universe we call home.