An unusual project to help the island of South Georgia stave off environmental threats using information technology as the weapon, has been mounted by researchers at the University of Dundee. Known as Project Atlantis, the venture will also make a major contribution to environmental studies in schools, providing a wealth of accessible images and data geared to the study of the subject.
Part funded by the South Georgia Government, the unlikely team of three - an artist, a designer and the former commander of the British Forces in the Falkland Islands - are developing a unique website dedicated to the care of South Georgia's fragile and fascinating environment.
Albatross, petrel and Macaroni penguin are among the rare species under threat in South Georgia and the South Atlantic region. Global warming, over exploitation of natural resources, illegal fishing and military activity have combined to endanger the delicate eco-balance of the area. Lack of knowledge and understanding of environmental conditions have compounded the problems and slowed the development of effective management policies. Now Project Atlantis aims to raise awareness by gathering the best available data on the islands, their wildife and environmental impact studies, adding to it with specially commissioned imagery and making it as widely available as possible.
Team leader Brigadier David Nicholls explained: "By creating this
environmental website and CD Rom, and informing a diverse audience
from fishing and tourism interests to explorers and government departments,
we expect to help prevent the destruction of the natural habitat and
safeguard the things that make this part of the world so very special."
David Nicholls and fine artist Elaine Shemilt have embarked on "Atlantis" following the success of the University's recent project with British Forces Falklands that rescued artworks in Ajax Bay and brought contemporary art to the military base at Mount Pleasant.
The team has already visited South Georgia on the Royal Navy ship HMS Endurance in November- December when they completed the first phase of research and data capture.
Elaine Shemilt: "It is an extraordinary privilege to visit this stunning natural wonderland to see at first hand the rare seabirds, fish, plants and unusual wildlife. With no permanent population and tiny numbers of visitors, the islands and their eco-riches are barely known or appreciated. We hope to change that without exposing them to the damage of overvisiting or exploitation.
"The project is attracting a great deal of interest and support from a
diverse range of bodies including the South Georgia Government, the
British Antarctic Survey, British Forces Falkland Islands, the Royal Navy, the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Royal Geographical Society, the
Scott Polar Institute, the Shackleton Trust and even a Falkland Islands
fishing company. The next step is to find sponsorship to employ two people full
time based at the University's Visual Research Centre at Dundee
Contemporary Arts, to build and develop the new Atlantis website. "/ends