Ocean waste sculpture highlights 'plastic crisis'

Undated handout photo issued by artist Daniela Raytchev and Darwin200 of a sculpture inspired by Mattel's Dr Jane Goodall Barbie doll, called "All of Me", made entirely from recycled ocean plastic collected by Darwin200's team along the coastlines of Brazil and UruguayPA Media

The artwork of inspired by the Barbie doll of Dame Jane Goodall is made from recycled ocean plastic

A sculpture made from recycled ocean plastic inspired by a Barbie doll of Dame Jane Goodall is to go on show and put "the spotlight on the plastic crisis".

The work by Slovakian-Bulgarian artist Daniela Raytchev, called All Of Me, will be unveiled on tall ship Oosterschelde at Tower Bridge Quay, in central London, later.

It is part of celebrations to mark the ship's return to the UK following the Darwin200 global voyage - a two-year conservation expedition inspired by Darwin's journey on HMS Beagle.

The sculpture is made from plastic collected along the way from the coasts of Brazil and Uruguay.

It is based on Mattel's toy of renowned primatologist Dame Jane, considered the world's foremost chimpanzee expert.

Mattel released its doll in 2022 as part of its Inspiring Women collection.

Dame Jane said: "Daniela's sculpture puts the spotlight on the plastic crisis and highlights the importance of working together towards a better future for all."

Raytchev said: "I created this piece to show how working in harmony with nature can turn waste into a message of hope."

The Duke of Edinburgh visited the Oosterschelde on Friday, a day after its return to London, to recognise the Darwin200's role in promoting environmental conservation.

Proceeds from the artwork's sale will go toward Darwin200 and Dame Jane's educational Roots and Shoots project.

Every year, more than 11 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans.

That is about one rubbish truck every minute, according to Darwin200.

Dame Jane Goodall, English UN Messenger of Peace, primatologist, ethnologist and anthropologist pictured before a lecture in Edinburgh. She is wearing a red top with a gold necklace and is looking away from the camera and is smiling. Getty Images

Dame Jane is considered the planet's foremost chimp expert

According to the United Nations, if current trends continue there could be more plastic than fish by weight in the ocean by 2050.

The public will be invited aboard the Oosterschelde between 10:00 and 13:00 BST and between 14:00 and 17:30.

A panel will be discussing creativity, scientific innovation, and environmentalism at 15:00.

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