Giant ‘Biodiversity Jenga’ Calls For Urgent Ecosystem Protection at COP16, Colombia

Over the past two weeks, visitors arriving at COP16 in Cali, Colombia, have been met by the giant “Biodiversity Jenga,” a huge art installation created by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong. Using boxes filled with plants and other elements, Von Wong brought to life a six-meter tower inspired by the famous board game.

The artwork aims to highlight the interconnectedness of species and the urgent need to protect biodiversity. In a video titled “A Game We Can’t Afford to Lose,” Von Wong detailed his inspiration for the piece and explained how it was created. “It’s a message of hope and a call to action, aimed at reflecting on humanity’s impact on biodiversity, while also emphasizing that it is not too late to fight,” he said.

The artwork features 33 stacked blocks representing 12 distinct ecosystems from across Colombia, encompassing both terrestrial and marine environments. Accompanied by real nature and 150 miniature sculptures of various animals, the installation is on show in the Blue Zone at COP16.

Colombia’s giant ‘Biodiversity Jenga’ represents endangered ecosystems

Milton Duarte, a renowned Colombian artist and landscaper from the municipality of Restrepo in Valle del Cauca, contributed to the creation of “Biodiversity Jenga.” He explained that meticulous work and extensive research enabled a team of creators to create the piece, which provides both an artistic and educational representation of the environmental context of each featured ecosystem.

“The artwork addresses issues such as resource depletion, deforestation, monoculture like oil palm, and waste,” Duarte explained. “All of this should raise awareness. We must stop the excessive consumption of products that devastate ecosystems, the extraction of minerals, oil, and other activities that lead us to destroy nature.”

A group of 30 people worked on the installation, including on the distribution and planting of the diverse species that are incorporated into the work. In particular, the project aimed to connect with children and young people.

“Biodiversity Jenga” was supported by Charlotte de Casabianca, director of the organization Burners Without Borders, who coordinated the group of artists and experts. The initiative also received support from the Ministry of Environment of Colombia and the Valle del Cauca Secretary of Culture.

The artwork was inspired by the famous board game created in the 1970s by British game designer Leslie Scott. It was constructed in the San Antonio neighborhood of western Cali, a cultural and architectural heritage site known for its artistic wealth and rich artisanal traditions.

After COP16 comes to an end today, November 1, the piece will be relocated to Cali’s Botanical Garden. It will remain there for approximately two years as a reminder of the world’s responsibility to protect biodiversity.