Creative against invasive

Invasive neophytes are spreading increasingly and endangering native biodiversity. Neophytes are plant species that have been introduced by humans into areas where they did not originally occur. Many of these species reproduce rapidly, usually through seeds or roots, and displace local plants. To prevent further spread, it is necessary to remove the plants along with their roots, preferably before seeds form. The removed plants must not be composted or disposed of in nature; many municipalities have special collection points for this purpose.

Based on the circular economy approach, the Slovenian APPLAUSE project developed various techniques for recycling neophytes and raising public awareness, for example by setting up its own collection point. The plants were used to make paper, birdhouses and instruments as part of the project. The ecological problem is being used as a creative resource. This was also taken up by the workshop ‘Creative against invasive’ organised by the Liechtenstein Art School in collaboration with CIPRA International. The participants made handmade paper from invasive neophytes. In the process, they learned both the techniques of paper making and the ecological background. An evening lecture by Elias Kindle from the Liechtenstein Society for Environmental Protection (LGU) provided an opportunity to deepen knowledge about neophytes. The handmade paper, as a unique final product, is a good example of how art and environmental awareness can go hand in hand.

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