ECHOES OF THE OCEAN: Powerful Panel on Art, Science and Sustainability Aboard Darwin200’s Return to London

Tower Bridge Quay, 28 July 2025 – As the historic tall ship Oosterschelde docked in London after a two-year circumnavigation with the Darwin200 voyage, her decks became the stage for an unforgettable gathering of minds and hearts. The event, titled Echoes of the Ocean: A Panel on Art, Science and Sustainability, was not merely a conversation—it was a call to action.

Moderated by Rebeca Riofrio, Chairwoman of the UK Parliamentary Society for Arts, Fashion and Sports, the panel brought together an extraordinary coalition of artists, activists, educators, scientists, and royals united by one urgent mission: to safeguard our environment and redefine humanity’s relationship with nature.

Riofrio opened the dialogue with a searing statement:

“Each year, over 11 million metric tonnes of plastic enter the ocean—that’s the equivalent of a rubbish truck’s worth dumped into the sea every single minute. But this issue goes far beyond coastlines and marine life. It’s now deeply personal. Microplastics have been found in human blood, lungs, liver, kidneys, placenta, and even breast milk… This is why we are gathered here today.”

At the heart of the gathering stood All of Me, a compelling sculpture by multidisciplinary artist Daniela Raytchev, crafted entirely from ocean plastic waste collected by the Darwin200 team along the coasts of Brazil and Uruguay. The sculpture reimagines the Jane Goodall Barbie—a discarded object transformed into a beacon of environmental hope and cultural renewal.

“I wanted to challenge how we see waste,” said Raytchev. “What else are we throwing away—not just physically, but spiritually and culturally? Through All of Me, I hope people pause and ask that question.”

Raytchev, a long-time advocate for mental health and environmental justice, curated this initiative and brought together a deeply intentional selection of voices for the panel.

One of the most stirring contributions came from Rose McGowan, actress, author, and activist, internationally recognised as a leader in the #MeToo movement.

“I’m not here to scare you. I’m here to wake you up,” McGowan declared. “Art has the power to bypass the intellect and go straight to the heart. That’s what Daniela’s sculpture does—it doesn’t just say ‘we’re in trouble,’ it says ‘we still have a chance.’”

Touching on her own challenges, McGowan criticised censorship and urged for collective consciousness around the environment.

“Storytelling catalyses change. Fear can paralyse—but when we tell stories with purpose, we ignite momentum. This collaboration is a story worth telling.”

Barry Martin, pioneer of kinetic art, offered a philosophical perspective. He reflected on his recent installations inspired by plastic pollution in the Thames, including one titled Bleach Boys, a visual simulation made from discarded bleach bottles.

“Movement—whether sculptural or societal—is vital,” he said. “All of Me asked me to stop, reflect, and then act. That stillness, that encounter, becomes the seed of change.”

Adding a powerful educational dimension were Rosemary Reed, trustee of the Jane Goodall Institute and founder of POW TV, and Jasmina Georgovska, Director of Outreach for Roots & Shoots. Together, they addressed the significance of reconnecting children with nature.

“If children don’t experience nature, how can we expect them to protect it?” Reed asked.

Georgovska added:

“Roots & Shoots is about planting seeds—literal and metaphorical. We believe every child can be a change-maker. We just need to water those seeds.”

HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, cousin to His Majesty King Charles III and a global advocate for etiquette, education, and sustainable philanthropy, offered a message of dignity, responsibility, and grace.

“True leadership begins with empathy,” she said. “Sustainable philanthropy means empowering communities to thrive independently—aligning charity with long-term, regenerative impact.”

When asked how we cultivate ethical leaders, her answer was clear:

“With intention, with example, and with grace.”

As the panel drew to a close, Riofrio reflected on the symbolic resonance of the Oosterschelde, a vessel that has literally circled the globe, bearing witness to the fragile beauty and interconnectedness of our planet.

“Today’s dialogue is not the end—it is the beginning of a shared commitment,” she said. “Let us not merely admire the art, the stories, or the science. Let us act.”

Daniela Raytchev, whose vision catalysed the event, closed with a heartfelt message of gratitude to the audience and panellists. She reminded all present that All of Me is not just a sculpture—it is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the human capacity to repair.

“This work was born from waste—but it became a voice,” she said. “Thank you for listening.”

Guests visiting the Oosterchelde - Darwin 200

Since the Oosterschelde arrived in London, the Darwin200 project has attracted an array of remarkable guests. Among them were: HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward,Dr. Sarah Darwin, great-great-granddaughter of Charles Darwin, Caroline Cay, a driving force behind Friday’s event, Bruno Georgi (CFCC), Elvijs Plugis, Amanda Gaul, Baroness Dr. Olga Roh, Denise Parkinson, VP of Allied Global, Marianie Morazzani and other dignitaries, scientists, and visionaries.

About Darwin200Darwin200 is a pioneering global expedition retracing Charles Darwin’s original voyage aboard a beautifully restored tall ship. The mission: to ignite a new generation of environmental leaders through exploration, science, and education. With stops across every continent and partnerships in over 20 nations, the voyage has inspired global conversations on sustainability and stewardship.

Special thanks were extended to Stewart McPherson, explorer and co-founder of the Darwin200 project, for his leadership and vision.

Echoes of the Ocean was more than a panel discussion—it was a declaration. A moment where art, activism, science, and legacy converged to say: the time to act is now. In an age when the ocean’s voice is being drowned by indifference, this panel reminded us that hope still floats—when we listen, when we create, and when we rise together.