Sweat Equity: Rewilding in the Millingerwaard

Single-channel 4k video, 4’2”
2021

This video functions as a speculative proposal for the reintroduction of the yellow-bellied toad (Bombina variegata), to the Millingerwaard nature preserve in the Netherlands. For the past 20 years, efforts have been underway to “rewild” this 600-hectare site, part of a larger nationwide rewilding program in the country. Rewilding can be understood in this context as an attempt to restore the landscape to its state before processes of urbanization had drastically altered the local ecology. The yellow-bellied toad was once native to this region, but has not been sighted in decades due to habitat fragmentation caused by urbanization.

This project attempts to propose a design strategy for reintroducing the toad to the area, using minimal intervention and maintenance. In a playful manner, the project proposes a collaboration that enrolls local joggers and wild horses in the production of temporary wetland environments suitable for the breeding habits of the toad to flourish. The project leverages the video game engine Unity to demonstrate evolution in site over time, in response to rainfall seasonal climatic variation.