Two Grade 12 learners from Pinelands High School have achieved global recognition. Adam Gibbon and Christopher Collier-Reed have secured their place on the global stage. They have been selected to represent South Africa at the Beijing Youth Science Creation Competition (BYSCC) in China.
The young innovators impressed at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) last year. They will show their groundbreaking project on sustainable food-waste management at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences.
The 44th BYSCC will take place from tomorrow (March 26 to Sunday 30 March and will bring young scientists globally to showcase their research, exchange ideas and collaborate on cutting-edge scientific advancements
Their research is titled “Flies to the Rescue: Innovating Food Waste Management Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae.” It examines the role of these larvae. They efficiently decompose food waste. They also produce valuable by-products.
Their work offers a scalable, eco-friendly solution. It aligns with South Africa’s sustainability goals. This helps to tackle both food waste and environmental conservation.
More than 30% of all food produced for consumption is wasted. The decomposition of this waste accounts for 20% of global greenhouse-gas emissions. “Black soldier-fly larvae can help tackle this issue by decomposing waste in just seven days,” Adam said. “They produce two valuable by-products: an organic fertilizer and a protein-rich feed source,” Adam added.
Christopher was asked what inspired the project. He said: “Originally, when we were looking for an idea, we explored many different options. We searched for something original and interesting. We focused on identifying common problems in our lives and communities, and how we can effectively solve them. We realized there was a significant amount of food waste in our homes and communities. So, we decided to research this issue further. We discovered that black soldier fly larvae offer an environmentally friendly way to decompose organic waste. This method is also effective. We chose to base our science project on them.”
Their research came with challenges. “We faced challenges because we were working with living organisms. It was challenging to follow the ethical guidelines for the treatment of the larvae,” Adam explained. “After consulting professionals in this field, we handled the larvae properly. We conducted our experiments without compromising their welfare. We anticipated difficulty in finding businesses and individuals willing to collaborate. Nonetheless, agri-tech start-ups were eager to engage with us and share their knowledge.”
Representing their school at such an event is an honor. “It is incredibly fulfilling to represent our school. Pinelands High School has given us immense support throughout this journey. We owe our presence here today to the encouragement of our teachers, peers, and mentors.”
Their success at the Eskom Expo highlights the competition’s role in nurturing scientific talent in the country.
Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty praised the learners: “We are immensely proud of their outstanding research. Their project brilliantly shows how science can be used to solve pressing environmental challenges,” he said. He added that he hopes their success will inspire other learners.
