Turin, 12 May 2022 - Professor Laura Gasco of the Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA) at the University of Turin (Italy) breeds Hermetia illucens (Black Soldier Fly) at the Facility Research Center. Many projects are run with Hermetia illucens at the DISAFA facility with the aim of evaluating the effects of insect meals in the diet of monogastric animals (poultry and trouts)
Prof. Gasco is removing the “eggie” to perform eggs hatching in another controlled environment. The “eggie” is the little box in the center of the net, is the media to collect eggs indeed, it provides sheltered cavities where females deposit eggs.
The Sustainable Development Goal 2 of the United Nations is about creating a world free of hunger by 2030, focusing on finding sustainable solutions to stop world hunger. Currently, natural resources necessary for human survival are decreasing due to climate change. Severe weather conditions, like droughts and floods, have become more common and affect harvests, leading to less food for human consumption.
Breeding and eating insects are sustainable practices that can help us reach our goal. Insects are rich in proteins and highly sustainable due to their minimal environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and water & soil consumption. As a result, researchers are studying the most sustainable and cost-effective ways to promote the use of these insects as human food and as animal feed.
As a photographer, I am particularly drawn to subjects that reveal the fragility and resilience of life in the face of challenges. My vision has also been consistently attentive to environmental issues, which inevitably intersect with social concerns, driving me to explore the complex relationship between humanity and the environment.
"ZERO HUNGER" is a striking example of this approach, intertwining visual storytelling with an urgent call to environmental action. The UN's SDG Goal 2 inspires the project, which aims to eradicate world hunger by 2030. “Zero Hunger” focuses on innovative and sustainable solutions to the growing food crisis exacerbated by climate change, particularly the potential of insects as a protein source.
Acknowledging the superficial treatment of this topic in the media, especially in Italy, I sought to address it with seriousness and depth. I used photography as a bridge between academic research and public awareness. Documenting the experimental use of insect-based foods aims to break the silence surrounding these potential solutions, bringing this conversation out of the confines of academia and inspiring action against the growing food insecurity aggravated by climate change.
Artistically, I have strived to blend documentary realism with a subtle aesthetic that evokes an emotional response from the viewer. The sparse, almost clinical environments where these insects are processed are juxtaposed with the intricate details of the insects themselves, highlighting the delicate balance between nature and human innovation, furthermore, the human presence is visible, but a lot of space is left for insects and nature as if to indicate their supremacy. This contrast is central to my work, as it mirrors the precariousness of our current environmental situation and the urgent need for sustainable practices.
mauriziodipietro@info.org
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