In a world where our oceans face mounting threats, one beacon of hope shines brightly in the heart of Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. Cornubia Mall, known for its bustling atmosphere and vibrant community engagement, has unveiled a breathtaking ode to marine life in anticipation of World Oceans Day on June 8th.
Nestled in the bustling Town Square area, just a stone's throw away from Nu Metro and Bounce, lies a staircase transformed into a mesmerizing canvas of oceanic wonder. Teeming with life, this visual masterpiece features an enchanting array of marine species—from majestic turtles to graceful manta rays, playful dolphins, colourful tropical fish, and even elusive sharks and octopuses. Amidst the intricate coral reefs and swaying sea anemones, visitors are transported to the depths of the ocean, mere kilometres away from the mall's bustling corridors.
Spanning more than 70% of our planet, the oceans serve as the lifeblood of Earth itself. They regulate our climate, cleanse the air we breathe, sustain livelihoods, and nurture a staggering array of biodiversity. Yet, despite their paramount importance, our oceans are under siege, with 80% of pollution stemming from sources on land. From chemical contaminants to plastic debris, fossil fuel emissions, and disruptive human activities like offshore drilling, the very fabric of marine life is being relentlessly threatened.
Amidst these challenges, Cornubia Mall's ocean-themed staircase stands as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the treasures of the deep. Beyond its aesthetic allure, this installation serves as a beacon of awareness, igniting conversations about the critical need for ocean conservation and the imperative to protect marine ecosystems.
As visitors ascend the staircase, they are encouraged to capture moments of awe-inspiring beauty and share them on social media using the hashtag #CornubiaSeaStaircase. In doing so, they amplify the message of ocean conservation and stand a chance to win coveted spot prizes—a testament to the mall's commitment to fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.
This transformative initiative follows in the footsteps of Cornubia Mall's previous art installation—a striking monochrome pattern that captivated viewers with its optical illusions. With each iteration, the mall continues to push boundaries, inspiring visitors to see the world through a fresh lens and to embrace their role as stewards of the environment.
So, as you navigate the bustling corridors of Cornubia Mall, take a moment to pause and immerse yourself in the wonders of the deep. Let the ocean-themed staircase catalyse reflection, inspiration, and action, as we come together to protect and preserve our planet's most precious resource.
For more information on Cornubia Mall, including trading hours, tenant offerings, and upcoming events, visit the mall's website or follow them on social media @cornubiamall. Join us in celebrating the beauty of our oceans and the resilience of marine life—it's a journey worth diving into, one step at a time.