Enhanced turtle and pygmy elephants’ conservation efforts at Rumah Terbalik

23 December 2024

By AVV

TUARAN: Conservation efforts for Borneo's pygmy elephants in Lower Kinabatangan and sea turtles on Libaran Island have taken an interesting turn, aiming to enhance public awareness through visual art.

Award-winning wildlife conservationist Alexander Yee has adopted an interactive visual art format designed to bring the enchanting wildlife experience closer to the community.

This innovative medium was unveiled at the Ruang Tamu of Rumah Terbalik (Upside-Down House).

“Field visits can sometimes be inaccessible for many people, so we decided to bring the experience to them through a visual art exhibition that incorporates sound and light effects,” Yee explained.

“We refer to this as an interactive exhibition, emphasising the conservation work being done for sea turtles and Borneo's pygmy elephants.”

Yee, who serves as the chairman of the Responsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT) and is the founder of Friends of Sea Turtles Education and Research (FOSTER), stated that the art installation not only serves to entertain but also educates the public about the vital conservation efforts underway for both species.

“This exhibition is part of the Rumah Terbalik experience, conveying an important environmental message. The very concept behind Rumah Terbalik is that neglecting the environment and pursuing development without proper planning can ultimately turn our world upside down,” Yee remarked.

He noted that proceeds from visitor ticket sales will help fund the exhibition's setup, and visitors can also purchase T-shirts adorned with graphics of pygmy elephants and sea turtles to further support conservation initiatives.

In the sitting room, a special corner titled “Big Ears, Big Hearts” chronicles RESPECT's journey in pygmy elephant conservation. It features a chronological presentation of 14 key events, from planting Napier grass in Telupid to meetings with the state’s Tourism, Culture, and Environment Minister, as well as a visit from the Borneo Conservation Trust Japan.

Roy Wong, a designer from Singapore who curated the exhibition, emphasized that the visuals articulate the detrimental impacts of indiscriminate human actions on nature.

“Currently, the elephants are depicted in black and white; if we don't take action, they could one day vanish altogether,” Wong cautioned.

To enhance the experience, two spotlights have been set up to cast shadows of three figures, symbolizing how even minor human actions can significantly impact the environment.

“We are creating an immersive experience for visitors that is both enjoyable and therapeutic. Observing the sea turtles swimming by encourages the realization that humans and nature can coexist harmoniously.”

Wong added, “As visitors contemplate their surroundings, they may also begin to reflect on how their actions influence wildlife.”