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A trumpet call utilising the power of cartoons

A trumpet call utilising the power of cartoons

14 Aug 2023 | By Venessa Anthony

  • World Elephant Day commemorated with unique campaign

On the occasion of World Elephant Day 2023, which fell on 12 August, a ground-breaking and thought-provoking campaign has taken centre stage in Sri Lanka, aiming to redefine how we perceive and address the critical human-elephant conflict (HEC) that plagues the island.

The Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka (WNPS) has spearheaded a unique and impactful cartoon campaign, collaborating with esteemed cartoon journalists from national newspapers and news websites. This ingenious initiative employs the art of cartoons to capture the hearts and minds of people, sparking conversations and igniting action to safeguard these majestic creatures and foster harmonious coexistence.

As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and in an era dominated by visual content, the ability of cartoons to convey complex issues in a succinct yet impactful manner is undeniable. This art form, often layered with satire and wit, transcends language barriers and communicates with a diverse audience. The WNPS recognises this potential and has harnessed the creative prowess of contemporary cartoonists to shed light on the intricate challenges faced by elephants, urging society to prioritise their conservation.

 


A unique campaign

The campaign’s genesis can be traced back to an enlightening briefing where distinguished elephant researchers and conservationists Dr. Prithiviraj Fernando and Prof. Devaka Weerakoon unveiled the urgency of elephant conservation and the gravity of managing the human-elephant conflict. Their insights laid the foundation for the creative minds behind the campaign, igniting a spark of inspiration among the participating cartoon journalists.

Starting 7 August, a series of captivating cartoons have graced the pages of national newspapers, leading up to the grand finale that was held on World Elephant Day on 12 August. The campaign’s crescendo resonated with readers, encouraging contemplation and action, culminating in a final publication on 13 August.

To ensure maximum reach and engagement, these evocative cartoons were not confined to print. The WNPS has orchestrated exhibits at strategic locations across Sri Lanka, inviting the public to immerse themselves in the campaign’s message. From the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, these exhibits served as immersive experiences that amplify the campaign’s call for elephant conservation and coexistence.

When asked why such an initiative was launched, WNPS President Jehan CanagaRetna noted: “Art possesses an innate ability to inspire introspection and ignite action. This campaign bridges the gap between creativity and conservation, inviting society to partake in a collective journey of change.”

He further affirmed: “As an organisation deeply committed to wildlife conservation, we believe that creative approaches such as this cartoon campaign can be a powerful catalyst for change.” This sentiment resonates deeply with those who recognise the critical role elephants play in Sri Lanka’s history, nature, and culture. The nation’s destiny is intricately intertwined with these majestic beings, and their survival is synonymous with the preservation of the country’s essence.

Supun Lahiru Prakash, Chair of the Human-Elephant Coexistence Subcommittee of WNPS, articulated the campaign’s core objective eloquently: “The ability of cartoonists to popularise an idea that cannot be expressed in hundreds of thousands of words in a very short period of time, through their cartoons in a very strong way, and to impress the authorities through that, is indisputable. Our aim is to use this capacity to awaken the interested parties related to the conservation of elephants and the management of elephant-human conflicts in Sri Lanka.”

He added: “These cartoons serve as a visual testament to our commitment to preserving the wild tapestry of our nation. With each cartoon, we stitch together a narrative that celebrates our heritage and champions a future where humans and elephants coexist.”

 


Unwavering dedication

The history of wildlife protection in Sri Lanka finds its cornerstone in the venerable Wildlife and Nature Protection Society of Sri Lanka. Established 129 years ago, this organisation stands as the third oldest non-governmental entity of its kind globally. Responsible for the creation of key national parks and instrumental in shaping wildlife conservation policies, the WNPS’s legacy speaks volumes. Its unwavering dedication to preserving Sri Lanka’s natural treasures is a rallying point for individuals seeking to actively engage in safeguarding the island’s biodiversity.

CanagaRetna, commenting on creating lasting impact, stated: “The resonance of a cartoon can be timeless, etching memories and messages that endure. Through this campaign, we aspire to carve a lasting imprint on society’s consciousness, encouraging a legacy of responsible stewardship for generations to come.”

In this crusade for elephant conservation, a cadre of accomplished cartoonists has emerged as champions. The likes of Asanga Indunil, Dayan Kottachchi, Dharshana Karunathilake, R. C. Pradeepkumar, Awantha Artigala, Hasantha Wijenayake, Anjana Indrajith, Mifraz Muzammil, Susil Perera, and Wasantha Siriwardena have lent their artistic prowess to craft thought-provoking and impactful cartoons, driving home the urgency of addressing the human-elephant conflict.

In commemoration of World Elephant Day 2023, let us unite in supporting this innovative and transformative campaign. Together, we have the power to reshape perceptions, kindle conversations, and forge a safer, more harmonious environment where elephants and humans thrive side by side.

“The idea to unite the power of cartoons with the urgency of elephant conservation dawned upon us as a beacon of innovation. We envisioned a tapestry where creativity meets advocacy, creating an indelible mark on hearts and minds alike,” remarked CanagaRetna, on a closing note. The journey begins with a simple cartoon, but its echoes will resound for generations to come.




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