We need to inspire young minds about how important it is to protect nature, says wildlife artist
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s iconic hornbills took centre stage in a unique classroom last week as children in Tenom learned firsthand about the birds’ vital role in the state’s forests.
The Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) Eco Citizen – Kawan Enggang Programme 2.0, held on Nov 12, came shortly after National Hornbill Day on Nov 10, aiming to inspire the next generation of wildlife guardians.
The programme brought together preschoolers and schoolchildren for interactive talks, art sessions and hands-on learning about hornbills, such as their habitats, diets and the species found in Malaysia.
Explore Gaia Enterprise senior field assistant Helson Abdullah shared insights on hornbill conservation while student volunteers from Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Faculty of Tropical Forestry and YSD Eco Citizen volunteers from SD Guthrie Sabah north zone helped guide the young participants.
Wildlife artist Christine Das also joined, showing children how to turn knowledge into creativity through art.
Das said her passion for hornbills began during her early conservation work, including population counts.
“I have always wanted to advocate for hornbills. When I was doing the hornbill count, I realised how vulnerable they really are.
“As the forests shrink, they lose the towering trees where they need to nest. What worries me most is that without these nesting sites, there will not be regeneration. We could lose them,” she said.
She stressed the vital role hornbills play in forest health.
“They are the gardeners of the forest. Forest health depends on hornbills. They disperse seeds, maintain balance and support the ecosystem,” she added.
While hornbills often appear in her artwork, Das highlighted the need for broader attention to endangered species.
She believes corporations must invest in long-term conservation education.
“I am grateful that YSD is doing this and bringing awareness to schools. We need to inspire young minds about how important it is to protect nature,” she said, noting that conservation education in Malaysian schools remains limited.
During the workshop, Das guided children as they coloured hornbill illustrations, an activity she cherishes.
“One of the key components of my workshop is integrating what students learn from the mind into the heart. Art is powerful. When you create, you connect emotionally. Even while painting, the mind is processing the message.
“From mind to heart, then channelled into hands. That is why I always talk to the kids as they paint and why I ask them to name their hornbill and write a message to it. It makes it personal.”
Das said she loves seeing children’s authentic expressions, something often overlooked in today’s education system.
“Art is rarely viewed as important, but it is essential for creative and critical thinking. When I see kids paint from the heart, it gives me so much joy.”
