By: Amanda Nayra Jengging
Communications Officer, WWF Sarawak Office, Malaysia

Some people from Song and Baleh communities have the opportunity to share their stories through pictures after successfully completing Panda CLICK! photography training.

Panda CLICK! is a visual communication method for documenting that relate to society and their environment. This method has been widely used in Indonesia to promote positive change among rural communities.

The word ‘Panda’, because it is initiated by WWF with its famous panda logo and CLICK! as an abbreviation of the project title: ‘Communication Learning towards Innovative Change and Knowledge’. 

Panda CLICK! organized by WWF-Malaysia is a new way to encourage the people of Kapit to appreciate their environment and culture. Conducted simultaneously with WWF-Indonesia in West Kalimantan, this cross-border program is supported by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) Project in the Heart of Borneo.

The program, held for almost 10 months, saw a total of 19 participants producing around 20,000 pieces of environmental-themed images, traditional knowledge, daily activities, customs and culture as well as infrastructure in the local area. Participants were also trained to tell people in the picture based on the pictures they took.

A closing ceremony was held at the Kapit State Government Complex to appreciate the enthusiasm of the participants who took photos voluntary. 

Two of the participants, Mr. Peter anak Jabat and Mrs. Usik anak Reba, were awarded the Best Photographers, respectively for the men and women category.

Bukit Mabong District Officer, Mr. Douglas Pungga, who officiated the event congratulated all participants as the photographs were comparable to professional photographer photos.

"The program you are doing now, please do it with great care. The program is beneficial to you and your area as it deals with the preservation and conservation of the environment." he added.

Representative of Panda CLICK!, Mr. Peter, who is also the village headmaster of Rumah Peter in Ulu Katibas, hoped that this program will continue so that more people can appreciate the environment, especially in Sarawak.

"I also hope that those who have joined Panda CLICK activities! could continue the program to protect our environment, forests and wildlife. If we do not protect it (the environment) now, then our wildlife will be destroyed," added Peter.

Also present at the ceremony was Song District Officer, Mrs Jackline August.

Collection of pictures taken will be made as a book and also exhibited in a photography exhibition that will be held in West Kalimantan and Kuching, Sarawak this year.