Artivism for African Penguins (Jan. 23, 2025) • John Muir Laws

Join John Muir Laws, Nature Journal South Africa (NJSA), and Dr. Katta Ludynia, Research Manager at SANCCOB (Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds) to learn about African Penguins and how to use our nature journals as tools for artivism for their conservation. Oh yes, there are penguins in Africa, now. But they are one step away from effective extinction in the wild – predicted by 2035 – if nothing is done to improve their situation!

We will learn ways to use our nature journals for artivism, as a tool to understand what needs to be done, to develop emotional and social connections with African penguins, their ecosystems, and guardians, to be motivated to do those things, and to encourage others, including those in authority, to take the necessary actions. This session will explore effective tools to communicate messages, including how to draw these charismatic beings. #SaveTheAfricanPenguin

April 25th is World Penguin Day. Look for ways today to protect penguins and inspire others to do the same!

Program date: 23 January 2025

RESOURCES:

Nature Journaling South Africa’s definition of NJ Artivism (link to NJSA here:

“Using your nature journal and nature journaling skills to creatively channel your observations, thoughts, experiences and feelings into positive actions for yourself, society and the planet.” You just need a message and an action.

Wonderland:

iNaturalist, Nature Drawing and Journaling Project:

The Ark of South African Life:

When you share, please add the following hashtags: #NJArtivism #SaveTheAfricanPenguin #NJSA

-More Resources-

Nature Journaling South Africa (NJSA) has created resources to support your nature journaling artivism. This includes photos of African Penguins in the wild, infographics, information, actions and images. You can find these resources here:

Yvea’s top tip for getting people to fall in love with African Penguins is to watch or encourage others to watch “Penguin Town”.

-Organisations-

SANCCOB: and Dr. Katta Ludynia:

Biodiversity Law Centre:

Legal info on the court case: breaking-landmark-litigation-launched-to-protect-the-african-penguin-from-extinction/

Nature Journaling South Africa – about the community: South African-focused nature journaling:

Blog posts on nature journaling artivism and the African Penguin here: post/artivism-for-african-penguins and here: post/a-journey-of-emotions-journaling-about-african-penguins-in-a-museum

-More on Artivism-

Nikkolas Smith: Ask about the picture book “The Artivist” at your local library!