Interview by Rui Pastorin
Macao’s Wetland Treasures: 2024 Biodiversity Photography Exhibition is being showcased at The Venetian Macao in Cotai, with over 100 photos on display in the integrated resort’s Circle Hall on level 3.
The exhibition, which features various species found in Macau’s wetlands, showcases photos taken in Macau between January and August this year for the recent “Macao’s Wetland Treasures: 2024 Biodiversity Photography Competition” organised by the University of Saint Joseph’s (USJ) Institute of Science and Environment (ISE).
The competition was held within the context of “One Drop at a Time: Exploring Biodiversity in Macao’s Urban Wetland Ecosystems and the Role of Water Stewardship” supported by the Drop by Drop project of the WASH Foundation, a US based NGO, and Las Vegas Sands, according to a recent USJ statement.
WASH Foundation, according to official website works towards universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene.
The exhibition was first displayed at the private Catholic university’s Kent Wong Exhibition Gallery from October 18 to 30 before being moved to The Venetian Macao, the statement said, which added that aside from the top 100 works chosen, there are also over 500 other works showcased digitally, along with an immersive sound installation. It is on until December 9.
Submissions came from everyone from students, including those studying in primary and university, to seniors and even those from Hong Kong, ISE Marine Ecologist and Professor and ISE/USJ Drop by Drop Project Coordinator Karen Tagulao told the Post in an interview after Thursday’s opening ceremony, where competition winners were given prizes.
This marked the first time that the contest was held, added Tagulao, who was also a judge and the ISE project team’s Principal Investigator. “For us at the institute, especially my team, it’s always important to translate our science into action. So, we also always organise community events or events with the community because it’s important for us to tell our story, our science to ordinary people”, holding the competition to specifically showcase the biodiversity in the wetlands.
Tagulao added that she was aware that not many people know of Macau’s biodiversity such as the birds and other species present in the local wetlands, noting that some exhibitiongoers may be surprised to see what we have here. “This is one of the objectives, to raise awareness. And hopefully, this will lead to action, that people will be more mindful of their activities and not do things to destroy nature”, Tagulao pointed out.
With around 800 submissions, Tagulao said that she thought that the competition was quite successful, which is very inspiring. “I’m pretty sure we are going to open another one [competition], but maybe on another topic, or maybe another ecosystem because Macau has a lot to offer in terms of nature. People are just not aware”.
The exhibition is presented by ISE in conjunction with USJ’s Department of Media, Art, and Technology at its Faculty of Arts and Humanities. One can view the works from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) Marine Ecologist and Professor and ISE/USJ Drop by Drop Project Coordinator Karen Tagulao gives a speech during the opening ceremony for Macao’s Wetland Treasures: 2024 Biodiversity Photography Exhibition at The Venetian Macao in Cotai. – Photo: Rui Pastorin
These photos taken on Thursday show the winning works of the recent Wetland Biodiversity Photography competition. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
