As climate change conversations intensify, waves of initiatives and programmes designed to inspire appropriate actions to curtail the causes and effects of this phenomenon are sweeping across the globe.

One of these initiatives is The Herds, an initiative that blends art with climate advocacy. The Herds, featuring life-size puppet animals fleeing their ecosystems in response to a rapidly changing climate that’s adversely affecting their well-being, was showcased recently in Lagos.

The Herds, in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) promoted captivating street performances and pop-up events across Lagos. The project sparked dialogue and inspired communities to reflect on their role in tackling climate change and preserving the planet.

The project uses zoologically accurate puppet animals constructed from recycled materials to create public spectacles that evoke emotional reactions to the climate crisis. The public events combined the display of the magnificent puppet animals with stirring and riveting dance and theatrical performances.

One of the final artistic events, titled “Both in Flight” in Lagos Island, a movement artist, Qudus Onikekun, led an array of dancers and pop-up musicians in visually stunning displays as the animal puppets journey from Macarthy Road to John Randle Centre.

Like in every other location, the goal remains to use striking and engaging means to communicate the reality of climate change to the public and inspire transformative responses. The event drew government institutions, including the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Lagos Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy.

Nigeria-based A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA) led the production of the Nigerian edition of The Herds by providing creative direction and overseeing the assembly of the puppets with partners like Yaba College of Technology and Yaba Art Museum.

Artistic Director of The Herds, Amir Zuabi, said, “We aim to create an emotional reaction to the climate crisis because we believe this is the only way to make people care. We believe that awe and beauty are the missing spark that leads us from curiosity to change.”

LASEPA General Manager, Dr Babatunde Ajayi, said the event highlighted the importance of environmental protection.

According to him, the life-size Animal Puppets are a strong educational tool that passes the message to children and kids in school on protecting the species in the environment. The Herds promote environmental protection and sustainability.

Director General NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, said the event was organised to showcase how interconnected humans are to nature and also what role “we need to play to create that awareness, so that humans will know that we are not alone on this. Animals are part of our survival on Earth.

“Usually, there’s a migratory pattern for animals, and because of the change in the climatic conditions, those migratory patterns are being interrupted. And once you interrupt it, it affects us as humans.”