World leaders have forged relationships through treaties, accords, and handshakes for ages. But amid serious international politics, an unusual but useful tactic known as animal diplomacy exists. Malaysia, the second-largest producer of palm oil in the world, has recently introduced the concept of “orangutan diplomacy” in an effort to enhance public perception of its environmental record.
Animal diplomacy: What is it?
Giving or borrowing animals as a token of friendship or goodwill between nations is known as “Animal Diplomacy.” These animals are essential diplomatic tools because they are native to the nation that bestows them or has cultural importance.
The historical record on Animal Diplomacy
Ancient civilizations are the source of the earliest known cases of animal diplomacy. Pharaohs displayed their wealth and authority by exchanging exotic animals for other kings. Among them was the famous giraffe Pharaoh Hatshepsut, who was brought to the King of Syria in 1500 BC.
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, European kings regularly traded animals like tigers and lions to demonstrate their dominance over the natural world. These magnificent animals were emblems of strength and grandeur that the affluent elite could only maintain.
Giving a lion was previously considered a sign of strength and royal favour. Monarchs gave lions away as a token of friendship and allegiance to foreign kingdoms, demonstrating their might. Retained in zoos or royal collections, these imposing creatures demonstrated diplomatic accomplishment; hence, they were revered as living trophies signifying honorifics that indicate power or regard.
China on Animal Diplomacy
The practice of animal diplomacy originated in China, primarily in relation to giant pandas. Since then, China has kept giving them gifts since friendliness and peace are associated with them.
With intentions to lend two giant pandas to the San Diego Zoo, China is preparing to step up its panda diplomacy efforts. The China Wildlife Conservation Authority has agreements in place for collaboration with Madrid, Spain, and San Diego. According to China’s Xinhua News Agency, talks with zoos in Vienna, Austria, and Washington, D.C., are currently taking place, indicating a wider outreach in China’s diplomatic animal exchange program.
Malaysia’s take on Orangutan diplomacy
Malaysia has developed its strategy for soft power, which it refers to as “orangutan diplomacy,” after the Chinese model of “panda diplomacy.” This tactic fosters international relations by utilizing orangutan conservation initiatives to address environmental concerns.
Due to the deforestation brought on by palm oil plantations, which pose a serious threat to the critically endangered orangutan, Malaysia, the second-largest palm oil producer worldwide, has come under fire. The goal of orangutan diplomacy is to buck this trend. Malaysia wants to accomplish at least three goals to position itself as a leader in the field of wildlife protection: It seeks to improve its reputation by taking on a more prominent role in promoting the conservation of wild animals, promoting the sustainable production of palm oil, and collaborating with other nations to save orangutans.
Other participating nations
A different sort of diplomacy was used in 2014 during the G20 Summit in Brisbane, Australia, which brought together the leaders of several nations.
The Kangaroo diplomacy was implemented using Australia’s natural environment, which is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including koalas.
Australia used its irresistible attraction—koalas—to ensure that the visiting dignitaries and delegates would remember it. These adorable animal representatives ended up serving as unexpected representations of the nation’s hospitality to visitors and its dedication to sustainability and conservation.
Discussions concerning the need to protect fragile ecosystems and biodiversity protection have been spurred by the koala’s attendance at the G20 conference. Koalas played a helpful role in bringing up relevant environmental issues and highlighting the need for coordinated actions to secure the planet’s future.
Ultimately, the G20 Summit 2014 was a real-world illustration of how animal ambassadors can shift global relations in favour of sustainable development and collaboration.
