Studying at Tongji University’s School of Design and Innovation – which seeks to use design as an instrument to address societal problems and influence positive change within society – a group of young people have dedicated themselves to developing culturally and audience-appropriate rhino horn demand management design initiatives. In July 2017, representatives from the teams who presented the most innovative and marketable ideas, were brought to South Africa by Peace Parks Foundation for their first glimpse of rhino in the wild. The aim was to provide them with enhanced insight and revitalised inspiration for the final refinement of their designs. The students also had opportunity to exchange ideas with experts in the local conservation industry so as to pave the way for impactful, real-world implementation of their concepts. Peace Parks foundation approached Hermanus Gerber and myself to document the complex story of Chinese students from Tongji University, connecting with real life Rhinos. Filming and editing this piece was surprisingly emotional for me and the team, as we got to see the effects of rhino poaching first hand.
