In response to global warming issues, the attitude toward life is energy conservation and carbon reduction such as choosing green buildings and recycling and reusing materials. Moreover, actions are taken to protect the earth’s ecology in order to reach a balance between nature and the human race. Humans have coexisted with other animals and plants for a long period of time. However, because technological advancements have provided commodities to humans, the natural environment and the ecological balance have been affected. Animal and environmental protection is closely related to human survival; in particular, the marine environment requires attention and protection from humans.
The author coincidentally learned about sea slugs, also referred to as “the jewelry of the ocean,” in a news report and was impressed by the beauty and uniqueness of the slugs. Therefore, the author started to comprehensively read about and study such creatures; to personally observe sea slugs, the author attempted to engage in snorkeling. The sea slugs are not only beautiful but also substantially useful in medicine because of the anticancer components in their bodies. However, the maritime crisis caused by humans has compromised the survival of sea slugs. Hence, the author was motivated to initiate a discussion on marine environmental and ecological issues. Curating public exhibitions and presenting information about sea slugs can enable the public to learn about the beauty of such creatures and thereby motivate them to participate in discussions pertaining to ocean protection.
Accordingly, the author designed an experiment entitled “An Encounter with the Jewelry of the Ocean” to present information and experiences related to sea slugs to the public. The experiment was aimed at enabling the public to meet the beautiful marine creatures first and then learn about their characteristics and ecology. The creations in the experiment were printed using eco-friendly fluorescent ink, and brightness-enhancing lighting devices were installed at the exhibition site, simulating a scenario of diving under the sea to meet with sea slugs.
The main creation comprised two themes: the first theme discussed the beauty of the jewelry of the ocean, and the second theme discussed issues pertaining to human-induced environmental destruction. The first section, which was entitled “Amazing Jewelry of the Ocean,” was a continuation of the aforementioned creation experiment; in this section, popular sea slug species were chosen to develop additional creations and presented in a realistic style combining a simulated oceanic scenario. In the second section, which was entitled “Shocking Environmental Issues,” the creations provided an ironic presentation of the destroyed marine environment in order to raise the awareness and encourage the public to reflect on this topic. The balance of nature can only be sustained when humans learn to protect the environment.
The objective of this study was not only to present the beauty and brilliance of marine creatures, but also to raise awareness of marine environmental destruction in the public. This can thus motivate the public to stop habits that are harmful to the environment.