The One Health Collaborating Center (OHCC) of Hasanuddin University (Unhas), together with the OHCC of Udayana University (Unud), officially launched a children's storybook entitled "Fly Free, Allo!". The event took place at the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park Office on Thursday, March 13.

The activity aimed to increase children's awareness about wildlife conservation and prevent the illegal wildlife trade.

Seventy-five students from SDN Pakallu 1 participated in a storytelling session of the book, which narrates the struggle of a Sulawesi hornbill named Allo. This bird almost fell victim to hunting but was successfully rescued by a child named Tata with the help of her father and officers from the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park Office.

This launch was part of the One Health Approach to Raise Wildlife Protection Awareness (OHAWE) Project. Furthermore, this book is also supported by the International Alliance Against Health Risks in Wildlife Trade and implemented by the German Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

"This work was created in three languages, including Makassarese, with the aim of being closer to the local children," said Ni Komang Semara Yanti, Program Manager of Udayana OHCC.

Furthermore, the Representative from Unhas OHCC, Drh. Anak Agung Putu Joni Wahyuda, emphasized the importance of early education. "Through this project, we hope that conservation awareness can grow among the younger generation," he stated.

The event was attended by representatives from Unud OHCC, Unhas OHCC, SDN 1 Pakallu I Maros, and the Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park Office. In addition to the book launch and storytelling activities, the event also marked the start of the distribution of 500 copies of the book, which will be distributed to various elementary schools in Maros Regency.