Human-Nature: Relations, Resilience, Reciprocity
This research report is designed to guide creative practitioners, researchers, as well as civil society and cultural organisations collaborating with Indigenous communities on research, artistic or cultural projects in Malaysia. Commissioned by the British Council Malaysia, the report is co-authored by Wendy Teo, Director of Borneo Laboratory, and Professor Lynn-Sayer McHattie, Professor of Design Innovation at The Glasgow School of Art.
The report aims to strengthen creative and ethical approaches to climate action by fostering collaboration between artists, researchers, and communities. It supports those seeking to understand and address the complex social, cultural, and environmental dynamics involved in community-based work by providing an overview of the Malaysian context, exploring how geography, ancestral knowledge, and contemporary cultural practices shape local responses to the climate crisis. It also outlines how creative collaborations can contribute to resilience, sustainability, and equitable partnerships between Malaysia and the UK.
Drawing on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the study offers insights into participatory research, co-design methods, and inclusive practices that ensure meaningful engagement with communities. It includes practical tools such as an Inclusivity Framework and an Ethical Engagement Checklist, developed to support practitioners in building trust, accountability, and mutual respect in their work.
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About Human-Nature
Human-Nature (https://www.britishcouncil.my/programmes/arts/humannature) is the British Council Malaysia’s three-year programme enabling connections between UK and Malaysian artists, organisations, scientists and academics to explore human’s relationship with nature and with each other.
Centering artistic collaboration and community engagement, the programme supports creative responses to climate challenges to highlight the role arts and culture can play in addressing climate adaptation.
The programme aims to:
- Foster partnerships between communities, arts practitioners, scientists, and academia to embed arts and creative responses
- Support the development of research and insights on collaborative and creative responses for climate adaptation
- Elevate local Malaysian voices to share insights, knowledge and best practices around sustainable and alternative futures
- Explore the role arts and creativity can play in addressing climate adaptation.