<![CDATA[The Mahakam Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), locally known as the pesut Mahakam, is a threatened aquatic mammal inhabiting the Mahakam River ecosystem in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Its survival is increasingly threatened by habitat degradation and various human activities, while public awareness of its conservation needs remains limited despite ongoing protection efforts. This study aimed to design a pesut Mahakam mascot as a visual communication medium to support conservation education and public engagement in the Central Mahakam region. The design process employed a participatory design approach that integrated visually appealing characteristics with elements of local cultural identity. The resulting mascot represented the distinctive physical features of the pesut Mahakam and was developed for use in educational materials, public awareness campaigns, community events, and environmental communication activities. The mascot design was evaluated through interviews and surveys involving local communities and relevant stakeholders. The findings indicated positive perceptions of the mascot's visual appeal, educational relevance, and potential to encourage public interest in pesut Mahakam conservation. These results suggested that the mascot could serve as an accessible and engaging communication tool for conveying conservation messages to diverse audiences. Furthermore, incorporating the mascot into community-based conservation initiatives could help foster a sense of shared responsibility and encourage participation in environmental protection activities. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of a culturally relevant conservation mascot to strengthen environmental communication and public engagement in the Central Mahakam region. The design approach could also be adapted to other conservation contexts, although its long-term effectiveness in changing environmental awareness and behavior would require further evaluation.]]>
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