RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: WWF-Pakistan held its ‘Nature Carnival 2017’ in collaboration with English Biscuit Manufactures (EBM) at the Maritime Museum on Sunday where children, parents, students and teachers largely attended.

The participants engaged in eco-friendly games, quiz competitions, alongside having enjoyed live music performances, puppet shows, lucky dip and other activities organised by the WWF-Pakistan.

The Nature Carnival had over 120 stalls of schools, colleges and universities. The main competition revolved around 3D models on environmental themes in accordance with different grades. Expert judges including Saima Sardar Khan, a lecturer at the DHA Suffa University; Assistant Professor Suneela Ahmed from NED University and Dr. Raheela, Assistant Professor at Zoology Department, University of Karachi, and others evaluated and scored the 3D models.

“The objective of the event is to motivate and involve the public, especially youth, in valuing the rich natural heritage of Pakistan and supporting conservation initiatives,” said Rab Nawaz, senior director programmes at the WWF-Pakistan.

He further said that for the past 18 years, the Nature Carnival has provided a platform to build knowledge and interest of the tomorrow’s leaders in responsible action, ecologically-conscious development and sustainable living. He also shared that the carnival has brought about a visible change in the mindset of individuals across the county which is reflected in the students’ efforts and understanding of environmental concepts.

“There is a dire need of creating environmental awareness among the youth. Other organizations should come forward to support WWF-Pakistan in this connection,” he urged.

Ayesha Janjua, head of marketing at the EBM said that it is our responsibility to provide next generation with a nourishing environment and foster ownership and sense of responsibility.

‘At EBM, we have always pursued an environment-friendly approach and we believe this Carnival will serve as a source of inspiration for others to do the same,” she said.

Asma Ezdi, head of communications and marketing, WWF-Pakistan, said that the success of the Nature Carnival over the years was a result of the support from educational institutes and corporate partners— in the form of participation and sponsorship. ‘At the WWF-Pakistan, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and operations. WWF recognizes the twin benefits of environment-friendly practices on both the environment and the economy,’ she said, adding that the Nature Carnival’s themes are bound to be instructional and visitors tend to learn from them.

She said this isn’t just learning— this is hands-on, experiential learning offered in a fun context of a festival. She also thanked Pakistan Navy for their continuous support over the years to the organization. She said Tetra Pak also had supported the Nature Carnival in 2017 as co-sponsor.

Various schools and governments from the private and public sector competed for trophies and cash prizes from WWF-Pakistan and EBM. Projects’ themes included: ‘reduce, reuse, recycle,’ effects of water pollution on health; organic kitchen gardening and its benefits; converting waste to energy; watershed management; wetlands for disaster risk reduction and green economy.