A carnival for environmental awareness

Karachi
The WWF-Pakistan organised a ‘Travelling Nature Carnival’ at the Expo Centre on Sunday, an event aimed at increasing awareness regarding conservation of natural resources and environmental challenges being faced by Pakistan.
The carnival attracted up to 20,000 people from various walks of life, bringing together students, families, the corporate sector, media personnel, government representatives and conservation organisations to promote eco-friendly practices and a better understanding of the critical environmental challenges of the country.
The Nature Carnival had over 150 stalls set-up by 115 schools, colleges and universities. The main competition revolved around 3D models prepared by students of schools, colleges and universities. Participants were engaged in various interactive activities such as live music, puppet show, magic shows and face painting.
“The Nature Carnival is an awareness raising event which has become a permanent feature of Pakistan’s major schools and across cities. The carnival aims at changing attitudes of the masses for a sustainable future,” said Anwar Nasim, senior director of WWF-Pakistan’s corporate relations.
“The carnival has brought about a visible change in the mindset of individuals across the county which is reflected in students efforts and understanding of environmental concepts.”
Sania Rauf Khan, another senior WWF-Pakistan official, said that the carnival brings decision makers from public and private institutions on a common platform to recognise their roles and responsibilities in providing solutions for national and global ecological challenges.
Rab Nawaz, regional director of WWF-Pakistan, noted that the features of the carnival had a mass appeal. “Moreover, it helps link humans to nature. Identifying our individual roles in a sustainable future is the key to a progressive and well balanced society,” he said.
Schools from the private and public sector competed for trophies and cash prizes from WWF-Pakistan and Horlicks. The themes for the year included; make the connection between species and humans; reduce plastic – save marine life; recycle waste – reduce impact; bringing eco-changes on campus; eco-recycling of e-waste; exploring connections between economy, environment and society; identifying environmental needs and presenting their solutions.
At the end of the festival, prizes were distributed among winning education institutes including the City School, Beaconhouse, Hamdard University, Dawood Public School, Agriculture and Agri Business Management of Karachi University, Bahria Foundation college and others.