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Karachi: Thousands throng nature carnival at PAF museum


Tuesday, January 24, 2012
source:The News.com Pakistan


Plastic models of nature and the country’s landscape and activities related to environment and the conservation of nature were the main attraction at a carnival that garnered surprisingly a large turnout at the PAF Museum in Karsaz.

The event’s organisers, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan, estimated that some 25,000 people, comprising mostly families and schoolchildren, attended the event. The event attracted such a large number of people that it caused a traffic gridlock on Karsaz Road and Shahrea Faisal, with many families having to return home as they were unable to enter the museum.

The WWF held this event in partnership with Indus Motor Company (IMC), with the aim of motivating the youth and general public to understand the rich natural heritage of Pakistan, and to support conservation initiatives.

There were 150 stalls set up by schools, universities and commercial entities on the theme of environmental protection, biodiversity and conservation of nature, while different competitions were organized to increase awareness among children and youth about key environmental issues.

Among the several engaging activities, the most innovative was the 3D display model competition. Hundreds of students participated in live presentations to the judges and guests, featuring themes such as habitat conservation of endangered species (such as the snow leopard, the green turtle, and the Indus dolphin), water conservation, solid waste management, global warming and climate change, ecotourism, energy conservation, and green architecture. The winning group was presented with shields and certificates.

There was also an environmental puppet show, live musical performances, a magic show, environmental games and quizzes, a nature-themed art exhibition, and an environmental debate competition.

WWF – Pakistan’s Regional Director, Rab Nawaz, said that through this carnival, important information about our environment was being conveyed to a large number of people. He maintained that children are the stewards for change; they should be equipped with conservation practices.

Marriyum Aurangzeb, Senior Manager, Corporate Relations, WWF - Pakistan said: “since the past 10 years, WWF - Pakistan’s Nature Carnival has been playing its role as a unique endeavor that brings together thousands of people, such as students, families, the corporate sector, the media, government organisations, conservation organisations and general public.

“It provides a collective platform for building knowledge and interest in responsible action, ecologically conscious development and sustainable living,” she added. Pervaiz Ghias, who was the guest of honour at the carnival, said that the Toyota Environmental Programme, which was launched in 2011in partnership with WWF - Pakistan, had been implemented in 100 schools, 15 colleges and 10 universities, and has been a huge success.

“IMC is proud to be part of this carnival, and we hope to make Pakistan’s younger generation more environmentally sensitive and so that they can act as guardians of our natural resources, he added.

Nasir Ali Panhwar, Programme Coordinator Indus for All Programme, highlighted the fact that the carnival was a truly unique event in that it established a diverse level of participation and an integrated approach towards nature conservation. He emphasized the need to create awareness about environmental issues with support of media.