SEF marks environment day

Themed 'Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation,' event stressed actions needed to safeguard planet's future

KARACHI:

A large number of children gathered at an event for World Environment Day held at Frere Hall to spread the message that the earth must be protected for future generations.

The event was organized by the Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) and was attended by Mayor of Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab as the chief guest.

Themed Drought, Desertification, and Land Degradation, the event emphasized the importance of individual and collective actions in safeguarding the planet for future generations.

The children showcased their environment-related projects, including green energy, eco-friendly homes, and conservation initiatives. People from different walks of life appreciated the students' confidence and their knowledge about environmental sustainability.

Shafiq Paracha said that the significance of preserving our oceans and appealed to the Sindh government to prevent the contamination of the Indus River by sewage water.

Environmental expert Masood Lohar warned that climate change is irreversible, citing recent phenomena such as clouds descending lower and an earthquake in Karachi two days prior.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that nothing is irreversible and improvements are possible. He acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that “together we can make a difference.”

The Mayor asked SEF to collect a database of SEF school children to initiate a tree-planting movement, with the goal of each child owning a tree. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the Sindh Government will support this initiative. School children will be responsible for taking care of the trees they plant.

Murtaza Wahab shared a personal story, mentioning that he planted a gulmohar tree in his courtyard upon the birth of his daughter, and both the tree and his daughter are growing together.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2024.