KARACHI: WWF-Pakistan hosted 18th Nature Carnival 2017 at Maritime Museum in Karachi on Sunday. The event was sponsored by English Biscuit Manufactures (EBM).
Thousands of people, including children, parents, students and teachers, attended the event, and participants engaged in eco-friendly games, quiz competitions, and enjoyed live music performances, puppet shows, lucky dip and other activities set up by the WWF-Pakistan.
The nature carnival had over 120 stalls set up by schools, colleges and universities.
The main competition revolved around 3D models on environmental themes according to different grades. Expert judges, including DHA Suffa University lecturer Saima Sardar Khan, NED University assistant professor Suneela Ahmed, and Karachi University, Zoology Department Assistant Professor Dr Raheela, amongst others, evaluated and scored the 3D models.
Commenting on the occasion, WWF-Pakistan Programmes Senior Director Rab Nawaz said that 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.
For the past 18 years, the nature carnival has provided a platform to build knowledge and interest of tomorrow’s leaders in responsible action, ecologically conscious development and sustainable living, he added.
He also shared that 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. He urged that spreading environmental awareness among the youth is the need of the hour and other organisations should come forward to support WWF-Pakistan.
EBM’s Marketing Head Ayesha Janjua 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 an inspiration for others to do the same,” she added.
WWF-Pakistan Communications and Marketing Head Asma Ezdi said that the success of the event over the years has been a result of the support from educational institutes and corporate partners— in the form of participation and sponsorship.
“At WWF-Pakistan, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and operations. WWF recognises the twin benefits of environmentally-friendly practices on both the environment and the economy.”
She, while shedding light on the social benefits of the nature carnival, said that the event’s themes are bound to be instructional and visitors tend to learn from them.
“This isn’t just learning— this is hands-on, experiential learning offered in a fun context of a festival,” she concluded. She also thanked Pakistan Navy for their continuous support over the years to the organisation.