WWF-Pakistan in collaboration with Rio, a brand of English Biscuits Manufacturers, organized a fun-filled Travelling Nature Carnival on Sunday at PAF Museum. The Nature Carnival attracted up to 30,000 individuals from various walks of life.
The Nature Carnival had over 120 stalls set-up by schools, colleges and universities. The main competition revolved around 3D models set up by students of schools and universities. Expert judges including Afia Salam, a renowned activist and environmental journalist; Dr Zaheer Khan, Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Karachi; Seema Jilani, Associate Professor, Institute of Environment Studies, University of Karachi, Aaliya Farukh, experienced educationist and Dr Raheela amongst others graded the 3D models.
Families, corporate and academia representatives including principals attended the carnival. Participants were engaged in eco-friendly games, quiz competition, puppet shows, lucky draw and other activities set up by WWF-Pakistan and Rio including thematic art competitions and several others.
Speaking on the occasion, Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General, WWF-Pakistan said that the Nature Carnival is an awareness raising event which has become a permanent feature of Pakistan's major schools across country. The carnival aims at changing attitudes of the masses to become environment friendly for a sustainable future. 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 youth is need of the hour and concerted efforts are required in this regard.
Zulfiqar Ali Ansari, the head of marketing at English Biscuit Manufacturers Pvt Limited said that Peek Freans RIO is a fun filled brand, targeted at children, and aims at giving them a pleasure filled experience. He shared that they believed in an environmentally friendly approach. 'At EBM, we have continuously worked towards nourishing our environment and with WWF; we aim to use this platform to create a sense of responsibility among students to nurture the same', he added.
Various schools and governments from the private and public sector competed for trophies and cash prizes from WWF-Pakistan and Rio.
The first prize for 3D models under the theme 'Impact of habitat degradation on our lives' was given to Happy Palace Grammar School Campus Eight, while the second and third prizes were awarded to BVS Parsi School and The City School Junior Girls PECHS.
Further, the first, second and third prizes in overall categories were awarded to BVS Parsi School, BSS KG Three PECHS School and KMC School Orangi Town respectively. Shields and certificates were also awarded to other winning education institutes in different themes. -PR