By Neil Brian Joseph
NGO promotes environs conservation among youth
KOTA KINABALU: Borneo Blue, a local marine conservation NGO, conducted its very own Youth4EnvKK talk last Saturday in its bid to promote the importance of environmental conservation among the youth of the state.
Founder Nadine Mopilin disclosed that the talk is a monthly event that focuses on topics relating to marine and freshwater conservation, one that also aims to inspire youths to participate in conservation works.
“All the talks will be delivered by young speakers who are experienced in topic of marine conservation,” Nadine said at the talk, which was held Biru-Biru Cafe.
Present in the talk was Noel Seanundu, a young local Sabahan who had been dedicated in the fight to revive and protect the Moyog River in Penampang, through a community-based organization called CommunityLed Environmental Awareness for our River (C.L.E.A.R) since 2012.
“Young people now live and work in the city with cars and make money through their phones. They actually forget the connection of their ancestor with the river,” said Noel during the talk.
He also shared his experiences starting as a youth volunteer till today as C.L.E.A.R technical coordinator.
“The bamboos in Moyog River used to be covered with a lot of rubbish. You can actually step on the bamboos without falling into the river water. That is how bad it is.”
The condition of the river has recovered after C.L.E.A.R conservation initiatives were done in the river. The annual Pesta Rakit is one of the initiatives to increase awareness of Moyog River conservation.
The half-day talk included interactive discussion between the youth. They discussed on the pollution factors and initiatives of protection for the river.