News
Earth
Day
2024
Clean-Up
&
Awareness
Activity
at
Kinara
Park,
Rawal
Lake,
Islamabad
On 22nd April 2024, Friends of Margallah Hills National Park (FoMHNP) organised an Earth Day event at Kinara Park, Rawal Lake, Islamabad. Co-hosts for the activity included the US Embassy, Islamabad Wildlife Management Board (IWMB), and SMEC. Student participants from NUST also joined in.

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Planet vs Plastics,” emphasises the need for collective action to repair and heal the planet’s ecosystems, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity. Earth Day holds immense significance as a global initiative to raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire action. It provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, organisations, and governments to come together and engage in activities aimed at protecting the planet for current and future generations.

 

FoMHNP remains acutely aware of the growing use of plastic and its effects on the environment. Through our volunteers, we consistently create awareness among tourists, visitors, and hikers to avoid bringing plastic packaging items onto various trails within MHNP. Almost four years ago, IWMB announced a “Zero Plastic Policy” for these trails. Our volunteers educate visitors about the harmful effects of plastic when it is disposed of in the forest environment.

 

With the assistance of IWMB staff and FoMHNP volunteers, plastic bottles, shoppers, and food packaging have been significantly reduced along the trails. However, more efforts are required to educate the general public about limiting plastic use and eventually transitioning to a plastic-free environment.

 

This activity symbolised the commitment of various organisations towards a plastic-free planet. During the event, Mr. Andrew Schofer, Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Islamabad, highlighted the effects of plastic pollution on the environment.