EcoExplorace 2014 is an annual environmental event held by Environmental Science and Management Club (SPAS Club) supported by Environmental Secretariat of University of Malaya (UMCares).
This race has a concept similar to treasure hunt. As the President SPAS Club, Director of EcoExplorace 2014 and Tunza Eco-Generation Malaysia ambassador, I have taken the initiative to lead this project with the following objectives:
a) Promote environmental learning through fun way
b) Provide a platform for avid participants to explore the environmental side of University of Malaya
c) Promote sustainable lifestyle through the activities conducted in each checkpoint.
There are 3 main tasks that participants will have to complete.
The first one is named as Fun Learning in which participants will have to complete tasks in 6 checkpoints in order to collect points. It is my utmost gratitude that this section has been well-planned in a way that the participants gain opportunity to visit various hidden gems around UM.
Checkpoint 1: UMCrops Urban Farm
Game name: Urban Farmer
objective: Some of the citizens have misconception on farming as a practice only suitable in rural areas as well as obsolete and impractical to do it in a city. Well, UMCrops Urban Farm is a successful example that organic farming can be done in concrete jungle. It is an initiative started by UMCares under a flagship program called UMCrops. In fact, everyone should consider adopting green fingers and produce your own food when the agriculture industry is getting nastier with excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. So in this checkpoint, participants had hands-on experience in making own organic fertilizer as well as harvesting kangkung (spinach).
Checkpoint 2: Stream of Life
Game name: Citizen Scientist
objective: Contestants will learn the technique on monitoring water quality of a river using a simple testing kit. We want them to know that each and every one of us can be a scientist regardless of whether you are from science stream or not, so long you are able to study/investigate an environmental problem using any method. This can then drive a person to take further action in environmental protection such as reporting to the authority on river pollution or maybe embark on a community project.
Checkpoint 3: Sastera Court
Game name: Recycling Maniac
objective: The aim of this game is to teach them a skill in distinguishing recyclables and non-recyclables item. Do not be shock that is not even aware that electronic waste can be recycled!
Checkpoint 4: Tasek Varsity (Varsity Lake)
Game name: Water Conservationist
objective: In regards of latest water crisis in Malaysia, we want to instill awareness on participant that every drop counts. As such, in the game, they are required to maximize the amount of water collected while transferring it from one place to another.
Checkpoint 5: Zero Waste Campaign Site (ZWC)
Game name: Recycling Selfie + Fear Factor
objective: Majority of us is not aware that beverage carton can actually be recycled into roofing tiles. In this station, in regards to achieve zero waste status in UM, participants will have to recycle the beverage carton in correct way by practicing 3Fs: flip, flap and flat. Read here to know more. Besides, UMCares under the flagship program of ZWC has long initiated composting project in which food waste from cafeteria is collected and turned into compost/soil conditioner for UM landscaping purpose. Participant will learn new information on the process of composting by looking for the clues hidden inside the compost!
Checkpoint 6: Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden
Game name: Now You See Me
objective: For your information, UM was once a large forested area and due to its construction, trees were chopped off, remaining what is witnessed today as Rimba Ilmu. It is magnificent how UM's Rimba Ilmu Botanical Garden is a house to diverse plants and animals species and in fact, various exclusive species that can only be found here! Thus, we would like to take this opportunity to let participants explore the jungle, by looking for particular plant species.
The second task of this race is called Voice Action. We assign participants to spread 10 awareness sheets to the public because we do not want their environmental learning to stop within themselves but also to reach out to more people. We believe that awareness without action is equaled to zero. Thus, we hope to inculcate this sense of responsibility in them.
And lastly, we enhance the participant?s learning by conducting a quiz session with them in our final section called UM Eco Ace. Our aim is to embed the environmental knowledge in all of them.
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Do you know that drink packs can be recycled into roofing tiles?
A drink packs are 75% paper, 20% plastic, 5% aluminium and 100% recyclable. The plastic and aluminium layers can be extracted and recycled into roofing tile.
Tetrapak has an initiative called the Careton Project in which beverage cartons are collected to make roof for Orang Asli home and it is an honour for us to host the launching of UM Beverage Carton Recycling in our EcoExplorace 2014 closing ceremony.
Following that, we had our prize giving ceremony in which the champion, 1st runner up and 2nd runner up receive cash prize of RM300, RM200 and RM100. Besides, 4th placing tied with the 5th and so, each group received a mini hamper. All of the participants also received certificate of participation and goodies bag containing items from UMCares (main sponsor) and Tunza Eco-Generation.
I dare to say that this explorace is different and more innovative than any other as it is special in various ways:
1) The awareness sheets are printed on used paper so as to maximize the usage of paper as well as reducing demand on new paper
2) Participants are encouraged to take shuttle bus or carpool throughout the race
3) Each participant group bears the name of endangered flora and fauna in Malaysia so as to increase their attention towards conservation and protection work: Malayan tiger, sun bear, sea turtle, pitcher, tapir, orang utan, Asian elephant, leopard, rafflesia and many more
4) Meatless lunch is served so as to promote sustainable lifestyle as well as reducing one?s carbon footprint on Earth
Do you know that high demand on beef can result in global warming? This is because as cow farts, it releases methane gas, a type of gas four times more harmful than carbon dioxide!
Cheers!
7 Comments
Thank you for sharing, She!
Posted 30-11-2014 13:27
Every section is well organized and knowledgeable .Knowledge with fun will definitely have a great impact.Green act with beautiful messages.Thanks for sharing and organizing such an inspirational event she.:)
Posted 30-09-2014 13:01
Congrats SHE for this creative project. The 6 Segments were carefully selected & programmed. Voice Action & UM Eco Ace are thought provoking.
The sustainable aspect of transport is a novel idea.
Use of Tetra Pak as roofing tiles is an innovative use of this widely used item. These days all drinks are marketed in Tetra Paks.
The pictures shows professional execution of an excellent project.
Keep it up!!
Awaiting your more updates..
Posted 29-09-2014 23:53
Congratulations, kudos and bravo to all of the Eco-Explorace 2014 organizing team members.
As one of the past 12th and existing 13th Tunza Eco-Generation Regional Ambassadors to Malaysia, I am truly honored to participate and meeting Ms She Mei as the new Regional Ambassador in the event.
It is indeed a FUN and interesting explorace activities that instill both environmental education and awareness to the students in the university. And inevitably, the program was a HUGE SUCCESS as I strongly believed that all of the program objectives are accomplished.
Great job and hope this beneficial program will continue in the future with a greater scale of participation.
Posted 29-09-2014 23:09
Indeed, this activity is a well-thought one! I am amazed with how you transformed an important and serious issue into an engaging, fun and marketable activity! And you were able to identify the core inputs necessary to achieve your objectives. This is an inspiration! Kudos She! :)
Posted 29-09-2014 21:46
Indeed, this activity is a well-thought one! I am amazed with how you transformed an important and serious issue into an engaging, fun and marketable activity! And you were able to identify the core inputs necessary to achieve your objectives. This is an inspiration! Kudos She! :)
Posted 29-09-2014 21:46
WOW! What a well organised environmental event. Every segment is different , fun loving & learning experience. All the 6 check points convey a very strong positive message. Icing on the cake is Quiz and passing knowledge to others. Really a very well planned event.
No doubt it is unique in every way from the title "EcoExplorace"-the segments/check points- the transport used -type of lunch served.
Thanks She for sharing & inspiring.
Posted 29-09-2014 21:06