EcoExplorace 2014by | 29-09-2014 19:49 |
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        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. _______________________________________________________________________ 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! |
