Mega Earth Day 2010

The celebration for 2010 Earth Day was held last weekend at Kota Damansara Community Forest Park, Section 10, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya. The fun-filled Carnival featured a night concert, night forest hiking, mountain bike hiking, kayaking, exhibition booths and sale, children activities and talks. The two-days event managed to attract participation of many youth. And more importantly the many young volunteers helping the organisers. I think it is in the right direction of educating environmental voluntarism at young age. Having said this, the participation of other segments of the society is less desirable. I believe better marketing strategy and promotion drive should be done. The event shall be inclusive and no one should be spare from coming to this last remaining urban forest in Petaling Jaya, more significantly the forest was a target of development 2 years ago. It is time to celebrate the conservation of this nature heritage with announcement of the State Government of Selangor recently. One of the important stakeholders missing from the scene was the aboriginal people who has been displaced and relocated to the modern residential area. I believe by recruiting them and bringing them back closer to the forest will, at least helping to resolve many social problems at their place of living now.

While the exhibition featured NGOs displaying their works and selling of products, it is a pity that not many forthcoming to lender their involvement and contribution. I believe much works need to be done to engage people on contributing towards improving the social cause with environmental flavour.

While the program was an effort of partnership amongst various stakeholders and would not be possible without tireless involvement of them, it was however sad to note that their contribution has not been given proper recognition. No highlight about the contribution by various stakeholders. For sustainable development working, recognition and acknowledgement is very critical. People need to be given words of encouragement and motivation for them to move ahead and perform better. Many people lost interest and sudden death of commitment simply because of lack of motivation.

Let's work together having a more meaningful and inclusive event next year.