planet. You have to keep it clean, green and
beautiful.”
These beautiful words were among the prize-winning entries of the
essay competition organized at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
by AIT/ United Nations Environment Programme UNEP Regional Resource
Centre for Asia and the Pacific (UNEP.RRC.AP) to mark World Environment
Day 2010. The theme of the celebration was “Many Species, One
Planet, One Future.”
Four children, Hally Jeanne Lagaya Dante (Grade III), Wai Phyo Than
(Grade IV), Kuldeep Bulbule (Grade V) and Rihand Parde (Grade VI) of
the AIT International School (AIS) who won the essay competition, also
read out passages before the audience who had gathered to celebrate the
World Environment Day.
Earlier the children of AIT International School also released 300
fish in the AIT pond. The fish releasing ceremony saw participation
from over 50 students. The fish were of local variety and included
Pangasius Sutchi, Siamise Shark, or Sutchi catfish (called "Pla
Sawaay") apart from clown featherback ("Pla Krai" in Thai).
Prof. Ajit Padmakar Annachhatre, Director AIT-UN Office, who
represented the AIT President on the occasion, remarked that the “UN’s
Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report (2005) stressed that although
scientists have no clear idea of how many species live on earth, an
unprecedented mass extinction of life on Earth is now occurring.”
Dr. Suvit Yodmani, former Minister of Tourism and Sports, Royal Thai
Government, former Regional Director UNEP, and former Vice President
for Development at AIT, remarked that campaigns alone are not
enough, unless they are implemented. He complemented the fish release
ceremony, stating that this was a good campaign. He illustrated the
case of killing of sharks and whales to stress the need for more
campaigns.
"The future depends on you," Dr. Suvit said, citing two examples
of ‘no smoking campaign’ and ‘no water pollution’ where children have
effectively impressed upon their parents to initiate definitive action.
He complimented AIT/UNEP/RRC.AP for taking the lead in organizing the
campaign.
A video message by Dr. Achin Steiner, UNEP Executive Director was
broadcast on the occasion. Ms. Kasia Pudas, Principal, AITIS introduced
the award-winning students from her school who were honoured with
prizes. Eco songs were played by “the Little Nano Band” and the “RRC.AP
Choral Group” who were joined by participants from the Office of the
AIT President. Earlier Mr. Ric Dennis A. Canullas, Senior Programme
Officer, AIT/UNEP.RRC.AP welcomed all delegates and participants. AIT's
Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Development in the Context of
Climate Change (SDCC) and TEAM Consulting were co-sponsors of the
program.
Mr. Mahesh Pradhan, Director, AIT/UNEP.RRC.AP, thanked all
participants and highlighted the importance of World Environment Day
celebrations and elaborated on the issue of biodiversity.
Students from AIT International
School participating in the fish release ceremony.