Children can help address environmental issues: UNEP official

Strong efforts have been made to ensure that children inherit a safe and clean planet but are the world's youngsters already able to help heal the environment?

Many are. That's thanks to TUNZA, a UN Environment Programme effort that is aimed at engaging children in real action to promote environmental awareness.

TUNZA, a Kiswahili word that means "to treat with care or affection," has provided opportunities for children to take action to promote environmental protection, said Theodore Oben, head of the outreach unit at UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information.

"The program also enables the public in general and leaders in particular to see what children are doing for the environment," Oben said during a recent interview with Xinhua ahead of Universal Children's Day on Nov. 20.

For instance, the UN agency recently held an International Environmental Children's Drawing Contest as part of efforts to empower youths to change the course of environmental decline, Oben said.

Through the drawings, adults can visualize the children's concerns and aspirations for their future life on planet Earth, he said.

The drawings eloquently convey powerful messages across borders, overcoming differences in ethnicity, culture, language even generations, he said.

Meanwhile, several activities, including the TUNZA international and regional conferences, publications and campaigns, have been rolled out to promote awareness and actions of youth to improve the environment, he said.

"For UNEP, engaging young people on environmental issues is an important investment for sustainable development," Oben said. "It's about creating a more environmentally conscious younger generation to take leadership in environmental conservation."

The number of NGOs designed to enhance children's environmental awareness has been rising rapidly in the last decade, with many taking an increasingly active role.

Source: Xinhua