Youth empowered to lead environmental change

A GROUP of young people recently gathered at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre to commemorate Youth Month, and celebrated the role of the youth in community development.

The highlights of the day centred on nature conservation and promoting environmental cleanliness among youth.

Also read: CROW educates learners to celebrate World Environment Day

The event was hosted in partnership between eThekwini Municipality, Yellowwood Park and Woodhaven Ratepayers and Residents Association and MetPac-SA.

Dr Kishan Singh from MetPac-SA delivered a keynote address educating the youth about the importance of plants and nature conservation.

Recycling reduces waste and conserves natural resources

The attendees were also taught about recycling as one of the easiest and most practical ways to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

Speakers at the function said when materials are recycled, they are collected, processed and reused instead of being sent to landfill. This helps reduce the demand for new raw materials and lowers the overall environmental impact of production.

Materials such as aluminum and steel can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making them well-suited to a circular system where resources are kept in use for as long as possible.

Also read: Promoting environmental awareness in school

The Environmental Youth Day was held following the commemoration of the World Environment Day which is observed on June 5 each year.

As an annual awareness day, it mobilises governments, communities, businesses, and individuals to protect and restore the environment. 

Following devastating flood events experienced in recent years, eThekwini Municipality intensified efforts to improve:

• Early warning systems,
• Stormwater management,
• Catchment rehabilitation,
• Climate-risk planning to better protect vulnerable communities and infrastructure.

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