AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: (PMNH), Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Ministry of Science and Technology, celebrated the International Earth Day by arranging a number of activities for schoolchildren on its premises here on Tuesday.
The main activities included tree plantation by children in the Botanical Garden of PMNH, Nature Photography and Nature Poster Competitions among schoolchildren. Over 100 students from various public and private sector educational institutions of Rawalpindi and Islamabad participated in these competitions under different age categories.
The Earth Day is celebrated all over the world on April 22 every year. Due to Sunday holiday in educational institutions the PMNH arranged the celebrations on Tuesday to create awareness among the students and general public about the threats to the Planet Earth and take corrective measures to halt the damage caused due to these problems.
The Earth Day celebration at PMNH started with a colorful inaugural ceremony. Dr. Shahzad A. Mufti, who is a renowned scientist, Advisor COMSATS and Ex-Chairman PSF and Ex-Director General PMNH, was the Chief Guest. A large number of students and teachers from various educational institutions, scientists and media people attended the event.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Mufti explained some of the major human activities that are causing environmental and climatic changes and posing serious threat to Mother Earth. He called need for sustainable use of natural resources. He said natural resources are the capital of Earth and these should be used judiciously. He hoped that the young generation would come forward to save the Planet Earth from the threats it is facing with.
He also talked about his association with PMNH and importance of Earth Day and PMNH role in educating people on our natural wealth and its sustainable use.
Dr. Syed Azhar Hasan, Director General, PMNH, highlighted the importance of Earth Day and different environmental hazards and climatic changes which are disturbing life on the planet Earth. He also made mention to the various species that are facing extinction due to these problems.
Later, the Chief Guest along with students inaugurated the day-long activities by releasing colourful balloons in the air.
Some 50 students and their teachers planted saplings in Botanical Garden of PMNH as a token to make the Planet Earth Green.
Some 100 students participated in the nature Poster and Photography Competitions. All the participants will be awarded participation certificates later in a ceremony. The winners of these competitions will be awarded cash prizes and their selected works would be displayed in the PMNH Gallery for public viewing.
For more information, contact:
Pakistan Science Foundation
1-Constitution Avenue,
Sector G-5/2, Islamabad
Pakistan
Tel: + 92 51 9202469-70
Fax: + 92 51 9202468