Studies assert that a good number of projects rooted in environmental sustainability involve replanting forests, preserving wetlands, and protecting natural areas from resource harvesting.
One of the most significant environmental problems today is outdoor air pollution.
Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that an estimated 4.2 to 7 million people die from air pollution worldwide every year and that 9 out of 10 people breathe air that contains high levels of pollutants.
Environmental conservation and sustainability play crucial roles in development.
Modeling for conservancy
Fionah Njeri, a conservation model and director of the Greener Communities Program, holds this narrative closer to her heart hence her pursuit of environmental health awareness through eco-pageantry.
The passion for nature that had grown with her since childhood seemed to find its paradigm when she was crowned Miss Environment 2021/2022.
“I was propelled to use my platform as a model to raise awareness and advocate for the preservation of our environment. I didn’t want what I saw growing up to repeat itself ever,” she says, reminiscing on her childhood memories.
Growing up, the environmental enthusiast says she witnessed the devastating consequences of climate change.
Vagaries of nature were common, such as strong winds and dust during the dry season and massive runoff water during the rainy season.
With a fierce determination and a love for nature, Njeri is dedicated to making a positive impact and leaving a greener legacy for generations to come, both present and future.
As the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and environmental campaigner Prof. Wangari Maathai put it, “The generation that destroys the environment is not the generation that pays the price. That is the problem.”
With that in mind, Njeri not only lets the tiara dangle on her head, but also uses it as a tool to advocate for a greener and cleaner world for tomorrow’s generations.
Using the runway to champion environment conservancy has been a unique way to strike two birds with one stone for Fifiture (a moniker coined from her name and passion for conservation).
She asserts it brings her joy to communicate through the runway, thus inspiring others to use their platform to advocate for Sustainable Development Goal 13, which focuses on climate action and protecting life.
“I use my art of modelling as an instrument to spread the message of climate action and conservation, bridging the gap between beauty and sustainability,” she explains.
A runway model is a person who poses to display clothing, fashion designs and beauty by walking along a narrow stage in front of an audience.
She adds that the runway is more than just a space to showcase fashion and beauty.
For her, it’s a platform to spread public awareness of environmental matters.
A conservation organization
She believes using her passion for modeling to water her first love (environment) makes her a tang conservation model.
Together with a team of like-minded young individuals from different walks of life, they founded the Greener Communities Program (GRECOP).
The youth-led community organization works with schools in Kajiado county to promote environmental conservation and sustainability.
They have worked with various schools in encouraging students to take an active role in conservation by planting trees, managing waste effectively, and creating environmental clubs.
These clubs then lead the rest of the school in promoting environmental conservation.
As the old Chinese adage echoes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time to plant a tree is today.”
Literally put into perspective, you might not have planted a tree in the past, but you still have an opportunity to do it now to save the future.
The goal
Njeri asserts that their goal as a dynamic startup organization focused on environmental education, waste management, and youth mobilization in park conservation “…is to inspire the younger generation to be the change they wish to see in the world and become champions of the environment.”
“With the Greener Communities Program, we are taking our passion for the environment to new heights by incorporating eco-pageantry,” she explains.
“We envision to empower young models to become ambassadors of change and use their art to educate and inspire their communities on conservation and sustainability,” Njeri adds.
Eco-pageantry is the use of modeling or public performance to entertain an audience in regard to the ecosystem and environment.
The program is geared towards equipping the models with the knowledge and skills to drive change and encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable environmental practices.
Events organized by the organization, such as the Mazingira Gala, are meant to bring together diverse groups of stakeholders to network, learn from one another, and be inspired to take action in their communities.
“I see this as a thrilling opportunity to use my platform to influence and create a ripple effect, inspiring businesses and individuals alike to take action and be part of the solution,” she says, a grin of joy escaping her face.
Through GRECOP, Njeri, together with her team, have partnered with various environmental organizations in mobilizing young people to preserve parks, which are vital habitats for wildlife.
Tracing the inspiration
During her days at her Alma Mater, Africa Nazarene University, she recalls encounters with wildlife movements.
This was a common phenomenon since the varsity is located in Ongata Rongai, adjacent to Tuala within the Athi-Kapiti Corridor that connects Amboseli and Nairobi National Parks.
An environmental club she was a member of took the mandate of restoring activities to minimize the disturbance of the area’s flora and fauna.
Through her interaction with the community and other harmonious youths, they saw a need to start a movement, thus GRECOP.
Through activities like environmental game drives, invasive weed control, and community campaigns on the importance of wildlife conservation, the program is making a real impact on conservation efforts.
She confirms that the community in Kajiado has become more receptive to the program, and cases of humans killing wildlife for destroying their farms have reduced.
“We also do environmental clean-ups, campaigns and environmental education in schools to help tackle the problem of waste in Kajiado County, which is experiencing rapid urbanization and resulting waste emissions,” Njeri narrates.
From the just completed 5-year Solid Waste Strategic Plan (2018-2022) by the County Government of Kajiado, there lies better guidance to sustainable solid waste management in Kajiado and Kenya at large, ensuring a healthy, safe, and secure environment for all.
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is one of the vital devolved functions that are handled within the docket of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources in the County Government of Kajiado.
What else?
In addition, Njeri says, “The organization is also collecting plastic bottles to use as a drip irrigation system for the trees we plant.”
As part of their resolution, GRECOP is launching a groundbreaking project to construct school botanical gardens in Kajiado North.
They believe that educating the next generation about the importance of sustainability and the environment is crucial.
“This project will provide young people with hands-on experience with growing food and planting trees,” she appreciates.
With a chain of activities up her sleeves, Njeri believes that environmental matters go beyond awareness alone.
Picking from last year’s Conference of Parties 27 (COP27), she hopes that there will be real action on the ground.
“In Africa, this is especially important as the continent contributes to only 4% of global emission, but is still one of the hardest hit regions by the effect of climate change,” she notes.
Despite our low contribution to emissions, African nations suffer from droughts, floods and rising temperatures that have a devastating impact on food and water security, health and economic development.
“It’s commendable that support will be given regionally, but I couldn’t emphasize enough how Africa has a lot of resources we could explore by embracing the conservation of our continent.
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Partnerships and sharing of knowledge on activities such as climate-smart agriculture and sustainable land use management could shape a greater future for us all,” Njeri concludes.
Well, this well put