Click on the image for larger viewWednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
NO to Coal Power Plant in Sandakan
Source http://vixa.com/openlettersandakan.html and please support by signing the petition http://www.PetitionOnline.com/sootcity/petition.html
An open letter from Sandakan.
From KL to Sandakan on Air-Asia is a fast 2 plus hours and one is ready to enjoy friendly hospitality, fresh-seafood and the embrace of mother nature. On our MAS, Malaysia's National Carrier it takes a bit longer - 2 hops and almost a day. Besides seafood, Sandakan is also well known to Westerners as the sanctuary for Oran Utan, Proboscis monkeys and endangered Turtles (on Turtle Island). To Australians, Sandakan is known for her War Memorial dedicated to our Aussie heroes marched to their death in WW2. To be fair, Sandakan was also captured in a less known Japanese "B" movie of the same name. She is also home to the famous American writer Agnes Keith who once lived here with her family and was inspired to write of her experiences about the Land under the wind. Her house now stands as a tourist attraction show-casing how the whites lived in paradise as it was then (after the Government spend millions fixing the old home at the hill top). Even books were written about the non-white inhabitants - The Towkays of Sabah - better known for clan rivalry to exploiting timber trade. Setting aside its historical moments, Sandakan always stood as a refuge for us who have made it our home since grandpa's time, all stood proud when she was crowned with the Title - Nature City, a first in Malaysia.
In early 2008, Sandakan woke up to the prospect of hosting a 300 MW Coal powered plant at her door-steps, courtesy of the Government and the Sabah Electricity S/B (subsidiary of Tenaga Bhd).This Coal powered plant was earlier rejected by Lahad Datu (a nearby town) because it might endanger or damage Meliau Basin and its prehistoric flora/fauna. If the Government have their way with Sabah Electricity, they will put a 300 MW Coal powered plant in Sandakan and more specifically (though unconfirmed) in the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) which is situated a stone throw from two housing estates (towards north) and to the forest reserves for Oran Utan (towards west). Sandakan town sits a close 14 km to the east.
A group of businessmen (from Chinese Chambers of Commerce) have been tirelessly opposing this and have gathered over 30,000 signatures from the locals. To be fair, they have even toured other Coal powered plants in Malaysia and they are firm on rejecting the Coal powered plant which speaks volume considering their street smart dealings in spotting opportunities and characters. However more importantly, the health reason is well known due to its inherent danger of micro-particles which are trappable in the lungs of the vulnerable young and old.
Interestingly this throws up TWO questions which are why COAL and WHY in Sandakan? What did Sandakan do or did not do to deserve this ? No responses from the relevant authorities to date to answer the call for Coal or Sandakan or both. In fact the only response from them (Sabah Electricity S/B) is a rhetorical reply asking the public to present other viable alternatives to their liking if this Coal powered plant is to be questioned. Great, this already tells volume of the EIA report which by the way is not even ready. For the uninitiated, Coal powered plants are well studied and well known to be the least favorable option of all the alternatives even with the soaring costs of other alternatives. For example SierrraClub provides a link to show how bad it is http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/ and that is only the surface. With information at our finger tips, our leaders must think we are slow or unassuming and we so easily cowed by their irresponsiveness, as a sign of their strength or ignorance ?
Be that as it may, Sabah (the State) in fact has voluminous off shore gas (if they had not already pre-sold to the Japanese by Petronas- since no one is saying) and this should be considered the better alternative requires little mental effort. In fact, a combination of gas, biodiesel, solar (being in the tropics) and biomass should be considered given Sandakan is the uncrown palm oil capital of Malaysia. Anyone with some common sense could see Coal is not the answer to problematic electricity problem. In fact, this was the first excuse the Sabah Electricity S/B gave to pacify the population. It is no secret that the main issue with blackouts in Sandakan has to do with maintenance and the lack of it, as stated by a former Minister who was also a former employee. It is often that after a heavy downpour the electricity goes out because some trees fell and tripped the lines. There are unconfirmed rumors that equipment used in the current power plant are reconditioned from other states which may partially explain its dire state. After all, Sandakan is still the record holder with the most blackouts in Malaysia but we don't really mind given the alternative. Dinner by candle lights ? Blackouts give more quality time with family watching fireflies instead of TV or playing computer games. Some tourists that I know were delighted because they had not experienced a blackout before. Fancy that.
Why Sandakan ? Most cities in Sabah are connected by a national power grid which means one can have the Coal powered plant plugged anywhere on the grid. Logically, this could be at a site of most opportune (read cheap) and logistically convenient. I assume the Coal powered plant will be located at the POIC but to be fair no official announcement on this has been made to date. The POIC is a 1000 acs development to enhance the Palm Oil Industry. The proponent has a website here http://www.sawitpoic.com/ and is offering RM 12 (US 3.64) per square feet. A typical Coal powered plant will take up at least 300 acs of land with a further 100 acs for its waste (ash). But who are the real proponents of the POIC ? In fact, the entire POIC was acquired through the infamous Land Acquisitions Ordinance of Sabah and some of the former owners are already complaining in Court. So who else have so much power in this State besides the Chief Minister ? Well, that will be the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri or Governor but the Constitution of Sabahonly allows him to act on advice (but whose advice?). With a stroke of a pen he declared over 100 landowners' land to be acquired for POIC under "public purposes". Those with financial backing will contest else will have to accept whatever compensation by the State (howe
Finally, the Local Council (in Malaysia local councilors are unelected and positioned by their political masters) is trying to rezone the entire area designated for POIC from preservation of hilltop to special industrial (an unknown term), a process which actually requires public participation-feedback from the displaced landowners under the Town and Country Planning Ordinance. So far no notice was published in the newspaper or gazetted for this rezoning. I was informed that this was not required as its rezoning is by an 'amendment' to a previous Sandakan Draft Plan 2003. Sounds a bit controversial to me. For some understanding of Sabah law go to www.sabahlaw.com.
So at the end of the day or night wherever you may be, I hope you will put in a word or two for us in opposing this monstrosity and be disgusted in the manner how this was forced upon us, not forgetting how this will definitely and positively add more carbon dioxide to the environment, affecting our climate (yes yours too) and probably causing us to be homeless due to rising sea-levels. Yes, we will miss our seafood or blackouts but we do not have any choices as mere citizenry. But you have choices, please write to the Prime Minister of Malaysia (if he is willing to listen) http://www.pmo.gov.my/, and complaint about the Chief Minister of Sabah and the proponent ( http://www.sesb.com.my/) or vote on this http://www.PetitionOnline.com/sootcity/petition.html.
Do give a thought for our environment. It is yours too (when you come visit).
From Chris Kwan
Hope,Faith & Charity
3 Oct 2008
An open letter from Sandakan.
From KL to Sandakan on Air-Asia is a fast 2 plus hours and one is ready to enjoy friendly hospitality, fresh-seafood and the embrace of mother nature. On our MAS, Malaysia's National Carrier it takes a bit longer - 2 hops and almost a day. Besides seafood, Sandakan is also well known to Westerners as the sanctuary for Oran Utan, Proboscis monkeys and endangered Turtles (on Turtle Island). To Australians, Sandakan is known for her War Memorial dedicated to our Aussie heroes marched to their death in WW2. To be fair, Sandakan was also captured in a less known Japanese "B" movie of the same name. She is also home to the famous American writer Agnes Keith who once lived here with her family and was inspired to write of her experiences about the Land under the wind. Her house now stands as a tourist attraction show-casing how the whites lived in paradise as it was then (after the Government spend millions fixing the old home at the hill top). Even books were written about the non-white inhabitants - The Towkays of Sabah - better known for clan rivalry to exploiting timber trade. Setting aside its historical moments, Sandakan always stood as a refuge for us who have made it our home since grandpa's time, all stood proud when she was crowned with the Title - Nature City, a first in Malaysia.
In early 2008, Sandakan woke up to the prospect of hosting a 300 MW Coal powered plant at her door-steps, courtesy of the Government and the Sabah Electricity S/B (subsidiary of Tenaga Bhd).This Coal powered plant was earlier rejected by Lahad Datu (a nearby town) because it might endanger or damage Meliau Basin and its prehistoric flora/fauna. If the Government have their way with Sabah Electricity, they will put a 300 MW Coal powered plant in Sandakan and more specifically (though unconfirmed) in the Palm Oil Industrial Cluster (POIC) which is situated a stone throw from two housing estates (towards north) and to the forest reserves for Oran Utan (towards west). Sandakan town sits a close 14 km to the east.
A group of businessmen (from Chinese Chambers of Commerce) have been tirelessly opposing this and have gathered over 30,000 signatures from the locals. To be fair, they have even toured other Coal powered plants in Malaysia and they are firm on rejecting the Coal powered plant which speaks volume considering their street smart dealings in spotting opportunities and characters. However more importantly, the health reason is well known due to its inherent danger of micro-particles which are trappable in the lungs of the vulnerable young and old.
Interestingly this throws up TWO questions which are why COAL and WHY in Sandakan? What did Sandakan do or did not do to deserve this ? No responses from the relevant authorities to date to answer the call for Coal or Sandakan or both. In fact the only response from them (Sabah Electricity S/B) is a rhetorical reply asking the public to present other viable alternatives to their liking if this Coal powered plant is to be questioned. Great, this already tells volume of the EIA report which by the way is not even ready. For the uninitiated, Coal powered plants are well studied and well known to be the least favorable option of all the alternatives even with the soaring costs of other alternatives. For example SierrraClub provides a link to show how bad it is http://www.sierraclub.org/coal/ and that is only the surface. With information at our finger tips, our leaders must think we are slow or unassuming and we so easily cowed by their irresponsiveness, as a sign of their strength or ignorance ?
Be that as it may, Sabah (the State) in fact has voluminous off shore gas (if they had not already pre-sold to the Japanese by Petronas- since no one is saying) and this should be considered the better alternative requires little mental effort. In fact, a combination of gas, biodiesel, solar (being in the tropics) and biomass should be considered given Sandakan is the uncrown palm oil capital of Malaysia. Anyone with some common sense could see Coal is not the answer to problematic electricity problem. In fact, this was the first excuse the Sabah Electricity S/B gave to pacify the population. It is no secret that the main issue with blackouts in Sandakan has to do with maintenance and the lack of it, as stated by a former Minister who was also a former employee. It is often that after a heavy downpour the electricity goes out because some trees fell and tripped the lines. There are unconfirmed rumors that equipment used in the current power plant are reconditioned from other states which may partially explain its dire state. After all, Sandakan is still the record holder with the most blackouts in Malaysia but we don't really mind given the alternative. Dinner by candle lights ? Blackouts give more quality time with family watching fireflies instead of TV or playing computer games. Some tourists that I know were delighted because they had not experienced a blackout before. Fancy that.
Why Sandakan ? Most cities in Sabah are connected by a national power grid which means one can have the Coal powered plant plugged anywhere on the grid. Logically, this could be at a site of most opportune (read cheap) and logistically convenient. I assume the Coal powered plant will be located at the POIC but to be fair no official announcement on this has been made to date. The POIC is a 1000 acs development to enhance the Palm Oil Industry. The proponent has a website here http://www.sawitpoic.com/ and is offering RM 12 (US 3.64) per square feet. A typical Coal powered plant will take up at least 300 acs of land with a further 100 acs for its waste (ash). But who are the real proponents of the POIC ? In fact, the entire POIC was acquired through the infamous Land Acquisitions Ordinance of Sabah and some of the former owners are already complaining in Court. So who else have so much power in this State besides the Chief Minister ? Well, that will be the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri or Governor but the Constitution of Sabahonly allows him to act on advice (but whose advice?). With a stroke of a pen he declared over 100 landowners' land to be acquired for POIC under "public purposes". Those with financial backing will contest else will have to accept whatever compensation by the State (howe
Finally, the Local Council (in Malaysia local councilors are unelected and positioned by their political masters) is trying to rezone the entire area designated for POIC from preservation of hilltop to special industrial (an unknown term), a process which actually requires public participation-feedback from the displaced landowners under the Town and Country Planning Ordinance. So far no notice was published in the newspaper or gazetted for this rezoning. I was informed that this was not required as its rezoning is by an 'amendment' to a previous Sandakan Draft Plan 2003. Sounds a bit controversial to me. For some understanding of Sabah law go to www.sabahlaw.com.
So at the end of the day or night wherever you may be, I hope you will put in a word or two for us in opposing this monstrosity and be disgusted in the manner how this was forced upon us, not forgetting how this will definitely and positively add more carbon dioxide to the environment, affecting our climate (yes yours too) and probably causing us to be homeless due to rising sea-levels. Yes, we will miss our seafood or blackouts but we do not have any choices as mere citizenry. But you have choices, please write to the Prime Minister of Malaysia (if he is willing to listen) http://www.pmo.gov.my/, and complaint about the Chief Minister of Sabah and the proponent ( http://www.sesb.com.my/) or vote on this http://www.PetitionOnline.com/sootcity/petition.html.
Do give a thought for our environment. It is yours too (when you come visit).
From Chris Kwan
Hope,Faith & Charity
3 Oct 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Hong Kong WWF & JPC Visitation
On 27 August 2008, Hong Kong WWF & JPC had came to Sung Siew Secondary School to do an environmental sharing session with Green Or Been team, the school Nature Club and Upper Six students. It was a successful day, where both had came together with one aim in mind - conserve the mother earth that we love. Green Or Been presented a special video, created by this year's Green or Been leader, Cynthia Chee. Then Nature Club presented a talk on their visitation to Lankayan Island and SIMCA project. There were games session where both enjoyed themselves. Ms. Salha from Reef Guardian (SIMCA) came as observer throughout the session. Below are photos of the day. Here, to thank the principal and the school for the full cooperation given to us in making this event a success. Also, not forgetting to Ms.Salha for spending her time with us. Last but not least, thank you to Hong Kong WWF and JPC for choosing our school for this sharing session. It was an educational as well as fun to all. You all are welcome to Sabah again, anytime!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Lankayan Island Dive Resort - The Paradise On Earth
Reef Guardian Marine Education Program for Green or Been
SM Sung Siew, Sandakan
Date : 5th – 7th June 2008
Venue : Lankayan Island
SM Sung Siew, Sandakan
Date : 5th – 7th June 2008
Venue : Lankayan Island
The ‘Green or Been’ team was cordially invited by Mr. Kenneth Chung for a 3-day-2-night stay on Lankayan Island starting from the 5th to the 7th of June 2008. The objective was to harbour concern and promote awareness to the school and the public through the team.Our teacher Ms. Latifah, members of the team David Wong (5D), Vicki Chu (5F), Crystal Leong (4E), Cynthia Chee (4E), Low Gin Tung (4E), Catherine Maria Wong (3A), Celestina Phang (3B), Adeline Lee (3B), Wong Mui Kee (3B) including Jedd Chung (2B) and Caleb Leong (1B) arrived at the Yacht Club by 9.30 am for the boat transfer to Lankayan Island at 10.00 am. The speed boat ride to our destination was smooth and we reached at 11.30 am, the estimated time.
We were served with refreshments at the dining hall while Ms. Salha, a marine biologist and a Reef Guardian, gave us a brief introduction on the rules and regulations of SIMCA (Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area). The conservation activities on Lankayan Island were shown on video in the television room. We learnt that pollution is a threatening issue and by the time we realize and start conserving, it is going to be too late.
After a hearty meal we were taken to the Hydroponics Wastewater Treatment System Area by Ms. Salha and Mr. Jason. They explained the need to conserve water not only on the island but also in our homes. After that, we visited the turtle hatching area where we learned about the nesting and hatching of Green Turtle and Hawk beak Turtle. Next came the interesting part where students and teachers were to involve in a physical activity, which was snorkeling. All of us were mesmerized by the beauty of the underwater world. We continued with the program after dinner. We watched videos from the previous year’s team’s activities. We were given the opportunity to be in the turtle night patrol but unfortunately there were not any as it was raining heavily both nights. However, we were able to watch a video recording of a nesting of a turtle.
The Green or Been team had to wake up early the following morning, on the 6th, for activities that were specifically arranged for us. Breakfast was served at 6.30 am and at about 8.00 am we had our morning exercise to prevent from getting cramps in water as some of us did the day before. The whole team had fun snorkeling and was given the chance to snorkel further from the shore this time for more wonders from under the sea. We were also asked to observe a particular type of fish at the students’ preference and draw them on a board provided by the Reef Guardians.
Each of us cleaned ourselves up after the snorkel and was at the Reef Guardian office by 11.00 am. There, we learnt interesting facts about coral reefs, that they are actually animals and at the same time we presented our finding and observation on our snorkeling there. We also learn how fishes hide themselves in the sea and we played a game where we have to count the number of fishes which are hiding themselves at the same time.
After a scrumptious meal, we all proceeded to the Reef Guardian office for a game called ‘Feeding Frenzy’. The objective of the game was to help us understand better of the marine life’s needs. The Reef Guardians gave us our time off as we prepared for the performances that very night. At 5.00 pm sharp, Ms. Salha and her colleagues gathered us at the Sunset Bar for sand-building. The theme given was ‘Marine Life’. Students were divided evenly into three groups for the task. We learnt to be co-operative and creative. The teacher and students were given souvenirs to encourage us to continue with our efforts on conserving the environment. We were all excited for the performance later that night as we rushed into our shared rooms to take our showers, dress our best and take a little rest, yet although most of us were restless.
The performances started after our dinner at around 8.30 pm with Crystal Leong being our MC. We sang our version of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ by R. Kelly, with lyrics altered, a Macarena dance and finally the popular traditional ‘Goreng Pisang’ singing game with Reef Guardians opposing the Sung Siew Green or Been. Sadly to announce, we lost twice and our attempts to beat them was to no avail. Ms. Latifah then presented Mr. Kenneth Chung a souvenir as a sign of gratification for his generosity. Mr. Kenneth gave a short speech and encouraged us to keep our efforts up in what we were doing.
On the 7th, however, we were to leave Lankayan Island at 7.00 am. The thought of having to leave paradise itself was depressing, never mind doing it. We arrived back at the Yacht Club around 8.30 am. Throughout our stay on the island, camaraderie and a bond was formed among us. We were pampered throughout our stay, not to mention the unforgettable experience especially for those who set food on Lankayan for the very first time. We had tremendous fun feasting our eyes upon the marvels of the marine life. We are looking forward to our next trip as we are promised another trip to Lankayan Island the coming year.
Visit our gallery at our official website or simply click here!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
The 15th EWC Eco-Panel Exhibition
Below is our report of the exhibition.
The 15th EWC (Earth Watching Club) Eco-Panel Exhibition,
Nishinomiya City, Japan
By LEAF
(Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children)
Date : 5th – 9th Mac 2008
Venue : Nishinomiya Municipal Gallery,
Nishinomiya City, Japan
Nishinomiya City, Japan
By LEAF
(Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children)
Date : 5th – 9th Mac 2008
Venue : Nishinomiya Municipal Gallery,
Nishinomiya City, Japan
Earth Watching Clun (EWC) is a community-based environmental learning project funded by the city of Nishinomiya, Japan. This exhibition is organized by LEAF (Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children). They take many kinds of “Eco-Actions” on a daily basis to make our community a better place not just for ourselves, but for all the people and creatures on the Earth – for generations to come.
This is an annual exhibition providing an opportunity for young people, both from Japan and overseas, to present their opinions, research, projects and activities on local and global environmental issues.
This year, Green or Been had been invited by the school’s former student Asiyah Kassim (currently a lecturer and researcher at University of Technology Mara) to participate in this exhibition, after viewing our environmental projects.
With our school principal’s approval and support in funding the printings and mailing postage to Japan, we had mailed the material via express on 21st February 2008. The exhibition arrived in Japan a week after that, giving chances for the committees to translate the materials into Japanese before the exhibition.
We had received an appreciation letter from Mr. Kimiko Kozawa for our Green or Been’s participation, along with Nishinomiya Eco-Action appreciation card from the city mayor and calendar for each of the member. We also received four responses of children that had visited our exhibition, list of participants, call to participate in 2009 exhibition, and request for messages for the G8 Envoronmental Ministers Meeting.
The school’s participation in this year’s exhibition has opened an opportunity to mark our school’s name in the world map, as well as involving in such action-project towards the conservation of the nature. We look forward to participate next year.
Teachers and students that had participated in this exhibition :-
LATIFAH YUSOF EMBUN - Advisor
GRACE FOO GIN LI - Advisor
CRYSTAL LEONG SUKYI - 4E
VICKI CHU YUEN YEE - 5F
LEE KA KEE ADELINE - 3B
DAVID WONG YEONG YEOW - 5D
CELESTINA PHANG WEI JA - 3B
CATHERINA MARIA WONG QI HUI - 3A
JEDD CHUNG TAOWUN - 2B
GRACE LIM SHINN YEE - 3A
WONG MUI KEE - 3B
Friday, February 22, 2008
Sealed and delivered!
After preparing all the materials - articles, poster, photos and videos, finally we had mailed all the materials to Japan in express mail! Thank you to the school for funding the cost of the mail. The exhibition will be held on 5th - 9th March 2008. Below is the snap of the layout of our exhibition.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Invitation to Eco-Panel Exhibition
Ms.Lat's former student Asiyah Kassim [lecturer and researcher at University Teknologi Mara] had emailed her regarding on an international environment exhibition that will be held in Japan. Below are the information of the exhibition. The team had decided to participate in this exhibition by mailing the materials on all the projects that were done in these couple of years.
*******
Earth Watching Club (EWC) is a community-based environmental learning project funded by the city of Nishinomiya, Japan. There are 29,000 Japanese schoolchildren who are participating. We carry out many kinds of "Eco-Actions" on a daily basis to make our community a better place to live not just for ourselves, but for all the people and creatures on Earth - and especially for the generations to come. We know our planet is filled with like-minded young people who care about our environment, cultures, peace and future.
This is an annual exhibition providing young people with the opportunity, both from Japan and abroad, to present their opinions, research, projects and activities on local and global environmental issues. We receive so many exciting works every year from Japan and abroad, ranging from tiny, little craftworks to wall-size presentations on various environmental projects. We treat each and every works equally and display all of them at the gallery. So, let's share our visions, and make our voices heard!
THEME:
Please introduce your thoughts, ideas, and activities related to your local environmental/ sustainable issues in this year. What happened concerning the environment in your community this year? What kinds of activities did you enjoy doing? Air Pollution, Climate Change, Human Rights, Water, Biodiversity, Nature Conservation, Food, Peace, Waste and Recycling and so on... Please send in any project, research, artwork, activity or study report YOU THINK is related to local and global environmental/sustainability issues that interested you most this year.
WHO can apply? --- All Earth Lovers!
Any group or individual who is involved in studies or activities related to ecological and environmental issues is invited to take part in this exhibition. NO AGE LIMIT, either. As long as you consider yourself to be a youth member of your community, you are all welcome!
WHAT is the project size and medium? --- Be Creative!
Participants are free to choose any medium they wish to use for their presentations. Some ideas you might try are... wall-size newspaper, photography, video, drama, handicraft, drawing, newsletter, poster, written composition...Create your presentation in any medium that suits your ideas and imagination! There is only one limitation, though; language... All works will kindly be presented in English or Japanese. If you are submitting your works in any other language, please provide us with easy English (or Japanese) translation.
WHEN to submit? --- No later than February, 2008!
Your work will be translated into Japanese by our citizen volunteer translators for presentation. In order to give us enough time for the translation job, please send in your works as early as possible. Mark the date on your calendar so you won't miss it!
WHERE to submit?
Please send your works by post, fax, or e-mail to the address below:
EWC (Earth Watching Club)
c/o LEAF office
1-8-1 Kofuen, Nishinomiya Shi, Hyogo Prefecture
662-0832 JAPAN
Telephone and fax: +81-798-69-1185
E-mail: kodomo@leaf.or.jp
The Eco-Panel Exhibition is interactive!
You will receive comments and messages from the visitors at the Exhibition! All the visitors at the Exhibition will have a chance to let you know what they thought and felt about your works. They will make comments and write messages to you at the message corner. We will translate all the messages into English and send them to you.
Your participation will be recognized with a Letter of Appreciation from the Mayor of Nishinomiya City (declared as the Environmental Learning City of Japan), together with a Small Token from EWC, as well as Messages from Visitors at the Eco-Panel Exhibition!! Please note that your works will not be returned and will remain in the organizer archive.
[For Your Information]
A brief introduction of ourselves, LEAF..Through the initiative of Nishinomiya City, Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children (LEAF) was established in 1998 as an organization based on partnership among citizens, businesses and the municipal government. Earth Watching Club (EWC) is managed under this foundation. Our aim is to contribute to the development of a sustainable society by initiating community-based environmental learning activities at schools and in local communities, in liaison with various civic groups, corporations and government agencies. We hope our activities will target a wide range of citizens with a focus on youths and children, to raise the global citizens who act responsibly towards the global environment.
***
LEARNING AND ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN (LEAF)
1-8-1 Kofuen, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo
662-0832 JAPAN
TEL: +81-798-69-1185
FAX: +81-798-69-1186
E-mail: kodomo@leaf.or.jp
http://leaf.or.jp/
This is an annual exhibition providing young people with the opportunity, both from Japan and abroad, to present their opinions, research, projects and activities on local and global environmental issues. We receive so many exciting works every year from Japan and abroad, ranging from tiny, little craftworks to wall-size presentations on various environmental projects. We treat each and every works equally and display all of them at the gallery. So, let's share our visions, and make our voices heard!
THEME:
Please introduce your thoughts, ideas, and activities related to your local environmental/ sustainable issues in this year. What happened concerning the environment in your community this year? What kinds of activities did you enjoy doing? Air Pollution, Climate Change, Human Rights, Water, Biodiversity, Nature Conservation, Food, Peace, Waste and Recycling and so on... Please send in any project, research, artwork, activity or study report YOU THINK is related to local and global environmental/sustainability issues that interested you most this year.
WHO can apply? --- All Earth Lovers!
Any group or individual who is involved in studies or activities related to ecological and environmental issues is invited to take part in this exhibition. NO AGE LIMIT, either. As long as you consider yourself to be a youth member of your community, you are all welcome!
WHAT is the project size and medium? --- Be Creative!
Participants are free to choose any medium they wish to use for their presentations. Some ideas you might try are... wall-size newspaper, photography, video, drama, handicraft, drawing, newsletter, poster, written composition...Create your presentation in any medium that suits your ideas and imagination! There is only one limitation, though; language... All works will kindly be presented in English or Japanese. If you are submitting your works in any other language, please provide us with easy English (or Japanese) translation.
WHEN to submit? --- No later than February, 2008!
Your work will be translated into Japanese by our citizen volunteer translators for presentation. In order to give us enough time for the translation job, please send in your works as early as possible. Mark the date on your calendar so you won't miss it!
WHERE to submit?
Please send your works by post, fax, or e-mail to the address below:
EWC (Earth Watching Club)
c/o LEAF office
1-8-1 Kofuen, Nishinomiya Shi, Hyogo Prefecture
662-0832 JAPAN
Telephone and fax: +81-798-69-1185
E-mail: kodomo@leaf.or.jp
The Eco-Panel Exhibition is interactive!
You will receive comments and messages from the visitors at the Exhibition! All the visitors at the Exhibition will have a chance to let you know what they thought and felt about your works. They will make comments and write messages to you at the message corner. We will translate all the messages into English and send them to you.
Your participation will be recognized with a Letter of Appreciation from the Mayor of Nishinomiya City (declared as the Environmental Learning City of Japan), together with a Small Token from EWC, as well as Messages from Visitors at the Eco-Panel Exhibition!! Please note that your works will not be returned and will remain in the organizer archive.
[For Your Information]
A brief introduction of ourselves, LEAF..Through the initiative of Nishinomiya City, Learning and Ecological Activities Foundation for Children (LEAF) was established in 1998 as an organization based on partnership among citizens, businesses and the municipal government. Earth Watching Club (EWC) is managed under this foundation. Our aim is to contribute to the development of a sustainable society by initiating community-based environmental learning activities at schools and in local communities, in liaison with various civic groups, corporations and government agencies. We hope our activities will target a wide range of citizens with a focus on youths and children, to raise the global citizens who act responsibly towards the global environment.
***
LEARNING AND ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
FOUNDATION FOR CHILDREN (LEAF)
1-8-1 Kofuen, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo
662-0832 JAPAN
TEL: +81-798-69-1185
FAX: +81-798-69-1186
E-mail: kodomo@leaf.or.jp
http://leaf.or.jp/
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Behold!
Green Or Been is an environmentalist team of Sung Siew Secondary School Sandakan, created in 2006 when they participated in the Maxis CyberlinQ 2006 Competition. With various of environmental projects, they won the competition nationwide under the Secondary School Category.
Ever since its establishment, the team renews their team members each year in continueing their flight and stand in saving mother earth, the best they could. With ten team members and two patron teachers, they work hand in hand together with school Nature Club, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, WWF Malaysia Sabah and Reef Guardian in SIMCA.
Thus, the team created this blog as their official website space is limited, so they could continue sharing and inspiring others with their vision.
We thank you for your support and visit to this blog. Little may we do, but together we could make a difference in saving the ONLY HOME we got.
Peace!
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