KARACHI: World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) Pakistan celebrated its 18th Nature Carnival 2017 with unprecedented support as thousands of people including children, parents, students and teachers attended the event at Maritime Museum, Karachi on Sunday. Participants engaged in eco-friendly games, quiz competitions, and enjoyed live music performances, puppet shows, lucky dip and other activities set up by WWF-Pakistan. This year the event was sponsored by English Biscuit Manufactures (EBM). The Nature Carnival had over 120 stalls set up by schools, colleges and universities. The main competition revolved around 3D models on environmental themes according to different grades. Expert judges including Saima Sardar Khan, Lecturer DHA Suffa University; Assistant Professor Suneela Ahmed from NED University and Dr. Raheela, Assistant Professor Zoology Department University of Karachi, amongst others, evaluated and scored the 3D models. Commenting on the occasion, Rab Nawaz, Senior Director Programmes, WWF-Pakistan said that the objective of the event is to motivate and involve the public, especially youth, in valuing the rich natural heritage of Pakistan and supporting conservation initiatives. For the past 18 years, the Nature Carnival has provided a platform to build knowledge and interest of tomorrow’s leaders in responsible action, ecologically conscious development and sustainable living. He also shared that the carnival has brought about a visible change in the mindset of individuals across the county which is reflected in students’ efforts and understanding of environmental concepts. He urged that spreading environmental awareness among the youth is the need of the hour and other organizations should come forward to support WWF-Pakistan. Ayesha Janjua, Head of Marketing at EBM said that it is our responsibility to provide next generation with a nourishing environment and foster ownership and sense of responsibility. Asma Ezdi, Head of Communications and Marketing, WWF-Pakistan, said that the success of the Nature Carnival over the years has been a result of the support from educational institutes and corporate partners- in the form of participation and sponsorship. “At WWF-Pakistan, sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and operations. WWF recognizes the twin benefits of environmentally-friendly practices on both the environment and the economy. This isn’t just learning- this is hands-on, experiential learning offered in a fun context of a festival’, she added. She also thanked Pakistan Navy for their continuous support over the years to the organization”, she added. Tetra Pak also supported the Nature Carnival in 2017. Various schools and governments from the private and public sector competed for trophies and cash prizes from WWF-Pakistan and EBM. Projects themes included reduce, reuse, recycle; effects of water pollution on health; organic kitchen gardening and its benefits; converting waste to energy; watershed management; wetlands for disaster risk reduction and green economy. The first prize for 3D models under the theme ‘Converting Waste to Energy’ was given to Beaconhouse School System Gulshan Middle 2, while the second and third prizes were awarded to Elixir School and KN Academy. Further, the first, second and third prizes in overall categories were awarded to Beaconhouse School System Gulshan Middle 2; The Elixir School and CPLC Public School Gulshan respectively. Shields and certificates were also awarded to other winning education institutes in different themes.