Bahrain joins global Litter Less Campaign to raise awareness about environment

TDT | Manama                                                      

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Ashen Tharaka

The Litter Less Campaign (LLC) is an initiative led by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), one of the world’s largest environmental education organisations, with over 100 member organisations in 81 countries.

Currently, the LLC is active in 20 countries with the support of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and the UNESCO Associated Schools Network (ASPnet).

The UNESCO team at Bahrain’s Jidhafs Secondary Girls School is participating in the campaign under the Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) programme, which allows students to conduct in-depth investigations into litter and waste issues in their school or community.

They have launched their campaign focusing on plastic and used cooking oil waste, named “Oilastic Revive,” to underscore the importance of addressing litter and waste to minimise its negative impact on the environment.

YRE’s 4-step Methodology

Using the YRE’s 4-step Methodology, students investigate, research, report, and raise awareness about a litter issue important to them.

They write articles, create photographs, and produce videos shared within their school and community.

“We aim to raise awareness about waste issues in the community, emphasising the 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) and the negative impacts of waste, to encourage behavioural change and promote a cleaner environment,” said Duha Sameer, the UNESCO coordinator, speaking to The Daily Tribune.

According to Duha, Jidhafs Secondary Girls School is the first school in Bahrain to organise a UNESCO exhibition among all schools in the country.

Dr. Mohamed Ali Hasan Ali, Chairman of the Public Utilities and Environment Committee at the Shura Council, emphasised the importance of supporting environmental initiatives and youth creativity.

“The Shura Council is committed to supporting young people, encouraging creativity and innovation, and fostering impactful initiatives in various fields,” he stated.

The school’s UNESCO team, consisting of nineteen students aged 15–18, will submit their entries in different categories, with winners announced in May.