Protect our Planet- the incredible story of Romario and his mission to inspire a generation
Publication year
Resource type
UNCCD Library
Material Type
news article
We live in a world where millions of children don’t have access to a clean and safe environment, a lack of internet or education, no access to libraries or opportunities. I found it challenging to find a child friendly book that can guide kids with information on how to protect our beautiful planet. This led me to the creation of an academic natural science environmental book.
The book took just over a year to create with many hours of dedication. I had an amazing team behind me, along with my parents, who understood my personality and were extremely supportive of my ideas and visions. This project taught me the importance of teamwork and having positive people who uplift you.
Protect our Planet, is an optimistic approach to addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. The book includes crucial topics, exciting scientific experiments such as a water filter, art activities and guidance on future environmental occupations for the youth.
I believe children involved in environmentalism at a young age will help them become better citizens of the earth and leave a legacy for future generations to come.
When we take care of nature, we take care of ourselves. An 11-year-old environmentalist, an ornithophile which means “I love birds” and the author of Protect our Planet – Take action with Romario, published by Penguin Random House SA.
He lives in Durban, a coastal city in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Did you know that Durban has sunshine all year round, even in the winter! Abundant nature, wildlife, and aqua beaches. A popular destination for birders, surfers, and hiking.
When he was 6, he participated in a school play as an orca. After doing research he discovered the damage pollutants were doing to orcas and other sea creatures. This could lead to their extinction and cause an imbalance in the ocean’s ecosystem. He embarked on a mission to clean the beach at least once a week. He has currently on 235 beach cleans.
This led him to become Ocean Sole’s youngest ambassador. It’s an upcycling non-profit organisation in Kenya that promotes sustainability by recycling discarded flip flops found on the beaches to transform them into art sculptors of marine and wildlife animals. These magnificent art pieces are individually hand carved by people from the community. Read more about Romario following the link above
The book took just over a year to create with many hours of dedication. I had an amazing team behind me, along with my parents, who understood my personality and were extremely supportive of my ideas and visions. This project taught me the importance of teamwork and having positive people who uplift you.
Protect our Planet, is an optimistic approach to addressing climate change and other environmental challenges. The book includes crucial topics, exciting scientific experiments such as a water filter, art activities and guidance on future environmental occupations for the youth.
I believe children involved in environmentalism at a young age will help them become better citizens of the earth and leave a legacy for future generations to come.
When we take care of nature, we take care of ourselves. An 11-year-old environmentalist, an ornithophile which means “I love birds” and the author of Protect our Planet – Take action with Romario, published by Penguin Random House SA.
He lives in Durban, a coastal city in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Did you know that Durban has sunshine all year round, even in the winter! Abundant nature, wildlife, and aqua beaches. A popular destination for birders, surfers, and hiking.
When he was 6, he participated in a school play as an orca. After doing research he discovered the damage pollutants were doing to orcas and other sea creatures. This could lead to their extinction and cause an imbalance in the ocean’s ecosystem. He embarked on a mission to clean the beach at least once a week. He has currently on 235 beach cleans.
This led him to become Ocean Sole’s youngest ambassador. It’s an upcycling non-profit organisation in Kenya that promotes sustainability by recycling discarded flip flops found on the beaches to transform them into art sculptors of marine and wildlife animals. These magnificent art pieces are individually hand carved by people from the community. Read more about Romario following the link above
Keywords
ecosystems restoration
human story
environmental education
awareness-raising