In a pioneering effort to engage the younger generation in environmental conservation, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) have held a one-day summer boot camp for children, tagged: “Eco Explorers Bootcamp” at the Dr. Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih Park by Opebi Link Bridge, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the General Manager of LASEPA, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, the “Eco Explorers Bootcamp” is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature among children, while inculcating in them sustainable environmental best practices.
He noted the significance of the bootcamp in shaping the environmental consciousness of young participants, saying “The Eco Explorers Bootcamp is an essential platform for children to learn about their environment and the importance of protecting it”.
“We aim to impart knowledge on climate change, global warming, waste reduction, recycling, and energy conservation. It is crucial that these young minds grasp these concepts early on and carry them into adulthood, contributing positively to environmental sustainability”.
Ajayi stressed the need to integrate environmental education into children’s lives, just as he highlighted the State government’s commitment to delivering a cleaner, safer and sustainable environment to the younger generation as part of the efforts to address the issue of climate change and its attendant effects on both humans and the environment.
“We are thrilled to witness the active engagement of the next generation in environmental conservation. This initiative is a crucial step in nurturing a culture of environmental responsibility from a young age”, the GM added.
In her welcome remarks, Executive Assistant to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Environmental Protection Matters, Ms. Tolulope Adebowale said the boot camp is a testament to the State government’s commitment to promoting environmental awareness from an early age.
In her words, “By involving children in environmental activities at a tender age like this, we aim to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for nature and inculcate in the younger generation sustainable living practices for a better tomorrow”.
She noted the importance of the purpose of the advocacy programme, noting that it was designed to educate children on environmental protection and the responsibilities of being a conscientious global citizen.
“Our goal is to ensure that as these children grow, they become responsible stewards of the environment. While efforts are ongoing to enhance our environmental practices, it is imperative that we also equip the younger generation with the knowledge and values needed to sustain these efforts”.
Adebowale averred that the Eco Explorers Boot camp, which is the maiden edition, would be made to become an annual and continuous event for kids across the State to learn and know more about environmental conservation.
The event featured an engaging lineup of interactive activities designed to immerse children in the principles of sustainable living.
Such activities included science experiments, painting, gardening and planting, recycling & upcycling, Natural Resources, a Library/video Exhibition and a variety of educational games that emphasised natural conservation, waste reduction and recycling.
