Earth Focus Magazine - Earth Focus Foundation

Special Edition
EARTH FOCUS
One Planet - One Community
Images
for the future
Produced by Young People of All Ages
Index
3 Editorial from Earth Focus Foundation
4 Homage to Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan
5 Artrium
5 Visions and Education - Carlo Lamprecht
6 Nature - Philippe Roch
Earth Focus Foundation - Founder :
H.H. Princess Catherine Aga Khan
Honorary Patrons :
Madame Dorothy Latsis,
Madame Hannelore Lee-Jahnke,
Madame Bruna Adriana Faidutti,
Dr. David Bellamy,
Monsieur Anthony Simon,
Monsieur Ricardo Meléndez-Ortiz.
6 A Future in Harmony - Charles Beer
8 Climate Change - Martin Beniston
9 Museums, their Combat - Pascal Moeschler
11 Ecological Footprint – Laurent Jolia-Ferrier
and Le Monde 2
12 Biodiversity and the loss of species Sarah Grand Clement
13 Pollution - Michael Vala and Alex Marland
14 Portfolio - Catalogue of photography exhibition of Hussain Aga Khan (with poster)
34 One way to help the Environment Haley Yerxa
36 How to help the World Philip Fischer and Quirijn de Planque
38 Community Action Service - Mombasa, Kenya
- Cristie McMurray
Our success depends on you. Please join us by sending articles,
news, tips, reviews, suggestions, etc. The more contributions we
have the better! Send them with your text to our editor on disk/
emails : [email protected]
This publication has been produced with thanks to the support of the Hans Wilsdorf
Foundation and UBS SA
OLD
CITY
PUBLISHING
Earth Focus is a forum for discussion and a catalyst or action for young people. We
deal with issues concerning the environment, community and culture at all levels.
Copyright © 2007 Earth Focus Foundation.
All rights are reserved by the Earth Focus Foundation and Old City Publishing, Inc.
In partnership with the International School of Geneva.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying or recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Published quarterly and distributed worldwide by the Earth Focus Foundation in association with Old City Publishing, Inc. Publication management is provided by Old
City Publishing, Inc.
CODEN CODE: EAFOFG
Issn: 1029 – 1784
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN EARTH FOCUS ARE NOT
NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE EDITORS OR PUBLISHER OR
SUPPORTERS.
Members of the Board : Nicholas Tate, Carlo
Lamprecht, Nicola Spafford Furey, François
Collini, Jacqueline Coté, Frederik de Cock,
Michaelene Stack, Brian Ruszczyk, Axel Sursock
Earth Focus Magazine
Managing Editor English: [email protected]
Managing Editor French:
Fiona Dalton – [email protected]
Coordinator : Sandra Brazzini Mourier
Photographies: © Hussain Aga Khan 1996-2006
Artwork Contributions : Les Marroniers,
International School of Geneva, Switzerland
Founding Editors:
Barry Gilbert-Miguet & David F. Batten
Contributing Schools:
CEC André Chavanne, Geneva, Institut International de Lancy, Geneva, Badung International
School, Indonesia, Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, Kenya, International School of Geneva
Art Direction & Design :
Hubert Schneebeli, www.arcannedesign.com
Amanda Gibbs, Earth Focus
Advertising & Sponsorship America :
Guy Griffiths, Old City Publishing
628, North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123, U.S.A.
Phone: 1 215 925 43 90
Fax: 1 215 925 43 71
E-mail: [email protected]
Advertising & Sponsorship
Europe & Rest of World :
Nicola Spafford Furey
6, chemin Sous Cherre,
1245 Collonge Bellerive, Switzerland
Phone: +41 349 50 05
Fax: +41 22 349 50 77
E-mail: [email protected]
Website www.earthfocus.org
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
Editorial
This special Edition of Earth Focus Magazine is cre-
published quarterly in two languages (English and
ated around the photographs of Hussain Aga Khan,
French), distributed worldwide. Earth Focus Maga-
whom we thank for wishing to share to raise aware-
zine is an excellent educational resource, filled with
ness to the beauty and fragility of Nature with the
contributions from young people around the globe,
young and less young.
sharing and learning.
Moreover, for the French speaking students, a lo-
Earth Focus Foundation is a Swiss Foundation,
cal magazine for Suisse Romande, called « Objectif
founded to continue the work with young people of
Terre » will be launched for the exhibition of Hus-
the renowned Bellerive Foundation.
sain Aga Khan Photographs in December 2007February 2008.
The aim of the Foundation is to encourage and pro-
This first edition will be the catalogue of the exhibi-
mote young people’s understanding of the environ-
tion. Then, this magazine will be published once a
ment and sustainable development by empowering
year, around May, in order that students and sub-
them to feel they have a role in helping to create
scribers could receive it in June and see all the ac-
a better world. Its ob-
tions made and shared
jective is to support
by students during the
environmental
and
year. The aim of this is-
sustainable develop-
sue will be to talk about
ment education pro-
the Suisse Romande life
viding its skills and
and all sustainable de-
expertise on these
velopment actions set up
issues, for the benefit
in this area. It will also
of young people.
provide the opportunity
to describe and share all
The
Foundation
the projects and initia-
aims to help young
tives made by schools
people
(public
understand
and
private)
the world in which
during the year, towards
they live (its beau-
developing
ties, its limits) and to
less privileged people
encourage them to
and nature.
countries,
act and share their
experiences and feel-
We would like to thank
ings, with other com-
the Hans Wilsdorf Foun-
munities.
dation for its support
that allows the creation
Earth Focus Maga-
of this magazine and
zine, the main com-
the first issue of Objec-
munication
tif Terre. We also thank
media
of the Foundation, is
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
UBS S.A.
In Memor y of Prince
As an International Statesman, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan was actively associated for over thirty years at the global level with numerous human rights, cultural, conservation and ecological concerns.
He held numerous key positions within the United Nations - including notably twelve years at the helm of the U.N. High Commission
for Refugees - and Special Consultant and Chargé de Mission to the
U.N. Secretary-General. His most recent assignments included responsibility as Coordinator of UN Humanitarian and Economic Assistance Programmes Relating to the People of Afghanistan as well as
Personal Representative of the Secretary-General for Humanitarian
Assistance relating to the crisis between Iraq and Kuwait.
Beyond his United Nations duties, the Prince’s holistic, interdependent approach to global issues led him to key involvement with numerous other organisations and causes. For example, he was a longstanding trustee and former Vice-President of the World Wide Fund
for Nature International (WWF), a member of the International
Board of United World Colleges, a founding member of the Geneva
International Peace Research Institute (GIPRI) and a member of the
“Friends of Pugwash” group of Scientists
In 1977, he founded the Bellerive Foundation which has over the
years established a worldwide reputation as one of the leading grassroots action groups promoting conservation of nature and natural
resources, as well as respect for all forms of life. On World Environment Day 1987, Bellerive was elected to the Global 500 Honour Roll
of the Unite Nations Environment Programme for “outstanding
practical achievements in the protection and improvement of the
environment.”
Among many honours and distinctions, Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan
was a recipient of the United Nations Human Rights Award, the
Onassis Foundation Olympia Prize, and the “Man for Peace Award
1989” bestowed by the Together for Peace Foundation.
Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan passed away in 2003. He will remain an
inspiration for us all.
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
Sadruddin Aga Khan,
A Visionary and a Great Man of Peace
Earth Focus Remembers Prince Sadruddin
I write this letter to express a sincere and deeply heartfelt sense of loss. Prince Sadruddin was a visionary; a person who loved young
people. He was one of the few world leaders who believed in youth, offering concrete avenues for ‘young people of all ages’ to present their
points of view; not only through the “Earth Focus” magazine, but also through direct contact with experts at so many school events and
national and international conferences. While we have a deep, collective sense of loss, we all take great pride in the fact that we had the
opportunity to “know” Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. Simply expressed, he was inspirational.
Prince Sadruddin helped positively shape the minds and attitudes of teachers, and many thousands of young people across the planet,
in ways that pass beyond words.
There is no doubt that Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan’s influence will be felt in many years to come.
David Batten, Co-founder of Earth Focus
Extract from Earth Focus, Number 20, 2003.
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
Artrium is a unique space dedicated to art. It is situated
at the heart of 4 buildings belonging to the UBS, in the
centre of Geneva. For the past 7 years world renowned
artists’ work have been shown to a large public.
Visions and
Education
We are very pleased to welcome for the first time in
Switzerland, the photographer
HUSSAIN AGA KHAN
Since his childhood, Hussain Aga Khan has been taking care of tropical animals in his home country, developing knowledge and a closeness with the animal
Carlo Lamprecht
Former President of
the State Council of
the Republic of Geneva
world which will guide him later in his photography
practice. The involvement of his uncle, the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan, has pursued throughout his life
The inherent problems of the damage to our environ-
the protection of animals and with the Bellerive Foun-
ment do not date from today. One thing is certain for
dation, has participated in reinforcing an acquired
sure. If we find in our era, countries and personalities
awareness in taking care of animals as diverse as dogs,
who are still sceptical and who would not measure
fish, batrachians or reptiles.
the importance of the future of the planet and of hu-
In 1996, whilst on an expedition in the Brazilian for-
manity, today, practically all social spheres are of the
est, he became aware of the importance of his pho-
same view. One has to act while there is time and one
tographic work. Throughout his numerous travels,
has to establish policies, directives and plan concrete
Hussain Aga Khan develops a growing interest in the
actions that will enable reaching the required objec-
fragility of ecosystems and tropical countries, for the
tive. Education has to become an absolute priority for
forest environment, as well as ecological, social and
young people as well as adults.
political questions which are all linked together.
On the occasion of this first exhibition in Switzerland,
Amongst those who, with an avant-garde spirit for the
we have selected over 50 photographs which will be
era, have denounced this, over thirty years ago, was his
shown at the Artrium and will be on sale for the profit
highness the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan whose ex-
of the Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan Fund for the Envi-
pression and example certainly marked me the most.
ronment and the Earth Focus Foundation.
Not only did he strongly denounce certain mid and
The exhibition will take place from 12 December 2007
long term irresponsible behaviours, but he became
to 25 February 2008. The location is open from Mon-
fully involved in the field to make men and women
day to Friday from 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
of all countries, aware of this problem and so that
Closed Saturday and Sunday
young people, at the same time heirs of our natural
patrimony and future actors of its preservation, can
be trained for these new behaviours in society.
In virtue of the admiration that I have for Prince
Artrium - Françoise Heusser
Sadruddin Aga Khan and for the friendship that
2, rue de la Confédération - Genève
he showed me whilst still alive, I have committed to
0041 (0)22 375 60 78
maintain the actions of the Earth Focus Foundation
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
that are focusing, particularly, on the level of young
people’s education. This is the reason why I am encouraging the actions that are going to be taken in
this direction.
A Future in
Harmony
Nature
Charles Beer
President of
the State Council of
the Republic of Geneva
The young people in our schools know: the future
is built today. They expect clear, coherent and respectable choices, from each citizen and from the
authorities, with respect to the environment. Natu-
Philippe Roch
ral resources and spaces are not infinite. The imbal-
Former Secretary of State to
the Environment, Switzerland
ances caused by certain aggressive, offhand and blind
policies demand rapid correction. The preservation
Nature is the origin and the outcome of our life.
of nature and of endangered species, decisions taken
It constitutes the base on which all human social and
towards territorial planning and vehicle circulation,
economical activities lie.
the fight against deforestation are, today, political priorities on an international scale.
Time is running
Each time a natural space, or an animal or vegetal
out! It is a true ‘race against the clock’ that we must
species disappears, we are weakened, made poorer.
all win together.
There will not be a solution to the climate changes,
Certainly, the problem is worldwide but it concerns
to water shortage, to poverty and to violence if we are
each one of us. Switzerland must set an example
not able to conserve the living tissue that feeds us on
and increase its efforts in favour of protecting endan-
a physical, intellectual and spiritual level.
gered species and biodiversity. We are accountable
for the inheritance we will leave to new generations:
all forms of passivity show a kind of complicity. I salute the quality of your engagement and all the efforts
used to raise public awareness and the urgency to act.
Lets all work together to make sure of the survival
and the life of these species in danger! In this way, as
in others, the notions of respect must constantly inspire us. These are the fundamental values on which
we can construct a harmonious future.
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
Climatic Changes
from scepticism to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize
Climatic change is a theme of scientific concern that
has come into the realm of public awareness since
the early 1990s. The severity of the potential impacts
of climatic change, in particular in the developing
world, has prompted international action at the level
of governments to address the problem. The United
Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UN-FCCC) was negotiated at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
(UNCED, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) despite the large
equilibrium, if not its original state. Environmental
range of uncertainties that are inherent to the com-
upheavals have occurred in the past, along with spe-
plex behaviour of the climate system and the level
cies extinctions, and yet the planet has “survived” and
of public scepticism that prevailed at that time. Al-
evolution has continued. However, it is possible that
though subsequent international meetings aimed
anthropogenic pressure is accelerating change and
at implementing the governing articles of the UN-
that many systems may no longer be capable of adapt-
FCCC have made very slow progress, as for example
ing to rapid rates of change. Biodiversity specialists
the 1997 Kyoto Protocol that set a calendar for reduc-
today suggest that there have been more changes in
ing greenhouse-gas emissions, there is nevertheless
the environment in the last 200 years than in the last
an unprecedented level of concern among the com-
2,000, and more changes in the last 20 years than in
munity of nations that climatic change is a genuine
the last 200.
problem with potentially far-reaching consequences
for environmental and socio-economic systems.
Through technological advances and seemingly ad-
Human activities in most parts of the world are trans-
equate resources, the industrialized world in par-
forming the global environment. Ecosystems subject-
ticular lives under the impression that basic life-sup-
ed to the stress factors of global environmental change
porting resources are abundant and quasi-unlimited.
become more susceptible to the emergence, invasion,
However, one is acutely reminded that famine and
and spread of opportunistic species. When subject to
disease are still widespread in many parts of the world
multiple stresses, natural environments may exhibit
at the beginning of the 21st century, and that over 500
reductions in resilience and regenerative capabilities.
million persons do not have access to potable water.
It is sometimes assumed that the time scales associ-
Even in technologically-advanced societies, however,
ated with environmental change are long and that,
water, food and health all constitute basic, interre-
in many situations, the environment may find a new
lated needs for human survival. These elements are
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
all highly dependent on environmental factors such
as climate, and are sensitive to even slight shifts in
existing climatic conditions. Such changes may upset
the delicate balance that, in some countries, favours a
high degree of food security, water quality and quantity, and sanitary conditions. Under adverse conditions, it can be surmised that the severe depletion of
an essential resource could lead to out-migration, with
persons moving from a region affected by resource
loss to regions where the resource is still sufficient.
Because climatic change is recognized to be a possible cause for population migration and also possibly
The role of
Museums in
the fight for
biodiversity
to conflicts for resource appropriation, the term “en-
Pascal Moeschler
vironmental refugees” has emerged in recent years,
Curator of the communication’s department of the
Nnatural History Museum of Geneva
although there is no official or legal recognition of
this term in the United Nations nomenclature. However, in the early 1990s, the UN High Commission
The natural history museums are important places
for Refugees already identified four root causes of
for the knowledge and for the defence of biodiversity
refugee flows, which include political instability, eco-
in the world. It is in the laboratories of these institu-
nomic tensions, ethnic conflict, and environmental
tions that researchers list the great inventory of the
degradation.
living world, describing new species for science and
establishing classifications allowing to retrace the long
It is certainly on the basis of these considerations, whereby
–and beautiful- history of life. The task which has been
climatic change can disrupt essential resources for human
accomplished already is colossal: nearly 1’800’000 spe-
survival and thus directly or indirectly lead to social and
cies have been described to this day. But a few research-
political upheavals in many parts of the world, that the
ers think that the Earth conceals more than 20 million
2007 Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the IPCC (In-
species! Our current book on biodiversity would re-
tergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, jointly with
semble a dictionary which suddenly stops at the letter
former US Vice-President Al Gore). The strong message
C or in which 9 out of 10 words are missing.
at the core of the Prize should prompt governments and
economic decision makers to act in favour of limiting the
In order to accomplish their work, the natural history
speed and amplitude of climatic change, in order to avert
museums have constituted «tools-collections». These
the most negative impacts of global warming and thus the
collections are not jealously kept, but are made avail-
associated risks of local and regional conflicts.
able to the entire scientific community. They provide
above all information on the geographical distribution (past or present) of organisms, and contain specimens used for the description of new species. These
Martin Beniston,
Professeur de Climatologie à
l’Université de Genève et
membre du GIEC (Groupe
Intergouvernemental pour
l’étude de l’Evolution du Climat)
[email protected]
www.unige.ch/climate
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
specimen types or holotypes are a kind of standard
model. Some scientists do not hesitate to travel thousands of kilometres to be able to examine them. This
shows museums are the depositories –and the guarantor- of «materials» used in the knowledge of biodiversity. Materials from which it is possible to continue
the inventory of the living.
The researchers working for natural history muse-
The Natural History Museum of Geneva
ums were amongst the first scientists to have stated
the process of the loss of biodiversity of our planet.
The Museum of Geneva is the largest natural history
By this fact they have played a decisive role in the
museum of Switzerland. Its scientific collections con-
awareness of this problem by the whole of society.
tain nearly 8 million specimens, of which thousands
Hundreds of non-governmental organisations, foun-
of animals have been used for the description of
dations or associations are working together today
new species for science (holotypes). Around twenty
in favour of the protection of the fauna and flora.
researchers describe and study the (systematic) clas-
Moreover, governments are always more numerous
sification of organisms as varied as insects, spiders,
to write the question of the protection for biodiver-
worms, molluscs, fish, amphibians and reptiles or
sity at the heart of their concerns. Sustainable protec-
birds and mammals from around the globe. They
tion of biodiversity is on its way to becoming a social,
regularly describe new species for science. Each year,
cultural and economic concern of the XXIst century.
the museum welcomes over 200 000 visitors in its exhibitions and public galleries. The institution also
Throughout their theme exhibitions, their perma-
houses a Centre in favour of the protection of bats.
nent galleries or the creation of pilot programs in
Numerous research led by scientists of the Museum
favour of saving such and such a group of endan-
involves the biodiversity of tropical forests, in particu-
gered species, the natural history museums continue
lar the study of fauna litter and of its soil. Therefore,
to accompany this general momentum in the field of
the Museum is particularly pleased to take part in the
education. Knowing that one protects only what one
event «tropical photos», destined to make everyone
knows, they must not however, neglect their first mis-
aware of the stake of sustainable protection of tropi-
sion: the description and the study of the entirety of
cal forests and of their fauna.
organisms making up the biodiversity of our planet.
The Natural History Museum of the City of Geneva,
while being a fascinating challenge for scientists of 1, route de Malagnou, 1208 Geneva, Switzerland
[email protected] - Tel: +41 (0) 22 418 63 00
This task is not only necessary, it is essential all the
natural history museums.
Ecological Footprint
®
Several years ago a new statistical tool was introduced
Now it is up to you to play and calculate your foot-
in the world debate on sustainable development: the
print, you can also learn a few simple gestures which
ecological footprint.
can help to preserve the planet.
This measurement of the impact of human activity
on the environment has been adopted little by little
How to measure your ecological footprint?
by local governments, companies and international
10
organisations.
Go to the middle of the labyrinth, choose your mode
Laurent Jolia-Ferrier, founder of the site ‘emprein-
of transport to get to your workplace, school, etc.,
te-écologique.com’ produced for Le Monde 2, this
and then move from one square to another depend-
rosette (rose window) with which one can calculate
ing on your actions. Then look at the colour of the
one’s ecological footprint to the office. This can, just
square of your arrival and the correspondence with
as well, be used to calculate your footprint to school
the number of hectares (1 hectare equals 2.2 acres)
or any other destination.
consumed, the average ecological footprint of a Swiss
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
person going to work is between 2 and 3 hectares. Repeat this exercise regularly until you obtain the smallest
footprint possible.
- 0,5 hectares. You make the Planet save the equivalent of 25 tennis cour ts.
- 0,4 hectares. You make the Planet save the equivalent of 20 tennis cour ts.
I get to my office by the staircase (1) or by the lift (2)
My lunch is without (1) meat or fish (2)
- 0,3 hectares. You make the Planet save the equivalent of 15 tennis cour ts.
- 0,2 hectares. You make the Planet save the equivalent of 10 tennis cour ts.
- 0,1 hectares. You make the Planet save the equivalent of 5 tennis cour ts.
I print (1) or I don’t print (2) on the back of draft paper
- 0 hectares. Your footstep is within the national average.
I turn off (1) or I leave my computer on standby (2) before I leave
You take up 0,1 hectares more than the French average
You take up 0,2 hectares more than the French average
You take up 0,3 hectares more than the French average
You take up 0,4 hectares more that the French average
You take up 0,5 hectares more than the French average
Calculate your global footprint on : www.empreinte-écologique.com
Consult the report “Living Planet 2006” on the site of WWF: www.panda.org/livingplanet
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
11
Biodiversity and
the Loss of Species
Biodiversity is the variation of life that can be divided
Biodiversity is very important for ecosystem and its species
into 3 categories: genetic diversity, which is the diver-
to prevent and recover from a variety of disasters. Un-
sity of genes within a species, species diversity, which
fortunately, human activity is causing massive extinctions,
is diversity among species in an ecosystem, and final-
For example, deforestation causes an estimated 100 spe-
ly, ecosystem diversity which means a larger organi-
cies of plants and animals to be extinct every day.
sation between the populations, organisms and their
The World Resources Institute has shown that there is a
environment.
link between biodiversity and climate change. The ecosystem cannot adapt quickly enough to the global warming,
and therefore, the rate of loss of species is greater then
ever before.
The problem is not just the loss of species; it is also the loss
of genetic diversity within species. Genetically modified
organisms (GMO) are organisms whose DNA has been
altered for the plant to be more resistant against insects,
for example. But this also causes genetic pollution, and
loss of biodiversity.
Global warming has already started affecting species: their
migration is accelerating, their habitat is being destroyed
and polluted. All of that causes the extinction of many
species. It is believed that in the next 100 years, 50% of
the Earth’s species will vanish, not if you don’t do anything to prevent that.
Sarah Grand Clément
Clement, 16, France,
International School of Geneva,
La Grande Boissière, Switzerland.
Hussain Aga Khan
12
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
In the wake of the current and perceived consequences of the powerful force of climate change and pollution, the fears and
reactions of the youth are reflected in this sombre narrative piece of writing. It illustrates the urgency for abrupt action
needed to preser ve the beauty of our natural environment.
Pollution
The sun beat down on my head through the thick
layer of dark orange clouds above. The heat was,
as usual, unbearable and I knew that if I hadn’t
been wearing my new ‘freezinsulator,’ I would
have probably fainted by now. I looked around
at the people walking by and I guessed that behind the different coloured breathing masks of
all shapes and sizes all eyes were jealousy fixed on
me. I quickened my pace, not out of fear, but out
of guilt. Not everyone had the means to buy themselves a freezinsulator of high quality.
Once home I opened the door, got into the airtight cabin, and took off my gas mask. I walked
into the living room where I found my Grandfather staring at a photograph. I glanced over his
shoulder and saw a beautiful landscape of green
grass, trees and clear glasslike water. In the background were a group of children playing merrily
Hussain Aga Khan
in the sun.
“What is that place grandpa ?” I asked, unable to
believe that such a place could exist,
“Is it heaven ?”
“No son, it was Earth… a long time ago…” he
whispered.
A single tear rolled down his cheek, and he said
in a voice filled with regret and sorrow.
“It was beautiful…”
Michael Vela, 13, U.S.A. and Japan
and Alex Marland, 12, France,
Institut International de Lancy, Geneva,
Switzerland
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
13
por tfolio
Hussain Aga Khan
10 year s, 1996 - 2006
por tfolio
«
Shaped like a rock but
seems to have feelings
and thoughts !
»
Ba Rokhaya, 15, Senegal, , CEC André Chavanne, Geneva, Switzerland
16
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
por tfolio
«
My tail curls in fear !
»
Lawrence Affandi, 13, Bandung International School, Indonesia
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
17
por tfolio
«
Life is a web…
keep spinning!
»
Aine Coombs, 13, United Kingdom, International School of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
18
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
HUSSAIN AGA KHAN
12 JANUARY 2007 – 25 FEBRUARY 2008
HUSSAIN AGA KHAN
photographs
Earth Focus Foundation
EARTH FOCUS
The exhibition space is open
from Monday to Friday from
8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
Artrium
Françoise Heusser
2, rue de la Confédération
Genève
0041 (0)22 375 60 78
photographs
Earth Focus Foundation
EARTH FOCUS
por tfolio
«
I am trying to hide
from humans !
»
Kibeom, 13, South Korea, Bandung International School, Indonesia
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
23
por tfolio
«
You can find life in the most
unexpected parts !
»
Kaustub, 13, India, International School of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
24
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
por tfolio
«
If only we understood the snake language, we would be able to save ourselves
from their stinging bites. Ssshh…’
Mr. Sssnake here, reporting live from
my undercover ssspot. Right now sss
target isss in position preparing for
ssstrike down. Back to you ssslitherer!
Zahra Jalalkhan, 16, Kenya, Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, Kenya
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
»
25
por tfolio
«
Oh Lord! What a long trunk
you have Mr. Tree !
»
Batul Hussein Adamjee, 15, Kenya, Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, Kenya
26
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
por tfolio
«
I’m sure the bananas weren’t
meant to come from a truck,
what happened to the trees ?
»
Becky Thorogood, 13, United Kingdom, International School of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
27
por tfolio
«
Hmm,
imagine drinking oil ! ! !
»
Harry Taabman, 13, Australia and Iran, International School of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
28
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
por tfolio
«
Where can we hide ?
»
Alefiyah Sakar, 16, Kenya, Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, Kenya
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
29
por tfolio
«
They were the roughest
dudes in the neighbourhood,
till the Buffalo Brothers
came along.
»
Imogen Aithen, 13, New Zealand, International Institute of Lancy, Switzerland
30
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por tfolio
«
Hold on
to what’s precious to you !
»
Laura Mulder, 14, Netherlands, International School of Geneva, La Grande Boissière, Switzerland
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
31
por tfolio
«
Sealed with a kiss.
»
Nene Nwaka, 13, Canada, International School Of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
32
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por tfolio
«
We’re sinking, captain !
»
Harry Taabman, 13, Australia and Iran, International School of Geneva, Les Nations, Switzerland
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
33
One way to help our
Environment
Haley Yerxa, 17, U.S.A.,
Make a difference by improving your shopping habits
International School of Geneva,
La Grande Boissière
Switzerland
In many ways, Geneva, Switzerland, is a green city.
sea turtles, whales and other marine mammals die
It has an exceptional public transport system as well
every year from mistaking these bags for food.
as numerous parks, bike lanes, and recycling centres.
•
Geneva also houses a myriad of organizations such
as the UN Environmental Programme and the World
As part of Clean Up Australia Day, nearly 500,000
plastic bags were collected in a single day.
•
Plastic bags are among the 12 items of debris most
Wildlife Fund. Moreover, there is an educated inter-
often found in coastal cleanups, according to the
national community with many individuals working
non-profit Centre for Marine Conservation.
at the United Nations, who discuss important issues
•
Paper comes from tree pulp, so the impact of
such as climate change, water conservation and re-
paper bag production on forests is enormous. In
newable energy.
1999, 14 million trees were cut down to produce
the 10 billion paper grocery bags used by Americans that year.
How is it, then, that in our day-to-day lives we overlook
one glaring environmental mistake? How is it that in
•
The major absorbers of greenhouse gases are
2007 grocery chains such as Migros and COOP only
trees, and to produce paper millions must be cut
offers their customers the choice of paper or plas-
down. The subsequent manufacturing of bags
tic bags? Although the use of such bags is routine to
produces greenhouse gases!
many of us, the consequences of making and dispos-
•
Some types of paper are made by heating wood
ing paper and plastic bags are disastrous and create
chips at high temperatures in a chemical solution.
long-term problems. Consider the following facts:
These toxic chemicals contribute to acid rain and
water pollution.
•
Plastic bags are petroleum based, and it takes
•
According to the Wall Street Journal, only 10 to
12 million barrels of oil to produce a sufficient
15% of paper bags and 1 to 3% of plastic bags are
amount of bags to meet the demand in the Unit-
being recycled.
ed States alone.
•
•
•
34
500 million to 1 trillion plastic bags are sold world-
It is obvious that the impact of paper and plastic bag
wide annually
production and disposal on the environment is devas-
Plastic bags take around 300 years to photode-
tating. We use these bags on a daily basis, and many of
grade. They break down into tiny toxic particles
us will continue to do so as the consequences do not
that contaminate the soil and waterways, where
directly affect us. However, we must eventually find
animals ingest them.
alternative materials. As plastic is petroleum based
Countless discarded plastic bags end up in oceans
and paper is made from trees, these sources will one
or seas. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of
day be exhausted.
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
Every one of us can assume responsibility in protect-
Hussain Aga Khan has a passion for rare reptiles and
ing the Earth’s fragile resources. To do my part I wake
their elegant fragility, for the balance of ecosystems
up the community at the International School of Ge-
and human societies, for biodiversity and the con-
neva. I have worked on projects in India and Kosovo,
servation of the rain forests, and he takes his camera
and I can see that we must first change behaviour and
with him wherever he goes. His images resemble the
habits in the developed countries before there is any
beginnings of the dreams one has when travelling: fly-
hope of making changes in poorer, less developed
ing over continents, diving through gaps in the light,
parts of the world.
nestling against fur or scales, being swallowed up by
a gigantic waterfall, reborn as a flower, as a fire, as a
To raise awareness with parents, teachers and stu-
girl sleeping beside an ancient pool, as a pelican, as a
dents about the dangers of paper and plastic I am
kitten with the face of a sulky little boy…
offering an opportunity to purchase reusable grocery
bags as an alternative. They are not expensive but my
customers in Geneva will hopefully understand the
importance of buying a bag that is durable and helps
fight pollution.
The main aim of my project is to increase awareness.
However, funds that I do raise from the sale of the reusable bags will be donated to a wonderful project organized by primary school teacher Martine Coppens.
Several years ago she travelled to a desperately poor
rural area of Sierra Leone, a country which has been
ravaged by civil war, and has built two schools and a
well. Although these necessities are taken for granted
in developed nations, millions of people have no access to them. With more funding she will be able to
build several more schools in neighbouring villages.
ANIMAL VOYAGE
Travels, 1996-2007
Around the world scientists and engineers are work-
HUSSAIN AGA KHAN
ing to find solutions to our environmental problems.
However, there is a simple way for each of us to con-
Éditions de l’Œil
tribute and help our ailing planet. If we are aware
7 rue de la Convention
of the amount of paper and plastic bags we consume
F – 93100 Montreuil
and their effect on the environment, then we have
+33 1 49 88 18 42
taken a step in the direction of fighting pollution.
[email protected]
ISBN : 978-2-35137-052-0
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
35
Helping the
World
Teacher’s Note : As part of our writing class, we were discussing aspects of our life that we like and dislike. One boy, Philip Fischer, said that he liked nature, but he was worried that
nature was disappearing. Another boy, Quirijn de Planque,
added that nature was disappearing because of pollution.
As part of our inquiry-based learning, we decided to
discover more about the causes of pollution, as well
as the solutions that could prevent or eliminate it.
Today, the boys are the conscience of 4th grade. They regularly ask if we need the lights on at school when it is a sunny
day and they check to see if computers are off when they are
not in use. They have written the following article to help
raise awareness that we all can be part of the solution.
We must stop polluting the world. But to know how
we can stop it, we had to find out how pollution is
made. We read a book from the library called ‘Stop
Wasting the World’. We learned that we use energy
to drive cars, ride in airplanes, take baths, watch TV,
play games on the computer, wash clothes and dishes
and have light on at home and school.
The energy we use makes pollution because it comes
from oil, gas and coal and they pollute when they are
made or used.
36
Philip Fischer, 9, Switzerland and Poland and
Quirijn de Planque, 9, Netherlands and United Kingdom,
Les Marroniers, Geneva, Switzerland
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
We also learned that we make a lot of pollution when
paper is made or when metals and plastics are made
for the bottles and cans we use. If we used fewer of
these, there would be less pollution.
So, what can we do to help the world? Here are some
ideas :
•
Recycle : Every family has to recycle their paper,
glass and metal cans. We think people should be
•
forced to do this or they have to pay money. People get lazy and don’t bother to recycle but if they
had to pay they would do it.
Collect water when it rains and use it to water the
plants.
•
Don’t use so much paper and always use both
sides.
•
Turn off lights when you leave a room.
•
Don’t keep the tap on while you are brushing
The other way that we can stop pollution is to get
your teeth.
more energy from the sun and from the wind. In the
Use a little water, not a lot, when you take a show-
Netherlands there are a lot of windmills and the rest
er or bath.
of the world needs to do the build more. We can get
Don’t always drive places. Walk, bike or take the
a lot of energy from the wind and the sun and then
tram or bus.
we could stop using so much oil, gas and coal.
•
•
People need to stop polluting the world! Otherwise
there will be so much pollution that the nature we
like will disappear.
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
37
Community Action Service in the
Academy for Excellence,
Mombasa
Cristie McMurray , 18,
Northern Ireland, International Baccalaureate 2007, International
School of Basel, Switzerland
Having spent two weeks visiting Mombassa and spending most of my days in the Academy, I noted the commendable C.A.S activities in which students were engaged. I spent time talking to the C.A.S coordinator,
Mr. George Killeen, as well as students and members
of staff.
There are many activities set up which students can
participate in to gain C.A.S hours, such as: Model
United Nations, drama, fundraising, etc. However,
there are also activities, which are not found anywhere else in the World, and this particular kind of
C.A.S is what caught my attention.
Students from the Academy are involved in so many
activities; both for C.A.S hours and on a voluntary basis. An example is the soccer games that the students
play with the local prisoners, on the school grounds
(which the Academy students have never won)!
The Academy also assists with children from the disability centre (which is sponsored by the Aga Khan
Development Network), by organizing activities, allowing the children to use the facilities at the Academy and supporting them. The “worms awareness”
educational programme was also a major event, and
was followed by actually supplying the de-worming
materials to a village. The Academy also holds regular
38
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
beach clean ups! However, one of the most interesting C.A.S projects, for me, is the on-going projects
with the WEMA centre, Outreach Programme.
The WEMA centre used to be a girls’ shelter but has
now turned into a mixed day shelter for girls and
boys in Mombasa. There are many street children in
Mombasa and one of the remarkable things that the
students are doing is organizing activities with these
children at the Academy. A good example of this is
the drama production that children from the Academy and from the WEMA centre were involved with.
However, a key problem concerning the WEMA centre is that it is only a day shelter, meaning; children
get off the streets during the day but have to be back
on them at night. Some students and teachers at the
Academy would like to help these children and find
enough funds to be able to turn the shelter into a full
time one.
It sounds like a lot of work, organising all these projects and doing so much C.A.S work! However, the students at the school seem to find it incredibly rewarding and worthwhile.
“We go in thinking we can change their lives, but our
experience with them actually changes ours.” (Mr.
Killeen, C.A.S coordinator).
There are a lot of different C.A.S opportunities for
students at the Academy, which I, having lived in Europe, never got to participate in. However, these ideas
and projects need support !
So for all of you who go to an IB school and are running out of C.A.S ideas, or for anyone who wants to,
the WEMA centre (and other projects) could use your
help! For more information on any of the projects or
how you can help, please contact:
Cristie - [email protected]
ou Nicola - [email protected]
EARTH FOCUS Special edition
39
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