KUCHING: International Mother Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 each year, is a day to acknowledge and appreciate the planet we call home.
This day provides an opportunity for people around the world to reflect on the environment, biodiversity, and the planet’s natural resources.
It serves as a reminder of our shared duty to take care of the Earth, not only for ourselves but also for all life forms that inhabit it.
In this context Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan (PPIS) is committed to educating and mobilising communities towards sustainability.
Its president, Manjeet Kaur Sidhu said foremost in their approach are targeted educational campaigns.
“By conducting workshops and utilising digital platforms, we aim to simplify environmental concepts and broaden their appeal.
“Social media, a pivotal arena for contemporary discourse, is employed to disseminate engaging content that reaches diverse audiences,” she said .
Manjeet said they also emphasise the importance of collaborations with businesses to encourage the adoption of green practices both internally and in the wider community.
“To translate awareness into action, we focus on grassroots projects like tree planting and local clean-ups, which directly involve community members in their environments.
“Moreover, incentive programmes that reward sustainable practices have proven effective in motivating broader participation.
“We also offer tools and resources that help individuals and organisations to implement practical and impactful green measures.”
“Several initiatives and campaigns have proven effective in educating the public about environmental protection,” said Datuk Dr Lau Pang Heng, Chairman, Sarawak Community Civil Awareness Association.
“These campaigns use various media platforms such as television, radio, social media, and billboards to disseminate information about environmental issues, their impacts, and what individuals can do to help. Examples include Earth Hour, Earth Day campaigns, and the “Think Before You Print” campaign,” he said.
Apart from that he also highlighted Community Engagement Programmes.
“These programmes involve local communities in environmental protection efforts through workshops, clean-up events, tree planting initiatives, and educational seminars. They foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members.”
Lau said that audience engagement is also very important.
“Environmental education programmes, awareness campaigns, and community workshops can empower individuals with knowledge and inspire them to act,” he said.
He also stressed that offering incentives such as tax credits, rebates, discounts on eco-friendly products, or rewards for sustainable behaviour can motivate individuals to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Positive reinforcement encourages continued engagement and helps overcome inertia or resistance to change, he added.
“By combining these approaches and tailoring interventions to the specific needs and preferences of target audiences, stakeholders can foster a culture of environmental sustainability and drive meaningful change at the individual, community, and societal levels,” he said.
