Spearheading Environmental Change
These individuals with their penchant for making a difference, are pushing themselves to do their bit for the environment.
India
Jadav Payeng
Farmer
Also known as the “Forest Man of India”, Jadev Payeng created the man-made Molai forest on Majuli Island in Assam – the largest river island in the world. What makes this feat more extraordinary is that he did it all by himself after a reforestation programme to address erosion and flooding was abandoned. Payeng single-handedly planted several types of trees for over 30 years, resulting in an area where wildlife thrives today. Payeng intends to expand his forest and aims to start a similar project in other parts of the state.
India
Afroz Shah
Lawyer & environmental organiser
Recipient of UN’s top environmental accolade – Champions of the Earth, the Mumbai based lawyer and ocean lover Afroz Shah initiated the world’s largest ocean clean up at Mumbai’s Versova beach. With dedicated volunteers taking over the efforts, he has now begun cleaning the city’s longest river – the Mithi river and predicts this mission will take at least 5 years, before the river returns to its original state.
Philippines
Naderev “Yeb” Saño
Climate activist
Filipino climate activist Yeb Saño has dedicated his career to fight against climate change and has been doing so for over 20 years. In the year 2013 when typhoon Haiyan struck Philippines, he made an emotional speech that resonated with many on the need for urgent action on climate change. Continuing his commitment to the environment, he currently leads theenvironmental group – Greenpeace Southeast Asia.
For the rest of this article (Asian Geographic No.134 Issue 1 /2019 ) and other stories, check out our past issues here or download a digital copy here
The 25th anniversary of the largest and longest running dive show, Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) is set to occur on the 11-14th April 2019. Centred on the theme – Plastic free Future, ADEX is more than just a dive show with its commitment to the environment. Among an exciting lineup of programs, attendees can look forward to a Future Forward Series of Panel Discussion on the Single-Use Plastic Conundrum in Asia, on 13th April.
So join us at the event, get inspired and for all you know, you might just liberate the inner diver in you! More details of the event here.
