Collaboration between Scientist and Media is very important. Scientists doing research found new facts and functions must be disseminated to the public especially the young generations. Media play roles. Just looking at the artists. Media actually promoted them Why not scientists?

The collaboration between Telekom Malaysia and Malaysian Nature Society to groom young people and raise their awareness and knowledge of the environment, biodiversity and ecology is a timely one, believes Professor Dr Ahmad Ismail from Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Malaysian Nature Society vice-president and education division adviser. “We hope that out of the 100 students we give this kind of exposure to, there’ll be some that will go on to pursue and major in biodiversity.”

Looking earnest, the passionate environmentalist adds: “If possible, we want more schools to be involved so we can mobilise environmental education in Malaysia. This is the first camp, we have another six. When we go to coastal areas, we talk about water. When we go to the forest, we talk about the earth’s cycle and life. In some areas we talk about air pollution. It’s important for the young to have some basic education on nature.”

The good professor believes that there is better awareness of nature among the young today but awareness alone is not enough. “What about application?” he poses, before adding: “If your experience of nature is merely from what you see on the TV screen, it won’t be enough. You need to have direct involvement. Many children today know of the forest as a dark and scary place. But those children who’ve had the opportunity to participate in our programmes will come and tell you what a fantastic place the forest is. And they have a greater understanding of nature’s cycle of life.”

Chuckling, he adds: “Those very same children who first enter the forest squealing at the sight of the pacat inevitably end up being ok with it by the time they reach the end of the programme. This is because they know that there is a process in place that they need not fear. They learn to deal with it better.”

Concluding, Ahmad says: “The reason why we’ve called our camp, The Earth Camp, is simple. We’ve taken much from Mother Earth and it’s time to give back. Our programme is infused with these types of messages and sentiments. We try to engage the children through activities and get them to debate with each other so that thoughts and knowledge can be exchanged. The students will then return to their respective schools and will be able to spread the message and even go on to organise their own activities in the school in the name of conservation.” 

http://www.nst.com.my/mobile/life-times/live/lessons-from-mother-nature-1.591981