The team cited resource efficiency, biodiversity, conservation, climate change, mitigation and adaptation, poverty eradication and the social well being of all life as it’s core objective.
Addressing a gathering on behalf of the Provincial Administrator, Cecilia Chitiyo, at the World Environment Day Commemoration at Gweru Civic Centre this past Saturday, Peter Mahlathini said that OneURGE is made up of innovative, inspiring and responsible people.
“I am pleased that this community has innovative, inspiring and responsible young people such as are gathered here today for this noble and worthy cause. Presently every nation in the world has climate change and environmental conservation as a priority,†said Mahlathini.
In her speech, Chitiyo hailed OneURGE for conducting a 30 day clean up campaign from12 April to 12 May. During this campaign they diligently undertook to identify ways in which they could further advance their awareness messages through practical activities such as the Earth Day commemorations by urging people to avoid littering the streets by using the provided bins.
Chitiyo thanked OneURGE for selflessly organising the event without external funding or donations: †I also wish to thank the Midland State University’s department of Geography and Environmental Studies students who partook in the event under Dr Jerie’s guidance, Thornhill High School Drum majorettes, Mkoba Teacher’s College and Gweru based musician Sheperd Mutsata for participating,†she said.
During the closing address, OneURGE founder member Bothwell Dzawoma and chairperson of the organisation stressed that a need exists for his organisation to integrate sustainable lifestyles principles and practices across all sectors of society and empower individuals to adopt sustainable ways of life through education, awareness creating and participation.
Speaking on the sideline, the Patron of the Organisation, Prof Frank Mbengo said that OneURGE is a grass roots organisation with provocative direct action agendas, that will work on multi pronged campaigns to preserve and protect the environment.
“It is the objective of OneURGE to help local groups who are working to protect the local habitat, to fight individual battles to protect specific stands of forest, stretches of river, general public environment and indigenous wild species,†said Prof Mbengo adding that our global footprint is about one and half times the Earth’s total capacity to provide resources to humanity.
This former senior Natural Resources and Tourism ministry official added the following: “If nothing changes and with an increasing population that could reach 9.6 billion by 2050, we will need almost three planets to sustain life. Rethinking the ways we produce, consume and exchange has become crucial and we desperately need to move towards a society where we can all live well within the boundaries of our planet,†a concerned Prof Mbengo said.
Mbengo is a Professor in Development Studies, Political International Relations and a Comparative Education technocrat. He was Permanent Secretary with the Natural Resources and Tourism Ministry Headquarters before he left to served as (UNESCO)’s Education Advisor and representative for various African Countries. He has also taught at the University of Dares Salaam and was Associate Director of the institute of Development Studies.
Post published in: Environment