Channel NewsAsia 12 Jun 08;
KUALA LUMPUR : Environmentalists said rapid urbanisation has robbed many children of the opportunities to be close to nature.
The Malaysia Nature Society is helping to address this by launching a new educational programme - a two-hour long treasure hunt that will take participants through some of oldest trails at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia.
It was an instant hit among the kids.
"I like to walk in jungle because when I am there, I feel free and I like it," said one child who took part in the programme.
Another said: "I feel happy, seeing a lot of plants and learning about them."
Environmentalist Dr Loh Chi Leong, who is the executive director of the Malaysia Nature Society, explained the objective behind the programme.
"A lot of people are now living in urban areas and their children do not have the opportunity to climb trees or get close to nature. I (felt) sad when I saw children, asked to draw chickens at art competitions, drew them in a box from a fastfood chain," said Dr Loh.
"So (this programme is aimed at) getting them to reconnect, to realise that fresh air comes from the trees, that water comes from streams and not from taps, that there are animals around them."
While the children learned about different species of trees and their role in the ecosystem, they were also taught about climate change and the dangers posed by global warming. - CNA /ls
