12 November 2020
On 2 November 2020 UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty, together with the Kazakhstan Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives "ECOJER" and Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs successfully concluded the 90-day project dedicated to environmental awareness.
The large-scale project covered all regions of Kazakhstan with more than 1300 participants.Every week the participants completed interesting take-home assignments, listened to lectures from leading experts and eco-activists in the field of energy saving, waste sorting, reasonable consumption and more. The information received helped participants to develop new environmental habits and learn useful skills for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. Summing up all the results, 37 people aged 12-25 were identified as winners of the eco-marathon.
Thus, the Republican Eco Marathon concluded with a closing ceremony, which was held online on ZOOM platform. The guests of this event were the Director of the UNESCO Cluster Office in Almaty - Ms. Krista Pikkat, Director General of the Kazakhstan Association of Regional Environmental Initiatives "ECOJER" - R.H. Kabzhanov, President of the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs - B.U. Akchulakov, marathon participants, "Heal the Planet" contest nominees, experts and ambassadors, and eco activists. The event was also livestreamed on YouTube, making it accessible to wider audiences.
During the event the organizers presented video and audio materials created specifically for the marathon: “Heal the Planet,” an original song composed by singer Indira Yedilbayeva and rapper IntroVert; “Move in ECO style,” a music video featuring Art.Sirius contemporary dancers and original rap by Almaty-based artist, Tole Bi; and “Zero Waste in Kazakhstan is not a myth” – a short documentary about the day in the life of an environmental activist, Nadezhda Vashenko. All three works are aimed at promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle among youth.
The online event concluded with an awards ceremony for the eco-marathon winners.
Move in ECO Style
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Zero waste in Kazakhstan is not a myth
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It is also worth mentioning the results of the abovementioned project "Heal the Planet", a contest of drawings and photos, which was launched in support of the eco-marathon. The organizers aimed to attract attention of the country's young generation through a creative approach to the theme of peace and environmental protection. At the end of the contest, 40 winners were chosen. The main prize for the finalists and the winner was the possibility of their works appearing on billboards in Almaty.
Another significant event in the framework of the contest of drawings and photographs was the launch of a thematic electronic catalog, which, in addition to the works of winners and finalists, will also appear and the most memorable photos and drawings from the contestants.
The exhibition of works is available on the official website of the Kazakhstan National Federation of UNESCO Clubs.
This was my first participation in such a large-scale project on environmental safety. During 90 days I was developing my eco habits, trying to contribute to the preservation of the global ecological environment. I think I succeeded in it. And all this under the guidance of the eco-marathon. I would like to once again express my great gratitude for everything that we have learned by giving assignments, conducting live broadcasts and webinars, sharing different materials. All this together gave me an understanding of the role of ecology and formed my personal tolerant and respectful attitude towards it.
- Review of the participant from Nur-Sultan, Kazhibekova Botagoz
"The marathon was held with a resounding HOORAY! The 90 days were electrifying, which helped me to create my ECO track! I am madly glad that I took part in the marathon! Thank you very much, the organizers of the marathon, who brought the idea to life! We started the journey, but now it's our turn to keep moving forward! I will definitely do everything in my power, but everything is in our hands! Aim high and achieve everything you want!
- Review of the participant from Aksu, Amrenova Amina
It is encouraging that the majority of participants note their increased interest in environmental issues and the desire to change the situation for the better. Participation in this environmental marathon became a starting point for young people in the transition to a greener life and participation in projects aimed at developing an environmental culture and building a more sustainable world.
Permanent link: http://en.unesco.kz/concluding-the-online-eco-marathon-my-eco-footprint