Environmental Heroes: Steps Toward Change

On January 8, 2025, as part of my volunteer initiative in role of a member of the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan, I organized and facilitated a training and a masterclass titled “Environmental Heroes: Our Steps Toward Change.” This event brought together young participants aged 8 and above and provided a unique opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of ecology and environmental protection.

The first stage consisted of a survey titled “What Do You Know About Environment?” which helped determine the participants’ level of awareness. This allowed us to tailor the program to their interest and knowledge levels.

Further on we immersed into the topic of climate change. We presented key facts about global warming and discussed how participants can contribute to saving the planet. We explored simple and accessible actions that young activists can take, from separate waste sorting to participating in environmental campaigns.

A key moment of the training was the introduction to the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan. Speaker Merdan Arazmedov, a representative of our Society, provided detailed information about its activities and the role it plays in conserving natural resources. Together, we discussed how each child can become part of the movement for environmental protection and what steps they can take to get involved.

In addition to the theoretical aspects, our training included a creative brief. The children participated in a masterclass “Eco-Masters: From Plastic to Art,” led by Lara Belousova, the manager of the Art Studio “Olive.” The workshop aimed to develop the creativity and initiative of the participants. They worked in groups to create original crafts from plastic, which not only fostered their creative abilities but also helped them understand the importance of recycling waste.

The event concluded with the presentation of “Environmental Hero” certificates. I believe moments like this not only boost morale but also instil confidence in young participants, showing them that each of them can contribute to nature conservation.

This training marked an important step toward fostering environmental awareness among children. Young actors not only learned the basics of ecology but also, importantly, felt empowered as eco-activists. I am convinced that the future of our planet lies in the hands of the younger generation, and every small step can lead to positive outcomes. Many thanks to all participants and organizers for their contributions to nature protection and for becoming our “Environmental Heroes”!

Naza Orazova,

memeber of the Nature Preserving Society of Turkmenistan.