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Kristal Kurde - Iraqi, West Asia

2018 Winner | | Iraqi

Humanity is in a critical situation. Our society is failing to recognize the indispensable role of nature in supporting our health and wellbeing. Nature underpins our civilization. Many developing countries are ravaged by war and conflict. They face huge challenges in meeting the immediate needs of soaring populations, including increasing numbers of displaced people. Rising demand is placing severe pressures on natural resources such as freshwater. These problems, exacerbated by climate change, have distracted people and their governments from the essential task of conserving nature. Through “A Guide for an Ideal Nature”, I intend to promote environmental awareness in my community and share tips and instructions for caring for the environment. Additionally, I will collaborate with women to conceptualize and implement a number of projects aimed at implementing the guide.

As an engineer specialized in dams and water resources, I am well aware of our impact on nature and our responsibilities towards it. To help restore our environment, I co-founded the Shirnaw Organization which aims to conserve and sustain freshwater resources. I currently serve as the Vice President of the organization. On a voluntary basis, I work on a number of projects, many of which I initiated such as “A Guide for an Ideal Nature”. Through these projects, I aim to reconcile and ameliorate the relationship between humans and nature, restoring beauty and health to the ecosystems on which we depend for our survival and wellbeing.

Disclaimer: NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.

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