Young eco-warrior says battle has just begun

Abu Dhabi: He campaigned for the welfare of desert animals, was declared a community hero and received the Abu Dhabi Award for his remarkable contributions to society.

However, Cameron Oliver's biggest claim to fame may be that he is yet to become a teenager.

Only 11 years old when he launched his own campaign in March 2008, the South African made headlines with his drive to save camels from ingesting plastic.

Inspired by the Gulf News 'Say No to Plastic Bags' and 'Go Green' campaigns, he became one of eight heroes to receive an award from General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE armed forces in December 2008.

Despite his past successes, Oliver said he is not about to rest on his laurels.

He said: "My life changed after I received the award, because it opened a lot of doors for me. I am able to do a lot more for my campaign because of it."

Having reached a point where he is regularly recognised for his efforts, Oliver is cautiously comfortable with the attention - as long as it serves the cause.

He said: "I just want it to be clear that this campaign is all about the camels, not me. The award was a privilege, but I have a lot to do. I promised Shaikh Mohammad that the campaign would only grow bigger and better from here."

Oliver intends to deliver on his promise by intensifying his strategies to create awareness.

This includes distributing posters at shopping malls and persuading taxi drivers and residents to place bumper stickers on their cars.

Oliver said: "Earlier, I only had the support of my parents. But with all the attention the campaign has received, a lot more people are interested. My friends are helping me too."

However, the young eco-warrior is always questioning the reach of his efforts.

He said: "I talked to various veterinarians and specialists over the past few months and they say that nothing has significantly changed. Our desert animals are still dying, and I want to put a stop to it."

A visit to a camel farm in July 2008 was the turning point of Oliver's life.

He said: "At the time, I got to ride camels and one particular baby camel kept licking my ear. I was extremely sad when I discovered such sweet animals were dying because of our carelessness."

But does he plan on protecting the environment full time?

Oliver said: "When I grow up, I want to be a professional golfer or an archaeologist. But regardless of what I do, I will carry on with my campaign."

What was the most environmentally friendly initiative taken by you? Do such people encourage you to take better care of your surroundings? Share your experiences and thoughts with us...

It amazes me that an 11-year-old is more responsible and alert about his environment than most adults I know. On my part, I have boycotted the use of plastic bags as they're a nuisance and are a major pollutant. In this context, I applaud Gulf News's Go Green campaign as it seems to have had a positive impact on many of us readers. I sincerely wish that ''green consciousness'' increases by the day, spreading all over our imperilled planet, which is desperately crying out for our help! Young people like Oliver are our hope for a green and clean environment. May his tribe increase!
Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 31, 2009, 09:51

Although I am quiet conscious about the environment, my efforts are limited to saving water and switching off the lights when not in use.Being a housewife, I am confronted to many things which are causing nonsense to environment and thereby to healthy living. From plastic bottles,product wrappers to daily polyethylene shoppers which have now really became a matter to ponder over.Though i am not participating in any Eco-friendly Programs,but I think its never too late to start something,even little changes,that a house wife can do,will really make the difference.
Mariya khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: January 31, 2009, 09:08