Environmentalist Suzana Mohkeri is a firm believer that good habits — recycling, conserving and nurturing a love for nature — must begin at home. SOFIANNI SUBKI reports.
AS co-ordinator of non-profit organisation Global Environment Centre (GEC), Suzana Mohkeri fights to keep our rivers free from contamination. A project that she is currently working on focuses on promoting the integrated management approach and river rehabilitation, especially with members of the community and interest groups.
“The approach is simple — bring the community closer to the rivers and take ownership in the protection and conservation of their local rivers and their biodiversity,” she says.
There are four demonstration areas for the project: Sungai Penchala and Kelana Jaya lakes in Selangor, Sungai Nenggiri in Kelantan and Sungai Salut-Mengkabung in Sabah. The project is supported by the Danish Government that promotes and acknowledges the role of communities in the management of local rivers in Denmark.
GEC mainly focuses on environmental issues of global concern such as management of water resources, protection and conservation of forest resources, and bio-diversity conservation.
“Our activities are undertaken at all levels — global, regional and in Malaysia,” says Suzana.
“GEC works on the basis of partnership with other like-minded agencies and we promote the concept of community participation in natural resources management.
“Some of our major projects include coordinating the development of the Asean Peatland Management Initiative and Community Participation in River Management. All our projects and activities are funded and supported by a broad range of agencies.”
Trained in applied science (biology), Suzana majored in aquatic sciences at Universiti Sains Malaysia and worked with two other Malaysian NGOs before she joined GEC in late 1998.
Conservation of the environment is something close to her heart especially now that she is much more aware of the issues and problems at a global level.
“Getting the local community groups to be supportive in combating river pollution problems was not easy but it’s gratifying to see some positive changes,”she says.
A mother of six, Suzana says that they are the reason why she is so passionate about environmental conservation. Three of her children practise waste separation at home.
“I tell them that when they manage their waste wisely, our environment will be spared from the pollution. I also show them the pollution problems found around the city areas when we travel in the car. I use examples of everyday activities at home to emphasise certain environmental issues. I believe good habits begin at home and parents must set good examples.”
Her parents, she says, enjoyed a good natural environment when they were young.
“As a boy, my father swam in a river near his house every day after school. He tells me that was the best time of his life. I cultivated a deep love and concern for nature during my university years. It has become my passion.”
A typical day at work involves planning for meetings in the morning and spending the afternoon preparing correspondence documents, reports or proposals, work plans and organising internal discussions with the project team. Almost every other week, she will be involved in resident association meetings which start in the evening. In addition, community events and activities are
organised during the weekends.
On Malaysians and their level of awareness regarding the environment, she says:
“While the awareness is there, Malaysians do not know enough to take the next step — which is to take action. As Malaysians, we will react if we are directly affected. However, if it is not in our backyard, we will not lend our support and assistance.
“We have to change this attitude because sooner or later, we will be affected in some way.”
The Government and NGOs have prepared and distributed many educational materials like posters, brochures and documentaries but only a handful actually pay attention.
“The change needs to come from us,” she continues. “If only all of us could reduce wastage of water by not using the hose to wash our cars. If only all of us could stop using too many plastic bags. If we could do these, we may not need to destroy a forest to build another dam.”
She hopes to have the strength and health to continue her conservation efforts.
“It is hard and time-consuming to change people’s attitudes towards our environment. To tell you the truth, convincing family members is the most difficult!” she exclaims.
“On the many occasions when I meet or talk to people, I will usually nudge our conversation towards the environment. That’s how I would like to personally reach out to all Malaysians. To me, it’s not just a job anymore.”
Her dream is to see all environmental NGOs here work closely with the Government at all levels to protect and conserve our natural resources.
“The environment is, after all, ours.”