Event Report
Anti-Festal Pollution Campaign
W/o Tsion care taker of SOS ADDIS,
Dr. Yohannes G/Michael Dep .of Geography
and Environmental Studies,AAU,
Dr.Daniel Kassahun from Forum for Social Study,
W/O Elleni Mekuria moderator ,
Dr.Biruk Lemma Dep.of Biology,AAU,
Artist Selleshi Demisse(Gasha Abera Molla)
and Ato Mohammed Ali Representative of
Federal Environmental Protection Authority (From left to right)
SOS ADDIS TEFETRON BEMALIMAT BEKELETEN MASWEGED MAHIBER held a week long anti-festal pollution campaign from October 21-29, 2006. "'Festal' - an environmental threat to our millennium" was the theme of the campaign which started out on October 21 with discussions by a panel of experts at Menelik II hall. As indicated in the motto the purpose of the discussions was to gain insight into problems resulting from environmental pollution due to the discriminate pervasive use of the flimsy plastic bags locally known as "FESTAL". The panel lasted half a day and was well attended by members, supporters, and university and high school students.
The panelists were Dr. Yohannes G/ Michael from the AAU Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, Dr. Daniel Kassahun from Forum for Social Studies, Ato Mohamed Ali representing Federal Environmental Protection Authority, Dr. Biruk Lemma from the Biology Departmentof AAU. Artist Selleshi Demissie (Gashe Abera Molla) artist and activist. Wzo. Tsion Amedom from SOS ADDIS and Wzo.Elleni Mekuria moderator from SOS ADDIS.
Partial view of participants in the SOS Addis panel discussion on anti-festal pollution
Panelists drew attention to the fact that although millions of plastic bags are discarded mainly in urban centers, the spread and damage is so pervasive that it has become a threat to all parts of the country.
Participants while giving comments in the panel discussion
When discussion ended, the
Executive Director of SOS Addis,
Wzo Kiros Habtu Wolde-Giorghis gave the
closing address, thanking the Panelists
as well as all the participants.
Festal plastic being is non-biodegradable that is it doesn't break down by natural processes, remaining instead in the environment without change many years after it has been discarded. This results in damage to the soil and water and ultimately to the health and survival of human, animal and plant life. It was stressed that unless ways and means are developed to tackle the problem the consequences will be disastrous and irreversible.
The appropriate disposal of plastic and other pollutants can protect the environment. Creating awareness among members of the public is important. There is also a big need for active participation in tackling the problem. Possible solutions must be devised and provided to assist in the re-use of plastics and disposal waste materials.
The role of government is important in formulations and enforcing regulations for protecting the environment. Government can also provide incentives for those promoting and working to reduce festal pollution through reuse, recycling or funding alternatives to the use of plastics.
Participants at the street parade
Honorable guests, members of SOS Addis and participants at Meskel Square
Major Eba while giving his testimony about the danger of flimsy plastic bags
His Excellency Prof. Andreas Eshet, president of Addis Ababa University while giving a closing address at the terminating point of the street parade (Meskel Square)
