Mangrove planting drive draws huge participation

'I do what I can to help nature strive. Hopefully, this move can influence more people to help our nature too,' says 14-year-old Sophia from Philippines

- 

Recently, as the piercing rays of the afternoon sun gloomed to signal another Iftar over the swathe of the 2,000-hectare Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary south of Dubai, two sisters - Sophia and Pheona Lopez - romped towards what remained of 100 pouches of saplings, quite shrouded by sturdysharp shrubs, typical of deserts and shorelines.

They planted two each at separate spaces after much scouting.

Their parents, Victorino and Pauline, joined them.

"I do what I can to help nature strive. I believe that if you want things for the better, you start from small steps by yourself. Hopefully, this move can influence more people to help our nature too," said Sophia, 14.

Clinging tightly to her dad, Pheona bashfully whispered that it is "genuine responsibility to care for the environment. I am delighted, knowing that I contribute to a simple deed to help Earth thrive in abundant life. Even the most significant consequences come from the tiniest actions."

This refreshing orientation from these third culture kids, stems from the roots of Victorino who grew up, learning to appreciate early on in life, regarding the allure and abundance of a well-taken care of generational two-hectare orchard, in his home province of Rizal, east of Manila. Pauline described Sophia and Pheona as environmentalists.