Hema Singh

Environment Tobago

Today's Date: 23/01/2007

1. What interaction with an animal and/or nature in your life has had the biggest impact on you?

Last October I visited Yosemite Park in the US, I stood before the grand rock structures and was so amazed at its beauty. Driving through the area revealed ponds and streams and snow-capped mountains of immense beauty, too perfect to be real.

2. Did you have a favorite place in the great outdoors during your childhood?

Yes.

Now? Yes

3. As a former zookeeper, I would love to know what your favorite animal is, and why?

My favourite animals are birds. I love their gift of flight and the freedom that is associated with that ability.

4. What do you think is the greatest environmental challenge facing us now, and what do you think will be the greatest challenge in the future?

The greatest environmental challenge is, unfortunately, humans’ indiscriminate behaviour and irreverence for nature. If we understand that we are really stewards of the environment and change our attitudes to protect and live in harmony with our natural surroundings, we are in fact, creating a future for ourselves and our children. Failure to do this will of course mean that the greatest challenge to be faced in the future would be one of trying to sustain life on bare necessities with reduced land space, overpopulation and intense poverty to name a few.

5. If you could give everyone one piece of advice regarding the environment and our natural resources, what would it be?

That our environment sustains our life. If we mismanage it, we are by extension, toying with our lives and others in generations to come.