Abu Dhabi: An 11-year-old boy from Abu Dhabi has launched a campaign against littering in the desert in a bid to save camels from a cruel and untimely death.
Cameron Oliver read a story in Gulf News about camels being killed by garbage left in the desert and felt compelled to act.
"It made me so angry. We are killing these camels and it has to end. People throw away garbage bags and the camels eat them. These bags are not biodegradable," he said.
Cameron's initiative coincides with Gulf News' campaign to 'Say No to Plastic Bags'.
Rubbish left in the desert, such as plastic containers, is often eaten by wild animals and they end up suffocating and dying.
Their deaths can take as little as three days or as long as three months depending on the age of the animal and the item eaten.
With only the financial help of his parents, Cameron decided to present the topic as part of his school's exhibition week. From April 6 to 11, Cameron and several other students at the Raha International School will present their exhibition. But Oliver is not doing this just to get a good grade. This is his passion.
Cameron has interviewed veterinarians in Dubai and designed a bumper sticker for his campaign. He has also launched his own website and is currently in the process of publishing his own brochures to be handed out at the exhibition.
"My hope is that people will see littering in the desert kills animals. We need these animals and we rely on them. Three hundred camels dies each year because of littering," Cameron said. His hope is the campaign will reach further afield than his school. Cameron has taken it upon himself to invite the media, veterinarians, government officials and animal rights activists to the exhibition in a bid to raise awareness.
He is aware his passion for the issue could potentially help save the lives of hundreds of camels and wild animals. How does that make him feel? "Awesome. You have no idea how proud of me my parents are," he said.
Cameron arrived in the UAE from South Africa with his family in July.
Your comments
What a fantastic response to a huge issue from Cameron Oliver! The over-use and littering with plastic is a massive concern in the UAE. I am horrified by the number of plastic bags given out at supermarkets. I have seen trolleys loaded with literally 21 bags at a time (I counted) and at other times one pen being put inside a large plastic bag - ludicrous! It is SO simple to take your own bags to be reused or to ask for cardboard boxes for packing in the case of large shopping trips. I hope this young boy's efforts motivates more companies and individuals to stop using plastic and littering the desert.
Sue
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 14:49
Hi! I am a teacher at Rashid Primary School in Nad Al Sheba. I have recently tried to raise awareness of this issue through a whole school assembly. Our boys are very interested in taking action and coming to the exhibition. They were shocked by the Gulf News reports.
Sarah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 14:33
Good for you from another South African. I hope that this campaign will also make people equally aware that birds and sea life suffers as much as camels and other terrestrial wild life.
Johan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 14:29
There's no doubt that camels are deeply integrated in the UAE's culture and are a big part of it. I tip my hat to you Cameron. Well done.
Mohammed
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 13:28
I am really taken aback by this novel idea. Cameron, keep up the good work.
Roshni
Doha,Qatar
Posted: March 26, 2008, 13:25
Very good Cameron, but if the UAE?s supermarkets would give their clients an alternative for plastic bags and stop the distribution of plastic bags, it would solve most of the problems.
Jethy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 13:02
Brilliant. Adults and other children should learn from Cameron. Immediate action should be taken to prevent this from happening. I think that the authorities should have their say and protect the desert and wild animals. Great job, Cameron.
Denitsa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 12:20
It is really nice to have a child like Cameron. At his age he is already aware about the environment. Keep it up Cameron!
Roey
Pangasinan,Philippines
Posted: March 26, 2008, 11:33
All thumbs up Cameron for your great effort! It is little boys like this who have a love for animals that will make a milestone of difference in today' world. Thank you for your passion for environment and the animals and all your efforts to save them. And I hope you ace in your project. All the best!
Noora
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:59
I am quite amazed by the initiative of this 11-year-old boy. And I feel proud of him.
Lal
DUBAI,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:44
Way to go, Cameron! It's true the future of this planet lies in our children's hands!
Shanti
Dubai,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:31
As a fellow South African, I am very proud of Cameron and would like to know what my kids can do to help Cameron.
Sumaya
Ajman,UAE
Posted: March 26, 2008, 09:30
