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MISS EARTH ZIMBABWE
COURTNEY JONGWE
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
At 9 years l was in 3rd grade at CJR primary school in a city called Gweru .This year was the first time l got introduced to sport ,l particularly fell in love with tennis and l participated in all tournaments that took place in my city and some in the neighboring cities. At the time l lived with mom, it was just the two of us because my parents had separated when l was younger. I loved my mom so much because she made every effort to provide me with the best life she could afford. When l was in 6th grade my mother transferred me to the best school we had in the city and the exposure l got from experiencing the culture change and a broader spectrum of opportunities allowed me to discover a lot more about myself. My most tremendous discoveries was exceptional sporting ability on the athletics field. I was selected into the school team for high jump ,long jump and l was fastest girl in my age group by the time l left for high school. This discovery helped me to gain self confidence ,learn to be a team player and paved a successful athletic journey during my 6 years of high school l was awarded athletics captain in my senior year and broke and set new records in the disciplines l participated in .My happy family of two was extended when l was 13 when my mother got married to my stepdad. This was an amazing season of my life for it opened the doors for me to be the big sister l am today for out of their union my mom bore two children which are my lovely young sister and brother whom l love so dearly.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment was when l was selected to be the head girl at my high school .It had been my dream since my first year of high school .I remember being called up and walking up the stage to receive my new blazer and it was a very special moment for me.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
A special fact about my family is the unique way we blend with our extended family. We call our mom’s sisters ‘mom’ instead of aunty and dad’s brother dad to express our respect for them and show that they are just as good as our mother and father. This has fostered unity and a sense of belonging regardless of whose house you’ll be visiting, you will still beat a home away from home
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I’ve done is milking goats at my rural home.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
1.Learn and educate: Educate yourself about the local environment, culture, and conservation efforts of the places you visit.
2.Engage with local experts, guides, and organizations to deepen your understanding of the challenges they face and the initiatives being implemented. Share your knowledge and experiences with others to raise awareness about the importance of ecotourism and climate change mitigation.
3. Minimize your carbon footprint: Offset the carbon emissions from your travel by choosing low-carbon transportation methods whenever possible. Consider taking a train or bus instead of a plane for shorter distances, as air travel has a significant carbon footprint. If flying is necessary, try to book direct flights and choose airlines that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact.
4. Conserve resources: Practice responsible resource management during your travels. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, reusing towels, and avoiding excessive water usage. Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights, air conditioning, and other electronic devices when not in use. Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to minimize waste generation.
2.Engage with local experts, guides, and organizations to deepen your understanding of the challenges they face and the initiatives being implemented. Share your knowledge and experiences with others to raise awareness about the importance of ecotourism and climate change mitigation.
3. Minimize your carbon footprint: Offset the carbon emissions from your travel by choosing low-carbon transportation methods whenever possible. Consider taking a train or bus instead of a plane for shorter distances, as air travel has a significant carbon footprint. If flying is necessary, try to book direct flights and choose airlines that are actively working to reduce their environmental impact.
4. Conserve resources: Practice responsible resource management during your travels. Conserve water by taking shorter showers, reusing towels, and avoiding excessive water usage. Reduce energy consumption by turning off lights, air conditioning, and other electronic devices when not in use. Carry a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and utensils to minimize waste generation.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
The country's natural wonders, cultural heritage, and warm people contribute to Zimbabwe’s distinctiveness and appeal as a travel destination which makes me extremely proud of my country.
Victoria Falls: One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is the largest waterfall in terms of the combined width and height and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Rich cultural heritage: Zimbabwe has a diverse cultural heritage, with numerous ethnic groups contributing to its unique tapestry. The country is known for its vibrant traditional music, dance, art, and crafts.
Abundant wildlife and national parks: Zimbabwe is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a prime safari destination. Hwange National Park is the largest national park in the country, known for its large herds of elephants, lions, and other animals. Manna Pools National Park, located along the Zambezi River, offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and walking safaris.
Warm and welcoming people: Zimbabweans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience. Despite the country's challenges, the people of Zimbabwe often display a strong sense of community and a positive spirit. Interacting with locals can provide a unique and enriching cultural experience.
Victoria Falls: One of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. It is the largest waterfall in terms of the combined width and height and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Rich cultural heritage: Zimbabwe has a diverse cultural heritage, with numerous ethnic groups contributing to its unique tapestry. The country is known for its vibrant traditional music, dance, art, and crafts.
Abundant wildlife and national parks: Zimbabwe is home to a diverse range of wildlife, making it a prime safari destination. Hwange National Park is the largest national park in the country, known for its large herds of elephants, lions, and other animals. Manna Pools National Park, located along the Zambezi River, offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and walking safaris.
Warm and welcoming people: Zimbabweans are known for their warmth, hospitality, and resilience. Despite the country's challenges, the people of Zimbabwe often display a strong sense of community and a positive spirit. Interacting with locals can provide a unique and enriching cultural experience.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
My advocacy focused on SDG 13.Climate Action.l believe we have talked a lot about climate change but action has been left to a few people. I want to advocate for action. To get everyone on board and to understand that collectively we can be the change we want to see .Action is multifaceted so l decided to centralize my advocacy on environmental conservation through sustainable solutions addressed specifically at plastic pollution. Damage has been done ,yes, but an error does not become a mistake unless we refuse to correct it .Thus l would like to correct that error through awareness , education and innovation. Why plastic ?You might ask .Plastic is one of the highest contributors of the degradation of our Mother Earth ,it is very common and invaluable yet the fact that its non biodegraded able make it an unbearable threat to the planet.Eco farming is an agricultural system that uses fertilizer of organic such as compost, green manure and places emphasis on techniques such as crop rotation . The advantage of this type of farming is that it is climate friendly and less harmful to the environment. This type of farming keeps the environment less contaminated and the resources needed to sustain life on earth are less threatened.I’m addition organic farming is introduced to provide wholesome food for people . They become less resistant to serious diseases when consumed. Additionally the soil is still in great condition and is overly productive due to natural manures In Eco farming .