A Grenadian family and local organizations have launched a global environmental initiative dubbed 195in365, aimed at bringing worldwide attention to climate change, the world’s sustainability and its regenerative capacity.
The movement will journey to 195 countries in 365 days making each day noteworthy through valuable learning and sharing and motivating others in the quest of improving our planet. This 195in365 journey is carded to start on the first day of the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2022 COP27 in November and continue until the start of COP28.
This global movement founded by Johann Hoschtialek and family was launched at Rainbow Inn in Grenville on Friday June 3 with representatives of local environmental organizations in attendance. Addressing the launch, Hoschtialek said, “this movement lies deep in my heart as a father who wants to secure a future for his children.”
The special symbol of this movement is a football that will make the journey around the world with the group. It was created to resemble a symbol synonymous with the isle of spice, the nutmeg, while simultaneously representing the countries around the globe. This special nutmeg football was painted by 16-year-old Jovana Hoschtialek and she said, “We want to leave something memorable that people can remember us by. We need to be the generation that changes everything in the hope that future generations get to enjoy what we have now.”
Dr. Spencer Thomas who joined the launch via zoom from Bonn Germany at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change says he believes this movement is important in shedding light on the issues facing our environment. “We applaud this massive effort of bringing global attention to the planet’s regenerative capacity. We applaud the mission’s scale as transformative. We must act now because we do not have a planet B” said Dr. Thomas.
Head of the Environment Division in the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Climate Resilience and the Environment Aria St. Louis placed her full support behind the initiative saying, “Let us be inspired by this action to do our part for ourselves and for future generations to come. Now is the time to make a choice to value your environment differently, so that it can support your way of life.”
Head of Project, Climate- Resilient Water Sector in Grenada Dr. Hans Werner Theisen endorsed 195in365 and shared with the audience the importance of water as a resource. He said, “Everyone thinks we have enough water, but we do not. I looked at the data and in the last 30 years, the dry months became 10% drier. Therefore, we can see already the effects of climate change. We have to prepare for that.”
Vice President of the Grenada Principals Association, Samantha Antoine Purcell said she was happy that young people would be part of the movement. She further stated that education is key if we want to make meaningful change.
The launch of 195in365 was supported by the Rainbow Inn, Flow Grenada, Tourism Organizations, SPECTO and many others. It is a registered environmental advocacy enterprise aimed at stimulating thought and action through awareness, education and mobilization. Each country visited will be recognized and gifted with a nutmeg globe football signifying the pledge to improve our environment for the generations to come. The main mode of transportation during this journey will large electric, solar panel RVs, driven by the young, experienced members of the team, as the movement advocates for the use of renewable energy. For more information visit 195in365.com.
