By: Sani Firmansyah

Like a mother, the earth always loves the creatures that live in it. Therefore, the momentum of Earth Day which falls every April 22 is the right time to reflect on our love for the earth that has provided a source of livelihood, and then plan steps and efforts to protect this earth.

Coinciding with the Earth Day moment, Bumi Panda, the environmental information house owned by WWF-Indonesia, held an "Action to Save the Earth". This activity is designed to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth, the only planet that is home to humans and other living things.

The activity was attended by students from four elementary schools in Bandung City; starting with the "Panda Earth Tour", an introductory activity about the history of the establishment of WWF-Indonesia and the conservation efforts carried out by the oldest nature conservation organization in Indonesia. Afterwards, participants were invited to watch the movie "Kerinci, Saving Nature". The movie tells the story of the function of the National Park and how to protect it. There was also a puppet show that told the story of the forest being destroyed and its impact on current climate change.

In the next session, participants went to the "Resources Center Bumi Panda" to play games "Energy Quartet Card" and "Snakes and Ladders Elephant Walking to the River". Through these educational games, students not only have fun playing and competing, but also learn environmental science. While taking turns playing, some students got the opportunity to have their faces painted with images of umbrella animals. In the last session, the participating students were creative in painting used pots. Afterwards, the used pots were planted with trees as a symbol of love and affection for the earth.

"After learning and playing at Bumi Panda, I know how to help WWF-Indonesia to protect the environment," commented Alya, a student of SD Semi Palar, Bandung. "We can do this by throwing garbage in its place, planting trees, saving paper and water, as well as saving electricity at home."

The rich activities of the day are expected to build and foster behavior and awareness for the participants to care for and love the earth, starting from the environment around their respective homes and schools, through simple ways.