LOCAL model Pauline Marere has joined environmental activists in the fight to curb climate change effects and build environmentally sustainable projects though her modelling career.
Marere joined the beauty industry in 2018 and has decided to advocate for climate change solutions and environment justice using her influence.
In 2022, she joined the Miss Environment Zimbabwe pageant, which kick-started her environmental project.
The pageant enabled her to launch her environmental-friendly project in Kuwadzana, Harare, which saw her qualifying for the top 15.
Marare, will be joined by other models who secured spots in the top 15 as they battle for the crown in February this year.
In an interview with NewsDay Life& Style, Marere described her project as a two-segment environmental sustainable project.
She said she was motivated by a previous diarrhoea outbreak which occurred in the high-density suburb.
“The first part of my project was to reduce litter in areas where people had created their own dumping sites. I decided to do this project because in my area, there was once a diarrhoea outbreak that mostly affected children. Hence, we would move around dumping sites putting garbage into bin liners to avoid children being directly exposed to garbage,” Marere said.
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“My second project was on cloud seeding, whereby I aimed to partner with the Meteorological Services Department and be a part of the cloud seeding team. What motivated me was the fact that where I come from (Mashonaland), people are well known for farming, but sadly in recent years, there has been a decrease in harvests due to lack of rain.”
Marere believes that being selected to be part of the finalists will increase her audience.
“The pageant is a great opportunity for me. It will amplify my voice on issues that are affecting the environment. I will use the platform to educate people on preservation of the environment through my environmental project which I started before the semi-finals held in Bulawayo,” she explained.
“So far, I have reached out to Clean City Africa and the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for assistance in my projects. I also hope to acquire a few resources that I might need to execute my project.”
Ahead of the big day in February, where Miss Environment Zimbabwe will be crowned, the Harare-based model shared her future plans.
“If I happen to win, I will work hand-in-hand with the Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality ministry towards my various environment projects,” she said.
“I would also love to partner with EMA in raising awareness and educating people in Zimbabwe on the importance of preserving our environment. I will also further my own projects which are aimed at reducing land pollution and achieve a clean city.”
Additionally, Marere said she believes that in order to curb the effects of climate change, the nation needs to work as one and its citizens be informed.
“To me, education is the basis for achieving sustainable development. So I intend to work with different schools and educate learners on the importance of planning trees,” she explained.
