Scholars lead events to mark World Environment Day
Posted: 17 June 2026
Ahead of World Environment Day 2026, Australia Awards scholars from South Asia and Mongolia took part in two environment-focused events organised by Scholar Ambassadors.
Scholars lead events to mark World Environment Day
Ahead of World Environment Day 2026, Australia Awards scholars from South Asia and Mongolia took part in two environment-focused events organised by Scholar Ambassadors.
On 3 June, Melbourne-based scholars and their dependants learnt about environmental stewardship at Royal Park, Victoria’s largest inner-city park. The activity was initiated by three Scholar Ambassadors: Wirdah Kaif of Pakistan, Sherab Jatsho of Bhutan and Md. Turab Hossain of Bangladesh.
Scholars and one family in Royal Park.
After arriving, scholars first gained insights into Melbourne’s ecosystem from a Friends of Royal Park volunteer and a senior park staff member, who also showed them how to identify native and invasive species. Scholars then put their learning into action, spending two hours engaged in hands-on conservation work by removing invasive species and unwanted growth that threatened the park’s biodiversity.
Scholars welcomed the opportunity to connect with nature while contributing to the preservation of habitat that supports native species.
After their conservation work, the scholars enjoyed a guided tour of Royal Park.
Reflecting on the experience, Nepali scholar Ganga Gurung said, “The event was a refreshing opportunity to connect with both nature and people. It gave us a chance to quite literally ‘touch grass’, spend time outdoors, and learn about Royal Park and its native shrubs.”
Nyamgerel Purevjav, a scholar from Mongolia, said, “Participating in the conservation activity with my mother brought back many memories of working together on our family farm in Mongolia. It was wonderful to share this experience with her again in a different setting. The activity was both enjoyable and meaningful, allowing us to connect with nature while contributing in a small way.”
Wirdah Kaif from Pakistan, one of the three Scholar Ambassadors who organised the event, said, “This activity was a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, support local biodiversity, and bring our scholar community together. It was rewarding to see participants and their families contribute while learning more about the importance of environmental conservation.”
On the same day, South Australia-based scholars gathered to hear from Natalya Giffney, Sustainable Urban Communities Officer at Green Adelaide, about the organisation’s work to create a cooler, greener, wilder and more climate-resilient urban environment. Scholars from across Australia also joined the session online.
Scholars with Natalya Giffney (left) of Green Adelaide.
Natalya highlighted the benefits of biodiversity, including more resilient ecosystems and the positive effects of nature on mental health. She also used heat-mapping tools to show the cooling impact of trees, which several scholars said was relevant to their home countries.
Scholars learnt about the symbiotic relationship between flora and fauna, including how some native animal species depend on particular plants to survive. Natalya explained that some animals are no longer found in Adelaide’s urban areas because of habitat loss, while others are returning due to greening initiatives. She also showed scholars how they could contribute to scientific knowledge by recording plant and animal sightings through iNaturalist.
For Maldivian scholar Ali Michail Mahmood Razee, who is studying a Master of Counselling and Psychology, the discussion about the benefits of nature for mental health was particularly meaningful.
Another Maldivian scholar, Mohamed Nimal, said there was much he would take away from the session and apply in Maldives. He thanked his fellow Scholar Ambassador, Kirithikka Baherathan, for initiating the Adelaide event.