NEMA Unveils Model Judith Heard as Environment Goodwill Ambassador

National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has appointed model Judith Heard as its environment goodwill ambassador.

Heard was recently crowned Miss Environment International Africa at the Miss Environment International Pageant held in Mumbai, India.

She was unveiled on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at NEMA head offices in Kampala.

Dr Akankwasa Barirega, the Executive Director, said the Judith Heard Foundation will work closely with NEMA to identify, develop and advocate for programs that promote environmental conservation in partnership with conservation bodies and environmentally conscious private companies and celebrities.

“Judith Heard will support advocacy for plastic waste management, enhancing participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, women, men and youth in environment management, tree planting and enhancing environment education and public awareness,” Barirega said.

He spoke about plastics saying they have dire impacts on the environment.

“Plastics are avoidable…for instance at NEMA, we no longer serve plastic bottled water to guests. They are a menace to society, and to biodiversity.”

Dr Barirega said plastics have to be managed adequately because there are plastics that can be avoided and those that can be reused and recycled. “Alternatives to plastics also exist.”

In her acceptance speech, Heard said she was “truly honoured to be chosen as the National Ambassador”.

She said the Judith Heard Foundation will work closely with NEMA to identify, develop and advocate for programs that promote environmental conservation in partnership with conservation bodies and environmentally conscious private companies and celebrities.

“I accept the responsibility of championing environmental conservation under the guidance of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). I thank Dr Akankwasa Barirega, NEMA ED, for recognizing my effort and passion for conservation.”

She commended the board, management and staff of NEMA for working hard to achieve the 2015-2025 National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan goals.

“As National Environment Ambassador I pledge my support and that of my friends to further the realization of the following conservation goals; Advocacy for sustainable use of plastics, Enhancing participation of indigenous peoples and local communities, women, men and youth in the implementation of NBSAPII, Tree planting and Enhancing environment education and public awareness about the need to protect and conserve Uganda’s biodiversity for this and future generations.”