Saturday, October 20, 2012



Renowned traveler, environmentalist visits to inspire Ethiopian youth

SATURDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2012 05:52

By Yonas Abiy

A world-renowned traveler and environment activist, Robert Swan, visited Addis Ababa this week to inspire Ethiopian youth who are engaged in environmental protection activities. Swan is regarded as the first man in history to walk unsupported to the North and South poles and as a man who dedicated his life to speak about his explorations and passion for environmental sustainability.

During his visit for the first time to Ethiopia that was organized by Coca Cola, Swan spoke about his visit and mission as part of his global advocacy on sustainability of environment and lobbying development actors to make accountability for the environment.

“It’s fantastic to be in this country for the first time. The real reason I came here is because I am a great fan of middle and long-distance running for the last two decades and I wanted to meet your great Haile Gebresilassie. But I never had a chance. I saw him win the 2000 Sydney Olympic 10,000 meter finals. I never forget that moment in my life. Running 7.5 km yesterday morning at 9:00 at this altitude it was qui a hard work. But my prize is to meet the great Haile, he said in a press conference held at Radison Blu Hotel on Monday.

Swan went on speaking about his impression of Ethiopia which was totally different.
“When you come to this nation for the first time, you come with preconceptions and Ethiopia is often seen as a country where people are hungry. Things are portrayed negatively. Coming here yesterday, I did discover that your nation is the fastest growing economy in the whole of Africa. This is something I didn’t know before. So when having a fast-growing economy there comes accountability especially by looking after the environment. If you’re growing, you have to have accountability and responsibility at the same time,” he said.

“I’m here because I want to support the leadership and what the likes of Coca Cola are doing. I like them to keep it up. I like to keep people to that commitment,” he added.
He also shared his experience about his travels in both hemispheres.

I’m actually the first person stupid enough to walk to the South pole at the bottom of the world and to the North pole at the top of the world.

He pledged that he will  take one Ethiopian youth in March next year for the first time for Ethiopian to visit his country Antarctica at the bottom of the world.

On Thursday, Swan joined local youth organization Tena Kebena Ena Ginfle Inatsida Mahaber where he participated in vetivar planting on the bank of Kebna River.
He planted vetivar grass which originally came from Thailand. 

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