In all parts of the world, there are numerous events held to foster and encourage creativity and innovation. Various programs are designed to target audiences to value their ideas and pursue them. One of the most popular ones with global recognition is TED Talks. TED, a non-profit organization, holds these conferences every spring at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. The reception they received with ever growing demand to participate in the event led to the forming of another set of local events all around the world as a subset of its original. TEDx conferences are equivalent to their parent event, but they are held independently with the supervision of Local organizers.
In April the first Iranian international TEDx conference was held in Kish Island. An event featured all successful and innovative individuals who shared a turning point or a breakthrough in their lives with their audience. On the periphery of the event, several people were presenting their ideas and creative projects. There was a group with a 3D headset, and smart greenhouse designers were introducing their innovation to address the problems of botanists, greenhouse owners and enthusiasts. But the group who drew the most attention was the “GorgDasht” (PlainWolf) cycling group. They set two stationary bikes there and displayed several handwritten banners, each dedicated to one of their projects. In the sideline of the TEDx conference we got a chance to talk with GorgDasht’s co-founders Mahmood Ghaemmaghami and Kourosh Behzadi, and their educational advisor Leila Qomi to get more familiar with their concerns that motivate them on their journey.
Seeking the Higher Goal
While Mahmood Ghaemmaghami had been cycling for many years and always cared about the environment, it was when he joined Kourosh Behzadi that they decided to approach cycling with a more conscious purpose, moving beyond mere sports. Inspired by the environmental issues they encountered, they devised a course to convey their messages to local residents along the way. Reflecting on their cycling tours, Ghaemmaghami recalled, “Kourosh's initial solo tour was a response to the Lake Urmia crisis along the Tehran-Urmia route. Subsequently, he embarked on a solo journey from Tehran to Qeshm to raise awareness about the extinction of dolphins.”And during his journey, he communicated the results of some conducted research to locals in Non-technical terms. After teaming up, we set out on a road trip from Astara to Mian-Kale with the goal of raising awareness about pollution in the Caspian Sea. Last year, our focus shifted to the conservation of cheetahs during our tour from Tehran to Bandar Abbas. Our most recent trip was prompted by the critical water crisis, leading us to cycle from Tehran to Mashhad, crossing through the northern region of Iran.
Ghaemmaghami then elaborated on their educational approach during the journey: "We strive to teach and reinforce certain points, especially to children, along our route. To this end, we establish connections with local NGOs beforehand, and in a joint effort, we manage to gather a handful of people in a school or any other possible space to initiate discussions with children.”
Kourosh Behzadi talks about the various programs and workshops they held on their trips and the feedback they receive, while pedaling the stationary bike, “we’ve seen all sorts of things, some reactions are really positive, others could be compulsively baffling. The only thing that we should focus on is our perseverance, because sometimes our expectations are far from reality.” Kourosh adds, “In some regions environmental issues are not a concern for people, and they live their lives with all the resources they have at their disposal. working in these regions becomes challenging”
Envisaging a water crisis might pose challenges for those indifferent to water scarcity. Nevertheless, positive responses were received in certain regions where individuals were eager to learn ways to optimize their watering and irrigation practices to reduce water waste.
"We currently utilize 80% of our water resources, exacerbating our water scarcity issues due to the adoption of an incorrect watering system and the absence of proper information on water optimization," explains Kourosh. "Shifting to a drip system, as opposed to basin irrigation, is crucial to prevent water wastage along its route to the fields. We engaged with various organizations to secure loans for farmers, intending to equip their fields with drip irrigation systems. Unfortunately, instead of allocating funds for essential irrigation improvements, some farmers choose to expand their fields or invest in non-essential purchases such as new cars. It is crucial to focus on cultural development in these regions to help farmers realize the importance of adapting for the benefit of future generations. In specific areas, due to a lack of information, farmers cultivate crops that are ill-suited for their local climate, resulting in excessive water usage. “
He also elaborated how they proceed in their campaigns, stating, “the natural resources belong to our children. We are not expecting immediate change, but our hope is to witness meaningful results within 30 years. We make a pact with children to take on the role of family inspectors, urging them to be vigilant about not leaving water taps open and to be alert for cutting down the trees. Working closely with children is important for us, because they are more receptive and understanding. Their untroubled minds make it easier to develop their awareness and shape their cultural values."
Kourosh Behzadi also brought up their future plans. The "Culture of Environmental Care" is a program that GorgDash aims to carry out in various cities. The objective is to instill a sense of pride in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, just like the pride individuals take in their financial resources and attire. As Kourosh phrases it, the goal is to encourage people to "brag about their well-maintained living environment."
The GorgDasht group believes, "One can educate others about environmental issues with love and respect rather than condescension. We shouldn't condemn someone for something they may not know. For instance, when someone litters, instead of scolding them with 'Why did you throw that on the ground?' we can approach them and say, 'Excuse me, may I throw your trash in the garbage bin?' In most cases, they would do it themselves, and they might never forget to dispose of their trash properly in nature."
Leila Ghomi is a member of the research team in the GorgDasht group. She shared the story behind naming the group and explained, 'We chose the name 'GorgDasht' (PlainWolf) because wolves are integral to the natural cycle, yet they have been treated mercilessly. Wolves play a crucial role in the natural cycle by feeding on sick and weak animals. Humans have always interacted with wolves. Although we coexisted, we perceive them as hostile beings because we see them as a threat to our herds and food. In our stories, wolves are often depicted as malevolent creatures. However, wolves only attack when hungry. Understanding their hunger requires acknowledging human encroachment on their territory. Despite having extensive territories, wolves are now all divided. Roads have cut through their habitats. On one side of the road remains the prey, and on the other, the hunter (wolf). This is why wolves attack.'"
wolves have been systematically exterminated due to the harm they pose to humans and their property. In their upcoming journey, the GorgDasht group aims to convey to farmers and individuals closely connected to wolves through their proximity to nature that killing these animals risks further disrupting the balance of the natural cycle.
Leila adds, "This group aims to make people more aware and offer a simple solution for humans to coexist with their environment, including the animals and plants in that setting. Although the killing of wolves isn't a big problem yet, like many other issues, we, as human beings, tend to only pay attention when it becomes a significant concern." Describing GorgDasht's approach to cultural development, she says, "We can't tell someone who depends on herding for a living not to do anything when a wolf attacks. But we can suggest the right solution. That's why this group doesn't just stick to theoretical discussions behind TV screens. We actively involve ourselves in real-life situations, intimately familiarizing ourselves with the lives of people in rural areas. Drawing inspiration from the locals' culture and lifestyle, we come up with practical ideas on how to deal with problems properly."
A note from Kourosh Behzadi
The planet Earth is currently drawing the attention of its inhabitants to their surrounding environment. Fortunately, this crucial issue has now captured the interest of the younger generation, motivating some to take action to conserve and, at times, preserve the environment.
This kind of collaboration among the youth of the planet Earth is highly favored, and with the use of modern communication devices, they gather around in groups to address the environmental issues around them, to get a better grasp of the issue at hand, and to engage in practical activities to bring about a change and an optimal response to the warnings of experts concerning their surrounding environment.
They may wear different campaign wristbands to signify their material and moral support for various causes. Their activities span from collectively cleaning up garbage in waterways and littered areas to engaging in low-cost yet effective sports like walking, biking, mountaineering, and swimming. These activities are organized by passionate youth who advocate for clean air, uncontaminated soil, and pristine water, aiming to prevent the extinction of animals in their generation and beyond.
By traveling or employing other health-conscious methods, these young people draw public attention to significant environmental issues. In this way, they simultaneously enhance collective awareness.
They offer environmental insights to cultural and environmental institutions and authorities. Consequently, their field studies find application in universities to professionally address existing shortcomings. Global youth engagement with environmental issues can stand as a potent force alongside governmental organizations. By careful employment of this influential force, we can realize the dream of a clean and healthy world
It's worth mentioning a group in Iran called "GorgDasht," which bears the dream of a clean world in mind. They set out on cycling journeys across Iran, selecting a content-rich environmental subject for each trip. Despite having limited resources, the non-profit group members embark on their journeys in adverse weather conditions, enduring both favorable and challenging circumstances, just to engage with eager audiences who lend an ear, including but not limited to officials, authorities, farmers, villagers, school children, and high school students. They talk to them about the consequences of wasting resources and environmental threats it entails. Their activities have seen positive receptions, drawing the attention of the youth to environmental issues. GorgDasht has covered 7410 kilometers in 162 days, cycling to draw attention to Iran's Asiatic cheetah, water scarcity, Persian Gulf dolphins, Siberian cranes, and other environmental challenges.
A note from GorgDasht Co-Founder
Kourosh Behzadi
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