EARTH shaker, Romario Valentine from uMhlanga, has decided that his 10th birthday gift for 26 July, will be to restore habitats for biodiversity and to leave a legacy for other children and generations to come.
Last year, he raised funds for 900 endangered birds at Umgeni River Bird Park, Durban, with the assistance of donations from friends, family and fellow eco-warriors.
The Inspire to Conserve campaign helped his feathered friends during the challenging lockdown.
READ ALSO: Romario named a ‘sole’ ambassador
Romario has been an active environmentalist for the past four years.
He is Ocean Sole’s youngest ambassador and has cleaned the beach over 150 times.
“I love nature and want to look after the Earth for future generations and protect biodiversity,” Romario told Northglen News.
He started a self-funded tree planting campaign in August 2020.
To date, he has sponsored 26 trees on four continents, showing his commitment to helping the environment.
Romario recently worked with the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) to help combat Land Degradation in the Sahel and Sahara region in Africa “The Great Green Wall” for Desertification and Drought Day on 17 June.
He will also feature in Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Lydia Hall’s book “What a Wonderful World” as a young environmentalist, to be released on 19 August.
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Now, Romario has set his sights on helping Birds of Eden in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, which is home to 3,500 birds.
With your assistance, Romario would like to help support the completion of the 30 x 30m aviary for abandoned African Grey Parrots.
These intelligent birds are critically endangered, almost extinct in the wild due to illegal trade where they are subjected to extremely appalling treatment and abuse.
“I would also love it if people recycle, plant trees and do not litter and only buy things you need. Let us work together to save our beautiful planet,” said Romario.
Romario’s parents said they are honoured to have a humble, visionary son.
“Romario has been passionate about the environment and wildlife for several years. We will continue to support him the best way we can on his journey. We believe he is a champion of the Earth. We are grateful to everyone who has supported his campaigns and his environmental journey to date,” said Romario’s mom, Delsha Moodley.
To date, Romario has raised just over R13 000. If you would like to support his cause, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/romario-valentine-10th-birthday
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