A Nature-Friendly Diplomatic Initiative
By C. Naseer Ahmad
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| Left to right: Mrs Phoebe Kapouano (EU Delegation), Mrs Isabel Fezas Vital (Portugal), Mrs. Anamaria Maior (Romania), Mrs Monika Langer (Luxembourg), Mr Martin Bengtsson (Sweden), Mrs Sol Cabanas (Spain), Mrs Danara Kazykhanov (Kazakhstan), and Mrs Susi Weiss (Austria) - Photo Elisabeth Herndler |
Left to right: Mrs Susi Weiss (Austria), Mrs Anamaria Maior (Romania), and Mrs Isabel Fezas Vital (Portu-gal) - Photo: Monika Langer |
There are many ways diplomats and their spouses serve their countries while representing them in Washington. Often, diplomats are working behind the scene and away from the limelight. An example is “A Volunteer Day in the Woods” organized recently by the Luxembourg Embassy in cooperation with the European Union, truly a nature-friendly diplomatic initiative. There is something to be learned from this initiative because of the inspiration and dedication of all those involved.
"Sustainable Residences in Washington DC" (SRW-DC) is a network of the Spouses/Partners of the EU Member State Ambassadors. This network welcomes like-minded ambassadors' spouses/partners from all over the world. SRW-DC’s goal is to run the diplomatic residences sustainably and contribute to a cleaner and greener environment by doing the following:
- Switch to green energy, don’t waste energy
- Use Rainwater for irrigation, reduce use of water
- Use organic/green cleaning products
- Special actions like tree planting and waste collection
- Excursions to learn more about sustainability (e.g., zero energy buildings)
In cooperation with SRW-DC, “A Volunteer Day in the Woods” sponsored by the Luxembourg Embassy was not only community service but also taking care of the environment. Diplomatic spouses and staff spent a day collecting trash on the scenic Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland. Due to Sugarloaf Mountain’s proximity to Washington DC and its popularity as a historic park, tourists sometimes might not be mindful of the trash they leave behind.
During this noble effort, the participants walked three miles in order to collect trash. This collective effort was not only great teamwork but an exercise in humility – respecting mother nature and demonstrating that despite the high official status, working to protect the environment serves humanity in immeasurable ways.
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