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MISS EARTH MAURITIUS
HATEEFA LOW KOM
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
Since I was 8 years old, I grew up with my mother, brother and sister. My father had left for England when I was eight, and his absence impacted me greatly. I am grateful for all the efforts that my mother put forth in raising me, ensuring that I had just what I needed to be the first of my family to graduate from university as a software engineer. My family did not have much financially, but our yard was rich with plants and animals! I loved spending time with my chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and many other pets in the shed and under the big breadfruit tree. I developed my love for animals and nature since then, and it has stayed with me to this day. I also had a keen interest in sports. I started competing in swimming and athletic events from a very young age and learnt Taekwondo from the age of 8 to 13.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
I have cared after injured animals several times. Mixi was a hen that could not walk or sit when my mom brought her home. I looked after her for a full month, feeding her, cleaning her and constantly keeping an eye on her. The day where she stood up and took a few steps is the most memorable moment for me.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
My family background is multiethnic. My mother is of African descent and my father is of Chinese and Indian descent. My brother and sister are twins. We all take care of 2 dogs, 6 cats, 1 rabbit and around 20 ducks and chickens.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
The most unusual thing I can recall doing is rescuing 2 kittens on a rainy day. I had to find a dry box, reach into the gutter to take them out and find refuge in an abandoned building while waiting for the rain to stop.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
Promoting activities with a low carbon footprint for tourists such as hiking, kayaking, wildlife observation.
Sight-seeing can be paired with eco-actions, such as replanting endemic trees.
Endemic ecosystems can be closed off from unattended touristic activity, but guided tours can be set up to raise awareness and support.
Sight-seeing can be paired with eco-actions, such as replanting endemic trees.
Endemic ecosystems can be closed off from unattended touristic activity, but guided tours can be set up to raise awareness and support.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
We are a small island in the middle of the Indian Ocean but we welcome everyone with warmth and hospitality. Our kindness and willingness to help others really makes me a proud Mauritian. We also have a beautiful blend of cultures, which is most apparent in the fusion cuisine that we find all over the island. The Mauritian economy since the independence of the country in 1968 has grown and diversified rapidly.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
My advocacy is reconnecting people with Nature by implementing projects to rebuild ecosystems. I believe that modern busy schedules have created a rift between humans and Nature. If we adopt habits and actions that bring us closer to Earth and Nature, we will be more inclined to care, respect and protect them.