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MISS EARTH WALES
CARYS HAVARD
DESCRIBE YOUR CHILDHOOD/GROWING YEARS
I grew up the eldest of 2 children in a single parent family in a very small town in rural Wales. This period of my childhood was filled with love and support for whatever dreams I had for myself. My grandparent’s farm is my happy place and most of my time growing up was spent outdoors. When reflecting on this part of my childhood I am so lucky and grateful but there were also a lot of things I overcame in this period too. I suffered a lot of loss in the form of my dad leaving and losing my grandmother to suicide, which prompted me to mature at a young age, I tried to step up and help in whatever way I could. I struggled in school socially I became disengaged and very self-conscious, but this was where I found my love for education and the doors that it could open for me.
WHAT IS YOUR MEMORABLE MOMENT?
My most memorable moment occurred in July 2023 where I went snorkeling in the protected Barrier Reef in Mexico. My love for swimming makes any kind of water my second home especially the sea and growing up sea life is something I have a very special interest in. The fish with the reef was the most beautiful array of colors, shapes and sizes and the untouched habitats of these special creatures was a once in a lifetime experience and definitely something I will remember forever.
Receiving my diagnosis after 4 years of uncertainty was one of the most memorable moments of my life.
Receiving my diagnosis after 4 years of uncertainty was one of the most memorable moments of my life.
ANY SPECIAL STORIES OR FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAMILY?
My bampi (grandad in welsh) is a farmer, he is a contractor that provides feed for animals all across the valley. He also is a vintage tractor enthusiast with his own collection of vintage tractors kept on the farm.
My mum is an inspiration as she attained her degree from university as a single mum with 2 young children in her 40s, she is the perfect example that women can do anything. My mum is also living with a disability after an incident of food poisoning that occurred in 2020, she bounced back stronger than ever.
Brother is preparing to go into the navy to serve his country.
My mum is an inspiration as she attained her degree from university as a single mum with 2 young children in her 40s, she is the perfect example that women can do anything. My mum is also living with a disability after an incident of food poisoning that occurred in 2020, she bounced back stronger than ever.
Brother is preparing to go into the navy to serve his country.
WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL THING YOU HAVE EVER DONE?
In February 2023 I competed at BUCS long course nationals at the British national pool where Olympians such as Duncan Scott also competed in the same meet.
In 2020 I was selected amongst 5 other students to represent the school and biology department in an exchange program where students from Wales, Finland, Austria and Italy visited Hungary to learn about sustainability. Whilst visiting a water plant I was asked to give an interview on Hungarian TV about sustainability and how we clean our water in Wales.
In 2020 I was selected amongst 5 other students to represent the school and biology department in an exchange program where students from Wales, Finland, Austria and Italy visited Hungary to learn about sustainability. Whilst visiting a water plant I was asked to give an interview on Hungarian TV about sustainability and how we clean our water in Wales.
WHAT TIPS CAN YOU SHARE TO PROMOTE ECOTOURISM & CLIMATE CHANGE?
Wales is full of beautiful landscape and ecotourism spots, the country has many national parks which are protected land to help conserve areas that are home to such wonders, each park has something different to appeal to different audiences. Our coastline is not only beautiful place to visit but also is host to many memorable activities available to tourists such as caving, surfing and coasteering which help local businesses.
Most Ecotourism spots in Wales have outdoor accommodation such as campsites, shepherds huts ect.. nearby that is a friendlier alternative as they are less carbon-intensive and they encourage walking as the primary mode of transport due to the surrounding trails and local attractions, by attending outdoor accommodation when visiting these ecotourism spots, we can cut excess carbon emissions as well as supporting local communities.
Most Ecotourism spots in Wales have outdoor accommodation such as campsites, shepherds huts ect.. nearby that is a friendlier alternative as they are less carbon-intensive and they encourage walking as the primary mode of transport due to the surrounding trails and local attractions, by attending outdoor accommodation when visiting these ecotourism spots, we can cut excess carbon emissions as well as supporting local communities.
WHAT MAKES YOU PROUD OF YOUR COUNTRY?
Wales is a country of natural beauty known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and coastlines which are kept well-maintained by the residents. I live in the Brecon beacons which is an International dark sky reserve, perfect for stargazing.
We have the most amount of castles per square mile in the world and this is what gave us the title as defenders of the UK. Cymraeg is the official language of the country which I learned in school as a core subject as our government is making efforts to preserve the language, I am filled with pride when using it.
Wales is a unique country with its own government and parliament, giving the people a degree of political autonomy. The Senedd is where the laws for Wales are made, and it is a sustainable building achieving BREAAM’s ‘Excellent’ rating at design stage for many of its sustainable features. It is also one of the first countries in the world to have sustainability written in its government legislation.
We have a strong culture and heritage with St David being the Patron St of Wales. Here we have a strong sense of tradition, and we celebrate the Welsh arts, language and culture at the national Eisteddfod. Our national animal is the dragon and I believe that the fire lives within out people.
We have the most amount of castles per square mile in the world and this is what gave us the title as defenders of the UK. Cymraeg is the official language of the country which I learned in school as a core subject as our government is making efforts to preserve the language, I am filled with pride when using it.
Wales is a unique country with its own government and parliament, giving the people a degree of political autonomy. The Senedd is where the laws for Wales are made, and it is a sustainable building achieving BREAAM’s ‘Excellent’ rating at design stage for many of its sustainable features. It is also one of the first countries in the world to have sustainability written in its government legislation.
We have a strong culture and heritage with St David being the Patron St of Wales. Here we have a strong sense of tradition, and we celebrate the Welsh arts, language and culture at the national Eisteddfod. Our national animal is the dragon and I believe that the fire lives within out people.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVOCACY?
I am a third year medical student, and I am passionate about creating a healthier AND greener earth. My love for the planet combined with the experiences I have in public health has inspired me to build my platform around promoting sustainable solutions within hospitals and clinics. By leading a greener lifestyle, we are automatically living a healthier one and if everyone incorporated this into their day-to-day lives, we can have a huge impact.
I also aim to reduce the amount of waste caused by single use plastics (mask, aprons, gloves etc) and educate others on eco-friendly alternatives and practices within healthcare.
Remember, we are just passing through on this planet, which belongs to everyone.