Search for Miss Earth 2021 starts with Eco warriors sharing their advocacy for environment

KUALA LUMPUR: The search for Miss Earth 2021 kick started virtually on Monday with four contestants from Malaysia, Cuba, Bulgaria and Portugal sharing their respective countries' rich culture, traditions, cuisine and their strong advocacy for the environment.

The four Eco warriors, the current Miss Earth in their respective countries, were interviewed by Roxie Baeyens who represented the Philippines at the Miss Earth 2020 pageant through a one-hour live streaming session entitled Miss Earth 2021: 'Getting To Know You' held in Facebook and Youtube Monday night.

Dr Nisha Thayananthan who represented Malaysia during the session said she is currently working on her environmental mission in reducing plastic pollution in the country by launching her own brand of biodegradable sanitary pads by next month.

"We only have one earth, save it at all cost and with all the effort that you could take," said Dr Nisha, who is now among the frontliners against COVID-19 in Putrajaya Hospital.

The social activist who looked up on actress Angelina Jolie as her idol, said the beauty pageant serves as a platform for her in showcasing the beautiful rainforest in Malaysia and its rich flora and fauna.

Cynthia Linnet Lau, representing Cuba said she wished to utilise the Miss Earth beauty pageant platform wisely to promote her cause in reducing human impact on environment through her advocacy is in combating climate change.

The actress who has appeared in various television commercials said her mission was to promote sustainable living through eco tourism in the Carribbean islands by working with individuals and government entities.

Yulia Pavlikova from Bulgaria, who holds a doctorate degree in economics and member of the Fund for the Protection of Animals said the environment could be saved by working together, adding it is important to protect the planet for the future generations.

Meanwhlie, Gabriella Rodriguez of Portugal said she chose to compete in the prestigious beauty pageant to advocate for a better change for the mother earth, adding that the value of mother earth is still undefined.

It has been reported that the 21st edition of the Miss Earth 2021 tentatively to be held virtually on Nov 21 will see the participation of representatives from some 60 countries.

The event will see Lindsey Marie Coffey of the United States crowning her successor at the end of the event.

The coronation of the ceremony is expected to take place on Dec 12.

-- BERNAMA