We woke up to a somewhat rainy morning, but this proved to be ideal weather to hold the Global Warming Summit. The purpose of the summit is to reach the young generation – those who will go back home and make a difference in their respective countries.

Hanneke van der Merwe, director of Ubungani Wilderness Experience and the creator of the programme of activities for the week, asked if anyone knew of previous delegates who had done something to change their world as a result of Cathay’s International Wilderness Experience. Long Hin (Ronald) Ho of Hong Kong said that he knew of a delegate from the 2004 group who has gone on to “study Environmental Science and is actively involved in global warming research at the South Pole.”

Delegates had opportunities to share the environmental issues concerning their countries. Howard (Chenghao) Kao of Taiwan had this to say:” it was really amazing that we can actually learn many things from the people around the world. I just loved the talk we had.” Mai Kamiya of Japan felt the same: “ I was really glad to have a chance to listen other country’s voice… and can make the world better together.”

After the rain stopped, it was time for an Eco Walk in the sand dune forest. We caught glimpses of pretty birds and beautiful forest vegetation in the dappled sunlight shining through the leaves. We could hear the waves of the Indian Ocean crashing onto the shore in the distance. “The route is a different way so everything is still new and interesting to me,” said Emily (Hoi Yau) Tsang of Hong Kong.

We got back to a scrumptious meal made by Taiwan and Mainland China – a stirfry.

During this time Bush Blossom was awarded to Steven (Ka Chun) Lee of Hong Kong. This “prize” is awarded to the person who has done the silliest thing the day before. Steven earned Bush Blossom for spearing an already dead fish at the fish kraals.

The boat-building activity in the afternoon proved to be exciting: “we built boats without nails. We hammered holes in thick pieces of wood…the boat race after was a lot of fun,” said Wei Ling Heng of Malaysia.

Just before supper (made by Hong Kong) we were entertained by traditional Zulu dancers who displayed their talent and gave delegates the opportunity to learn one of the dances. Sharon (Xinyao) Kong of Mainland China expressed the following: “A little girl pulled me to the dance team. It was far more than what I can learn from music lessons. I can feel the spontaneously happiness from the Africans by dancing and singing.”