Overview

MRM Eye In The Wild Competition, 2018

“There comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness . . . that time is now.” 
― Wangari Maathai

The majority of us are oblivious to the state of our country with reference to our natural environment. We go about out daily grind and only when our routines are interrupted or something unexpected happens are we alive to the happenings around us and stop to take notice, often times too late.

Earlier this year, reality checked in when a photo doing rounds on social media got Kenyans’ attention on the state of our natural forests. The photo depicted Kenya as having the least amount of forest cover in the East African region. Currently, just 6.2 % of Kenya’s land is covered with forests. This sparked a conversation on how we can conserve our forests with the Government of Kenya imposing a 90 day ban on logging and pledging to increase the forest cover to 10 % by 2020.

Mabati Rolling Mills believes in zero harm to all and to the environment. With this in mind, we launched the 2^nd edition of the annual photography campaign MRM Eye in the Wild. The competition is an initiative of Mabati Rolling Mills which aims to create awareness on conservation through the art of photography in a fun MRM way.The theme of this year is STOP THE CHOP and hopes to draw the public EYE through the camera lens on the state of flora and fauna conservation in Kenya. We as a company are committed to ensuring our leadership, management and all staff alongside their families are part of the global community doing our part to protect the environment and reduce our collective carbon footprint.

Karen Gikunda, Head of Marketing at Mabati Rolling Mills said, ““This year’s competition will be about the forest conservation, the beauty of it, its impact on climate change and the environmental degradation that is currently happening as well as the use of a digital platform to get this message to the right audience.”

“We are thrilled to be part of this great movement, we need to protect our environment to safeguard our future generations,” said Harry Muchangi, the Safal Group Regional Marketing Head for Eastern Africa, adding “Climate action is a duty for all. It’s an honour to be part of an initiative that will drive the conversation around conservation while appreciating the beauty of Mother Nature.”

The competition aims at affecting perception and attitudes through communication on digital to make people care and rally behind the cause. Reversing deforestation is complicated; planting a tree is simple.

ENTRY DETAILS

1. The competition is open to residents of Kenya. You must be at least 18 years of age to register as a participant on MRM’s website and if you are under this age you confirm you have obtained the consent of your parent/guardian.
2. All photos must be taken between January 2018 and October 2018.
3. The subject matter of the photograph should depict trees or forestry.
4. Entries may be submitted from 3^rd September 2018 and must be received by midnight East Africa Time on 12^th October 2018.
5. Entries must be submitted via the online entry form on; http://www.mrmeyeinthewild.mabati.com