Genting Nature Adventures’ Young Pioneers for Nature: Nurturing Future Scientists
Genting Nature Adventures (GNA) is more than just a sanctuary of biodiversity or a forerunner of knowledge-based tourism. It is a living, breathing classroom; an inspiring space where the seeds of environmental awareness are planted in young hearts. Central to this mission is the Young Pioneers for Nature initiative, launched in 2024 to nurture budding scientists and future guardians of our natural world.
The remarkable journeys of its first trio of pioneers – Ho Hayley, Ziann Kok, and Won Dao Her – beautifully illustrate how passion, curiosity, and innovation can merge to spark a lifelong bond with nature.
Chance Encounters
For 9-year-old Ziann from Singapore, her discovery of GNA was purely serendipitous. Born in Dubai and accustomed to desert landscapes and camel sightings, her family sought hiking trails reminiscent of the Al Hajar Mountains upon relocating to Kuala Lumpur two years ago.
That search led them to GNA, where a guided walk with Uncle Eddie and Auntie Pat kindled a love for nature in young Ziann. “We got ourselves glued to the GNA team since,” she recalled, explaining how her early presentations to the team helped spur the Little Z Program – the very foundation for what would later become Young Pioneers for Nature.
Eight-year-old Hayley from Selangor first encountered GNA during a family holiday at Resorts World Awana two years ago. Her connection with nature began with the simple joy of strolling through the forest trails, observing insects, plants, and animals along the way. A particularly memorable moment involved collecting seed pods along the Awana Trail. Back home, she planted them, later discovering they were balsam seeds, and watched them blossom, deepening her appreciation for nature’s quiet magic.
Ten-year-old Dao Her from Kuala Lumpur discovered GNA through his father’s involvement in developing the Smart Forest mobile app, designed specifically for use at GNA. Invited by Uncle Eddie to join the initiative, he soon became the team’s drone pilot, capturing aerial footage of Genting Highlands’ diverse ecosystems. “I learned to see things from a new perspective,” he said, delighted by how technology and environmental exploration could go hand in hand.
Diverse Contributions, Unique Strengths
Each of these young pioneers brings a distinctive contribution to GNA, shaped by their personal interests and talents.
Ziann’s involvement spans multiple aspects of the organisation’s activities. She assists with guided tours, presents wildlife facts to children, and helps plan creative projects like resin art. Her scientific curiosity shines through her meticulous work collecting, preserving, and processing insect samples, as well as caring for live specimens.
She also develops educational storyboards, helping her peers to better understand local ecosystems. “I am involved with the GNA team in most things they do,” she explained, evidence of her deep commitment to the cause.
Hayley’s role centres around nurturing life. Her journey with seed pods evolved into a gardening project that extends her bond with nature into her daily life. Watching her flowers bloom fills her with joy. “I love the flowers, and they make me very happy,” she said with a shy smile.
Dao Her contributes a technological edge to GNA’s conservation work. His drone photography not only captures spectacular aerial views but also supports biodiversity documentation and scientific research. “We take a lot of videos and photos, which help us observe and document the environment,” he said, proud to be part of something meaningful.
The Ripple Effect
The impact of these young nature pioneers goes far beyond their personal growth. They also play an important role in enriching the GNA experience for others.
Ziann sees herself as a symbol of GNA’s vision: to inspire future scientists and nature lovers. She passionately advocates for more children to spend time outdoors instead of staring at screens. “I hope my involvement helps encourage GNA’s customers to bring their children along to explore nature together,” she said, emphasising the importance of shared family experiences in nature conservation.
Hayley’s joy is infectious. Her excitement on the trails and eagerness to ask questions make her a natural at encouraging others to explore. Her inquisitive nature and cheerful presence help others, especially children, view nature with fresh eyes.
Dao Her’s drone footage reveals hidden wonders from above, sparking curiosity and appreciation among visitors. “I urge other children to experience nature,” he added, hoping that his story will prompt more families to join the journey.
Growing Together
Through the Young Pioneers for Nature programme, each child has blossomed in his own way.
Ziann has gained a wealth of knowledge about wildlife, conservation, and sustainability from GNA’s mentors, scientists, naturalists and even interns. She has also developed essential skills such as public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
“I’ve learned how humans and nature can co-exist,” she reflected. What a powerful lesson for children and adults alike!
Hayley’s experience has nurtured more than just plants. Through the daily routine of tending to her garden, she has learned patience, responsibility, and the quiet rewards of consistent care. Her flowers are a living example of how small acts can grow into something beautiful.
Meanwhile, Dao Her continues to explore the intersection of technology and ecology. As he sharpens his drone piloting skills and learns about environmental diversity, his dream of one day flying a real aircraft might just take flight. His journey illustrates how passions can evolve and grow when supported by the right environment.
All three pioneers strongly believe in the importance of the programme. Ziann speaks with urgency about the need to engage children in nature while there’s still time to make a difference. Hayley and Dao Her echo this call to action, encouraging more children to explore, question, and care.
Together, they remind us that conservation is a journey we all share – one that begins by igniting curiosity, nurturing exploration, and inspiring a lasting sense of wonder in the next generation.
A Glimpse of What’s Possible
Through the eyes of Little Hayley, Little Ziann, and Little Dao Her, we glimpse what’s possible when young hearts are given the space to connect with nature, where curiosity blossoms into understanding, and small steps grow into lifelong passions.
At present, Young Pioneers for Nature remains a closely guided initiative within the GNA family. Yet the passion and enthusiasm shown by these three young trailblazers offer hope that, in time, opportunities may emerge for other like-minded children: those who share the same calling for the wild and a heartfelt desire to protect it.
Just imagine the possibilities that could unfold as more children begin their personal journeys of discovery amid nature’s wonders.
