Miss Earth SA Carla champions the earth

Miss Earth SA plants 21 tress with the Wildlands and the French Ambassador 21 days ahead of COP 21.

Our Miss Earth South Africa, Carla Viktor, is now preparing for the international leg of the 2015 Miss Earth pageant.

There will be approximately 100 participating countries from across the globe that will share their environmental message and vision. The 15th annual event will take place in Vienna, Austria on 5, December. The host country is home to the magnificent Austrian Alps, which cover 62% of Austria’s total land area and is on the same continent and at the same time as COP21, which is being hosted in Paris.

With this in mind, the South African organisation spearheaded a global challenge to the Miss Earth contestants around the world. The #BigO2Challenge was launched internationally ahead of the United Nations COP21 conference.

This initiative started as a Semi Finalist campaign by Carla Viktor, Milanie Cilliers and Celetia Reynders. Many trees were planted and individuals, corporates, schools, and the general public were encouraged to get involved and plant trees.

No Trees = No Humans

Ahead of the biggest Climate Change conference to date – the UNFCCC COP21 – Miss Earth South Africa challenged their Ambassadors around the world to plant 21 trees on 9 November, which marked 21 days before the opening session of COP21.

“Climate Change will be the biggest challenge we face in our lifetimes, and it’s up to us to realize that we will be the catalysts for change that will push our countries towards a greener tomorrow. Planting a tree might seem like a simple act, but in effect it’s about being part of a global movement to secure a future for the generations to come,” says Executive Director of Miss Earth South Africa, Catherine Constantinides.

Miss Earth South Africa 2015 in her National Costume created by Sonwabile Ndamas.

Miss Earth South Africa planted 21 trees with the Wildlands & Wildroot Environmental Consultants, in Mamelodi, Pretoria East and 21 Trees with Thornbirds Conference & Wedding Centre, in Eikenhof, South of Johannesburg. The Potchefstroom Municipality pledged 21 trees along with the Eastern Cape and Western Cape Municipalities. As the challenge launched globally Carla said, “Not only does it combat deforestation, it creates a sense of active participation and raises much needed awareness for this important cause”.

The campaign was an amazing success and was joined by countries including Angola, Austria, Australia, Belize, Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, DR Congo, El Salvador, Fiji, France, Guatemala, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mexico, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Nigeria, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, South Africa, Thailand, Trinidad & Tobago, Ukraine, USA, Venezuela.

With the hard work done, Carla prepares for her journey; her flight is sponsored by Innovating Tomorrow’s Technology (Pty) Ltd and Perfect Gadgets. Having won 3 consecutive Gold awards for National Costume, Mr Sonwabile Ndamase of Vukani Fashions; has once again been challenged to produce a unique garment that speaks to being South African. Mr Ndamase stated “My objective has been to create the vision that this young woman has of what it means to be South African.”

Carla’s wardrobe has been put together by Vohni Muthubi, a designer extraordinaire. Young and talented, Vohni is really finding his voice within the creative world. He grew up in Venda in the northern parts of South Africa’s Limpopo Province. His people are known for their great respect of women, who are treated well within the culture.

“I want to create a range that is elegant and fun, that expresses youth and appeal, that is uniquely Miss Earth South Africa, Carla Viktor,” states Vohni, who loves mentouring and talking to young people on the challenges of life. “This opportunity presents me with an organic opportunity to create something natural, with an environmental message.”

This year Carla will be dressed in amazing pieces from South African designers such as Me & You Clothing, Jozi Clothing, Lush Wear South Africa, Dax Martin Swimwear and Dennis Lloyd Designs. Her outfits will be beautifully completed with jewellery from Swarovski Crystal Forum and Jenni Gault, as she competes in Austria, the home of Swarovski Crystals.

The Tsogo Sun hosted the Press Conference at the Sandton Sun Hotel for the farewell with several Austrian inspired delicacies, along with cinnamon and orange infused Gluhwein. Camelot International has been looking after Carla and has ensured that she will be fresh and revitalised for the amazing journey ahead. MUD South Africa have supplied Carla with all her make-up needs so she looks and feels fabulous, while the amazing team from Bijan Boutique Hairdressing have kept Carla’s gorgeous hair in competing condition. Matsimela has spoilt her with products that are rooted in our culture and African heritage. Sandton Dental Studio is responsible for her beautiful smile and has assisted to keep those pearly whites shining. Thanks also to Imperial Toyota, Newsclip, Brand South Africa, SANBI and Dr Reza Mia for having taken care of a healthy and balanced vitamin supplement lifestyle through the vitamin drip. Samsonite South Africa has sponsored a set of luxury luggage, without which Carla could not travel in style.

Carla is ready to champion the earth with a stamp of approval from Minister Edna Molewa, “Through your international work, you continue to make our country proud. I wish you success in the future and thank you for partnering with government and business, to make a better world.”