SWITZERLAND - MIKE HORN: “CHILDREN WILL SAVE THE PLANET!”

The adventurer and his brother, Martin, are launching a club for children. Their aim? To foster a love of adventure and the great outdoors in young people. But also to raise their awareness of environmental issues. “Raising a generation that will look after our planet is a wonderful project,” explains Mike Horn.

The environment, young people, and REAL ecology – not dogmatic, but sensible, balanced and sustainable... These elements will undoubtedly form the combination that will enable us to continue living on a planet that won’t be overwhelmed by pollution and won’t see its ecosystems destroyed.

I really like Mike Horn, because beyond the likeable character we see on television, I am convinced that he is one of those true nature lovers who can actually change attitudes and make a difference.

Well done to this club and all the best for its future success!

The future lies with the young...

Alain Farrugia

The handshake is (very) firm. A pat on the shoulder follows immediately. And the smile is radiant. Warm and friendly, Mike Horn is just as one might imagine him, from the videos of his exploits or his programmes on M6. He was in Lausanne on Tuesday to present The Young Explorers, a club founded with his brother Martin (who will be running the show) aimed at children. The idea is to foster a love of adventure and the great outdoors in young people. But also to raise their awareness of environmental issues. Mountaineer Jean Troillet and sailor Steve Ravussin will also be involved, as ambassadors.

 The children will get a taste of nature and adventure (Photo: The Young Explorers Club)

Throughout 2019, across six two-day weekend camps and two full weeks, 48 children aged 11 to 16 (registration is now open) will try their hand at activities such as mountaineering, climbing, sailing, cycling, survival skills, orienteering and documentary filmmaking. But they will also explore environmental sciences, which, for this first year, will focus on water. All this will take place in the Pays-d’Enhaut, “a true paradise on Earth”, according to Martin Horn, who has lived there for a long time, just like his famous brother. Members will also have the opportunity to join Mike on expeditions.

Mike Horn, one senses a great desire in you to pass on your knowledge and raise awareness among young people.
That’s why I wanted to get into television. It’s a good way to convey all sorts of values. My expeditions too: they’re there to inspire people and encourage them to take action. Through social media, I’ve noticed that the first people to take an interest in what I do, in nature and in the future of our planet, are young people. They want to push themselves, become stronger and better human beings. Young people are undeniably more receptive than old folks like us (He laughs.)

Is that why you’re organising this club?
Yes, exactly. After travelling to faraway destinations, sharing my experiences has almost become a second field of exploration for me. I’m reaching an age—52—where I tell myself it’ll soon be harder for me to mess things up. Like everyone else, I’m going to settle down a bit. Raising a generation that will look after our planet is a wonderful project. It’s a bit as if life is pushing me in that direction.

During your recent expeditions, have you noticed the sad state of our planet?
Since 2008, I’ve circumnavigated the globe thirteen times in my boat. Just eleven years ago, we were only just beginning to see the impact of plastic waste on the sea. Today, it’s everywhere! In eleven years – can you believe it? It’s a real epidemic threatening the Earth. In 2017, I saw plastic waste even in the waters of Antarctica... At the North Pole too, there’s rubbish trapped in the ice. It’s frightening. Entire chunks of ice the size of Switzerland are breaking off... Not to mention the melting glaciers back home. We really must take action. That’s why we need to educate our children, because they are the ones who will save the planet. That’s one of the aims of this club that my brother and I are setting up.

And on the television front, will you be continuing with ‘Cap Horn’ on M6?
I’m currently working on a new programme. I want it to be more educational. You’ll see me in action on my expeditions, and experts will be brought in to comment on various scientific or environmental topics raised by the programme. It will be another way of raising viewers’ awareness of the problems facing our planet. Each of us can make a difference for the good of the Earth. The state of the planet today frightens me, which is why I’m getting involved. Nature is my raison d’être, but it’s yours too!

By Laurent Siebenmann

Source: Le Matin