14th June, 2018 Communities who won prizes during the Environment Week celebrations from June 3 to June 8 were awarded with their prizes today in Manuka here on Tongatapu.
The Director of Environment, Ms Lupe Matoto awarded prizes for the ‘Beach Clean Up’ competition and the ‘Marine Sports Challenge’ to reps earlier today.
Ms Matoto thanked the communities for participating in the event, which was held this year with the theme “Healthy Ocean – for Food Security, Climate Resilience, Livelihoods and Human Well Being”.
Manuka Town Officer Taniela Mateaki Takitaki thanked the Ministry and the Department of Environment for organising the competition, adding that the event helped community members remember their roles in ensuring that their environment was clean, healthy and safe for everyone.
The winners in the ‘Beach Clean Up’ competition were:
1st – Alakifonua Village for the Malumalu’afulilangi Beach
2nd – Manuka Village for the Hemo mo Tava Beach
3rd equal were Maka’unga Village for the Maka’unga Beach and Ha’avakatolo Village for the Ha’avakatolo Beach
4th – Veitongo Village for the Fangalahi Beach
5th – Tatakamotonga Village for the Fuipa Beach
Manuka Two defeated Manuka One in the 50 metres tag relay swimming challenge and the sea volleyball competition.
They received a set of volleyball equipment (net and ball), a soccer ball and two rubbish bins.
Meanwhile, the Environment Week’s final event was held at the Hemo mo Tava beachfront in Manuka earlier today, featuring the 50 metres tag relay swimming competition and the sea volleyball event.
Staff of the Department of Environment attended the event with members of the Manuka and nearby communities.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.