03rd June 2016 The Department of Environment under the Ministry of MEIDECC, today, launched the National Environment Awareness Week Open Day at the Digicel Square Park.
The National Environment Awareness Week was initiated by the Environment Planning Unit of the Ministry of Lands, Survey and Natural Resources in 1986 to mark the World Environment Day on June 5th every year.
Senior Officer from the Environment Department Ms Mafile’o Masi said the National Environment Awareness Week was an important event to raise national awareness about the environment.
“National Environment Awareness Week is commemorated each year on the 1st week of June. It is the principal vehicle through which the Department of Environment encourages national awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action,” she said.
Mafile’o said the theme for this year’s National Environment Awareness empowered people to be active agents of sustainable development.
“’Conserve our Native Plants and Animals’ provide a human face to environmental issues like empowering people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development.”
According to Mafile’o the theme also promote an understanding that communities were the key to change attitudes towards environmental issues and advocate for more prosperous future.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of MEIDECC, Hon. Siaosi Sovaleni who was the guest of honor awarded prizes to winners of 5 categories competition.
Seleka Arts Group displayed artwork made out of plastic bottles and shells found at the Fanga’uta Lagoon. They also showcased their artistic skills in the forms of body painting.
Students from the Ocean of Light International also sang songs on how to preserve the environment.
Staff from the Environment Department also displayed reports and pamphlets about the environmental issues in Tonga.
Awarded Prizes in Each Categories
Poem Competition
- Natalie Amone – GPS Mu’a
- Aloisia Kofe – GPS Kanokupolu
- Uilise Kaivelata – GPS Kanokupolu
Essay Competition
- Neomai Pohiva – Queen Salote College
Jingle Competition
- Seleka Arts
Art Competition
- Mele Tava Lomu – Queen Salote College
- Soane Aluesi – Seleka Arts
- Tevita Latu – Seleka Arts
- Taniela Petelo – Seleka Arts
Tree Planting
- Makaunga – Latanoa Vea
- Longoteme – ‘Asela Latu
- Folaha – Sinito Pahulu
END
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications