07th June, 2019 Environment Week 2019 was celebrated from June 2 – 7 with the theme ‘Beat Pollution’ wrapped up today with a prize presentation ceremony at Taufa’ahau Tupou IV Terminal.
The winner of the ‘Trash Challenge’ competition was awarded to St. Michael’s Parish ECL – Lapaha. Liahona High School took the first prize of the Secondary Quiz Competition.
Minister for Education and Training Hon Penisimani Fifita said the Ministry of Education and Training and the Ministry of MEIDECC achieved “a great milestone of collaboration in the stewardship of our environment.”
“This year we were able to have eight secondary schools registered for the Secondary Schools quiz competition. In the procession of the quiz it was evident that there is great popularity of such program and an exhibition of our children’s wealth of knowledge regarding our environment.”
He said that the competition deepened the knowledge and understanding of children as they are the future of Tonga.
Hon Fifita hoped that the children and people of Tonga would continue to conserve the environment to remain healthy and green.
“Seeing we are vulnerable to natural disasters and hazards, it is even more pressing that we strengthen collaboration to ensure Tonga achieve a healthier environment and prosperous communities.”
Minister for MEIDECC Hon Poasi Tei said this year marked the 47th year of the anniversary of the International Day of Environment celebrated on June 5.
“This international day has become one of the most important days observed worldwide on the importance of our environment. Although there are many international days called for the commemoration, but this particular day is the pinnacle of these days.”
“There are many focus areas to highlight in our Environment but specific to this year global effort is vested on air pollution, led by the United Nations.”
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.