Curtain falls on Environment Week

By Deidre Fanene 06 November 2016, 12:00AM

After a week of celebration and commemorating of the National Environment Week from the 30th October to the 4th of November, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment concluded with a gala night. 

The event included an Award Ceremony to acknowledge the national individuals, businesses, organizations, villages and communities for their contributions to increase the preservation of the environment and to prepare to be more resilient in the face of climate changes.

Twenty one recipients from different organisations were awarded for their active involvement in protecting the environment and leading by example.

The C.E.O. of the M.N.R.E. Suluimalo Amataga Penaia congratulated all those who have worked together in the celebration throughout the week.

“The annual National Environment Week celebration has been an amazing journey and we conclude this evening with a celebration of over 15 years of the national environment awards,” he said.

“I am extremely pleased to witness the dedication of our partners and stakeholders in the various forums and events that the Ministry has organised."

“Through your dedication and collaboration, we achieved a wider level of conservation and awareness.”

He went on to say that in 2014, the award categories only had two recipients however this year it has increased tremendously with 20 recipients.

“This reflects our emphasis on the contribution by our stakeholders and communities,” he said.

“Healthy Environment Healthy People” is our theme for this Environment Week which encompasses various cross cutting messages.

“We witness daily the various climate extremes and events, environmental degradation which places a lot of stress on ecosystems and the atmosphere."

“People are moving due to the impact of climate change on landscapes and we are continuing to witness negative impact on our biodiversity hence the strong emphasis this year “healthy environment, healthy people.”

He said that they are reminded of how important it is to protect the environment and the health of the people.

“The Prime Minister in his opening address at the beginning of the week emphasised the importance of working together to keep our environment healthy and to take heed of the work and advice that the government continues to take with regards to environmental management,” he said.  “This year’s national event  has included the National Environment Clean Up Day, a National Environment Week Thanksgiving Service, the National Water Leader’s Forum, the Climate Change and Disaster Joint Platform Forum, the third annual Environment Sector review as well as the National Environment Dialogue on waste today." 

“The many lessons learnt this week has gain reminded everyone that the environment is everyone’s responsibility. [And] that we must continue to develop the active policies and strategies to make a better transition for a healthy environment and healthy people of Samoa. I wish to acknowledge once again all the sponsors for this week’s event and I wish to congratulate all the 21 recipients for this year’s environment award for your active involvement in protecting the environment and leading by example.”

By Deidre Fanene 06 November 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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