Solomon Islands to Celebrate World Environment Day, World Oceans Day, Coral Triangle Day on June 7
Solomon Islands is celebrating World Environment Day, World Oceans Day and Coral Triangle Day on Thursday 7th June at Kukum Campus Playing Field. The theme for 2012 is ‘“Green and Blue Economy: Value of forests and Oceans - Are you included?’
The Solomon Islands marine environment is the nursery of the seas, providing spawning grounds and migratory routes for many fish species, including tuna. This centre of marine life hosts 76% of the world’s coral species and 37% of the world’s reef fish species and shelters dolphins, rays, sharks and 6 of the world’s 7 species of marine turtles.
On land, the forests and rivers provide a home to some species of birds and frogs found nowhere else on the planet. Both the land and sea is a treasure trove that directly sustains the lives of Solomon Islanders who heavily depend on natural resources for food and income. However, the environment is also facing increasing pressure from extraction of natural resources, pollution, climate change and population pressure.
As part of the celebrations, Solomon Islands Government supported by environment NGOs and local businesses, has organized a fun filled and informative day. Activities start at 9am and will include environment day speeches, cultural entertainment kids arts and crafts, face painting, and environment speeches and quiz competitions. Information stalls will be available to the public during the day. Following the day’s activities, the Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) website will be launched during an organized dinner program themed ‘Blue Ocean’s Night’.
“The aim of the day is to promote and increase awareness of Solomon’s Islands natural environment, the issues it faces, and what you can do to help” said Trevor Maeda, team leader for the planning team under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM).
Download the full press release or contact Lysa Wini at lysa.wini@gmail.com
