Suva Grammar School was the host of a significant event on Monday, marking the launch of the Ministry of Education’s Climate Change Awareness Week. The initiative is themed ‘Adaptation Through Tree Planting for a Sustainable Future’ and seeks to inspire the youth of Fiji to take responsibility for their environment.
Assistant Minister for Education, Iliesa Vanawalu, opened the event by stressing that climate change transcends being merely an environmental issue; it has become a matter of survival. “Adaptation is not a choice; it is a necessity,” he stated, urging both students and teachers to lead with action and awareness.
The event served to highlight how crucial trees are in the fight against climate change. Each planted tree symbolizes renewal, aiding in ecosystem restoration, oxygen production, and protection against natural disasters. Vanawalu emphasized, “Through simple acts like tree planting, we are taking action today for the world of tomorrow.”
Throughout the week, schools across Fiji will participate in various activities such as tree planting, clean-up campaigns, debates, and science projects. Notably, Vanawalu announced that 20 coastal secondary schools will be involved in planting 4,000 seedlings along Fiji’s shores, supported collaboratively by various ministries including Fisheries, Forestry, and Climate Change.
The urgency of climate action was echoed by Sivendra Michael, the Permanent Secretary for Climate Change and Environment, who noted that despite Fiji’s small share of global emissions, the Pacific region is disproportionately affected by climate impacts like cyclones and rising sea levels. He affirmed that every tree planted is a stride towards survival.
Students actively joined in emphasizing the importance of trees, capturing the essence of the event, as one remarked, “Trees are like the superheroes of our planet. They make our world a better place to live.” The day’s proceedings concluded with a resolute reminder that, as a senior officer for Curriculum Advisory services put it, “Today, we have no excuse” in the urgent fight against climate change.
This event aligns with broader efforts in Fiji that aim for sustainable practices through education and community involvement, reminiscent of previous initiatives where schools participated in tree-planting and sustainability projects. With heightened awareness and proactive measures, Fiji continues to foster a hopeful outlook towards an environmentally sustainable future.
Overall, the Climate Change Awareness Week encapsulates a vital movement towards environmental responsibility among the youth, reaffirming the potential for collective action to inspire positive change in the fight against climate challenges.
Leave a comment