World Environment Day

The day was observed under the theme; Beat Plastic Pollution.

It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic bags and plastic products than fish in the ocean if plastic pollution is not addressed today.

World Environment Day is the vehicle for organisations to use to drive awareness and educate the wider public about becoming environmental conscious.

Dr Kombra said the National Executive Council has approved an extra day on June 6 for this campaign, thus schools are being urged to fully utilise both days and drive the key message to students.

The United Nations’ endorsed theme for World Environment Day 2018 is “Beating plastic pollution”, and all schools throughout the country are asked to come up with local themes in line with the international theme.

Community liaison coordinator, Brigitte Baki-Ta’u, says the event, hosted by the Port Moresby Nature Park, was another success!

“Many organisations were happy to participate and talk about their contributions to saving or helping maintain our environment clean and healthy for all,” she said.

The World Environment Day theme for this year was ‘Connecting people to nature’.

So how does the RSPCA of PNG connect people to nature?

This is the reality, even though PNG has ratified the UN Convention on Biological Diversity and has committed to protecting 17 percent of terrestrial area, and 10 percent of marine areas by 2020.

Because over the years, with urbanisation, many have lost this important connection.

The Port Moresby Nature Park is also recognising the World Environment Day, observed by the United Nations.

The theme for the year is Connecting People in Nature and PNP general manager Michelle McGeroge agrees with it.

“We identify that most people in the world now are living in urban cities and lack that connection with the natural environment. And because they don’t have that connection, they are starting to forget how important the environment is,” she said.

With the theme ‘Connecting People through Nature’, the event aims to promote nature conservation.

This will be Nature Park’s fifth year in partnership with BSP to host World Environment Day.

POMNP general manager Michelle McGeorge said this year will be even bigger and better with more than 22 organisations participating.

Organisations including Brian Bell will showcase solar and clean energy, waste products and healthy chemicals, KK Kingston, Eda Ranu, PNG Power and other big organisations will attend.