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, 7 June 2012, at the 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 center 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 six of the world’s seven species of marine turtles.

On land, the forests and rivers provide a home to species of birds and frogs found nowhere else on the planet. Both land and sea are treasure troves that directly sustain the lives of Solomon Islanders, who heavily depend on natural resources for food and income. However, the environment faces increasing pressure from resource extraction, pollution, climate change, and population growth.

As part of the celebrations, the Solomon Islands Government—supported by environmental NGOs and local businesses—has organized a fun-filled and informative day. Activities start at 9 a.m. and will include environmental speeches, cultural entertainment, kids’ arts and crafts, face painting, and quiz competitions. Information stalls will also be available to the public throughout 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 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 for more information.