Environment Day launched

By JASON GIMA WURI
THE DEPARTMENT of Environment and Conservation officially launched World Environment Day celebrations with the planting of mangroves at Tubusereia Primary School, Central, along the Magi Highway yesterday.
The launch was done with its partners, Steamships Trading Ltd and Trukai Rice.
Department goodwill ambassador and Miss PNG Rachel Sapery James got her hands dirty as she helped plant mangroves and encouraged students to live the World Environment Day theme of “Nature at your Service”.
World Environment Day will be observed globally on June 5.
“The air we breathe and the water we drink come from the natural environment and if we destroy it then we won’t have such elements to enjoy,” James said.
“PNG has the third largest rainforest in the world and we are blessed with so much natural resources.
“We need to look after our environment, the rainforests, coral reef, oceans and waterway, and mangroves.”
She urged students to take extra care when cutting down trees or plants.
“If you cut down one tree, then make sure to replant four to five trees.
“Let’s not destroy our forests because it will affect the river systems with dirt and sediment that will flow out into the oceans and destroy the coral reef.”
Tubusereia village representative Felix Daroa said he had been taking care of mangroves in the past and would continue to do so.
Department director corporate service Stanley Kila said they also carried out planting exercises in other schools.
He officially launched the mangrove planting on behalf of Minister Benny Allan and secretary Dr Wari Iamo.
Kila thanked the sponsors for prizes for DEC’s school environment drawing and poem competition.