Organic food better

 By TERRY MANAO DAVID

JUNE 5 marked the culmination of a month of activities organised by the World Environment Day Committee.

The “Think. Eat. Save” theme had 17 schools in Port Moresby competing in debates, essay competitions and Most Environmentally Friendly School competition.

Dwelling on the theme, Environment and Conservation Minister John Pundari urged students to turn to garden rather than processed foods.

“I recall the delicious foods my mother normally cooks for me over open fire, harvested fresh from the garden – organically grown. 

“Let’s praise God for that privilege we PNG have,” Pundari said.

“Some countries are unfortunate. Therefore go back to organically-grown food for good, disease-free and long lasting health.” 

Pundari acknowledged Steamships Trading Company for sponsoring prizes for the competition.

Think. Eat. Save was an anti-food loss campaign that encouraged people worldwide to reduce the impact on the environment and its natural treasure house of wildlife, flora and fauna from which came food, water and medicine.

Environment and Conservation acting secretary Gunta Joku revealed that one in every seven people in the world go to bed hungry and more than 20,000 children under the age of five die daily from hunger. 

“This imbalance encourages us to be more aware of environmental impact of food choices we make and consume,” he added.

Pundari promised to establish a National Protected Area System and said it would require significant funding and resources to work and clear policy framework. 

“I will establish a biodiversity endowment fund from international donors, private sector, generous individuals and organisation will invest and income generated will be used to manage our protected areas,” Pundari said.