HUNDREDS of people nationwide are expected to participate in a coordinated clean-up drive on June 2 ahead of World Environment Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8).
The initiative, which aims to bring together the Environment Ministry and more than 30 partner organisations, will be guided by this year’s unified national theme Ending Plastic Pollution in the Marine Environment.
The large-scale event includes both land and underwater clean-up efforts, with stakeholders representing civil society, faith-based organisations and private businesses taking part in coastal and marine clean-ups across the country.
Aquamarine Services administration manager Suzie Hill said the company was contributing to the clean-up with a dedicated dive team in Suva Harbour.
“As the name denotes, we do a lot of work in the ocean,” she said.
“We’ve noticed a lot of rubbish over the years, especially underwater where not much is done to remove debris and plastic waste.”
The dive team from Aquamarine Services will clean the stretch of Suva Harbour from Tiko’s floating restaurant to the Stinson Parade jetty.
Ms Hill said the company hoped to collect both marine debris and raise awareness on the impact of pollution in ocean ecosystems.
Pacific Conference of Churches general secretary Reverend James Bhagwan shared the broader social and cultural meaning of the initiative, linking it to civic responsibility and food security.
“It’s about generating that civic pride, that national pride,” Mr Bhagwan said.
Dr Sivendra Michael Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change during the press conference yesterdaY. Picture: JONA KONATACI
Suva SUPers member Reverend James Bhaqwan during the press conference yesterday. Picture: JONA KONATACI
