EU Leads Beach Clean-up in Suva as part of its Global Beach Clean-up campaign
As part of the EU's Global Beach Clean-up campaign and to mark the International Coastal Clean Up Day (15th September) this year, the European Union (EU) and the EU Member States present in Fiji (UK, France and Spain) teamed up with the Suva City Council for this important initiative to raise awareness about the increasing challenges posed by marine litter.
The Acting Head of Delegation of the EU for the Pacific, Mr. Corrado Pampaloni, the French Ambassador to Fiji, Sujiro Seam, Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Spain to Fiji, Mr. Daniel Montilla and a representative from the British High Commissioner to Fiji also participated in the beach clean-up.
Speaking on behalf of the EU and its Members States, the Acting Head of Delegation of the EU for the Pacific, Mr. Corrado Pampaloni said: ''Marine litter is a global challenge. Every year millions of tons of trash end up in the ocean. It is estimated that by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in its waters. The EU and its Member States are determined to prevent this bleak prospect from becoming a reality and are committed to protecting the oceans and seas, while ensuring their sustainable use. This action stands to prove that everybody, individually and collectively, can take concrete action to address it. Not only by cleaning our beaches and coasts, but also committing to a more sustainable lifestyle – by reducing plastic consumption, reusing and recycling. The beach clean-up today underlines the readiness of EU staff to take concrete action as concerned citizens to take better care of Our Ocean.''
Suva City Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bijay Chand said: ''Today we are extremely pleased to witness the European Union's commitment to promote a cleaner environment for Suva and Fiji by way of cleaning marine litter along the popular My Suva Picnic Park to mark the International Coastal Clean-up Day. This is the 2nd successive year we are witnessing a committed EU Delegation staff commit themselves as part of their on-going commitment for the protection of our environment. The Suva City Council acknowledges and greatly appreciates the unprecedented initiative taken by the European Union to work in partnership with the Council and Ministry of Local Government in doing whatever we possibly can being responsible citizens as part of our corporate social responsibility to the environment. The Council cannot do this alone. It’s a real challenge to keep the Suva foreshore clean & healthy for our citizens and it is this type of partnership approach with EU who have come on board to assist Suva City Council, we will be able to provide.''
The European Union calls on all public administrations in the Pacific to host similar events to raise awareness about the growing and alarming phenomenon of marine pollution.
ENDS
For further information, please contact; Press & Information Officer, Mohammed Nazeem KASIM, Tel: +679 3313-633 (Ext: 110) Mob: +679 867 2255 or Email: Mohammed-Nazeem.KASIM@eeas.europa.eu or DELEGATION-FIJI-MEDIA@EEAS.EUROPA.EU