Celebrating monthly environment days is a platform to spread awareness of the need for the preservation of natural resources for the betterment of future generations in the Mamanuca Region. Resort operators in the Mamanuca’s are taking strides in restoring, safeguarding and protecting natural ecosystems through various environment projects.
For Mana Island Resort & SPA, E- Day is devoted to environment projects. On 24thth of October, E Day celebrations marked International day for Disaster Reduction, and International Day of Climate Action. E Day on 11th November marked National Recycling Week and World Fisheries Day. Filomena Serenia, MES Marine Education officer facilitated these E days and gave short briefings on each occasion addressing the themes of each globally marked events and why each event is important but more so finding the solutions to address each issue especially on an island. Activities for these E days involved coral planting, tree planting and beach cleanups on both occasions. Another monthly e – day was celebrated on 30th of October with the theme Our Future, Our Choice, Lets raise our Voice.
The E day programs are held at the activity lawn usually around the same time at 1:30pm. The afternoons activities begins with a welcome, followed by a brief speech by the MES facilitating officer, who speaks on the theme, importance of the event and also sheds light on the activity at hand and how it benefits the environment. E day on the 30th of October was facilitated by MES Project Officer – Ilisapeci Sokidi and volunteer Jessie Matai A total of 3 adults and 6 kids and 9 local staff from the resorts were part of the program. Ms Sokidi gave a short briefing on environment projects that Mana is engaged applauding the positive contributions by the resort towards the conservation of marine and terrestrial species. MES Volunteer Jessie Matai highlighted on the theme Climate Change, reminding the participants of the real impacts of climate change and how it has quickly become mankind’s most pressing issue.
Beach Clean Up was the main activity on the day. 8 garbage bags were fully packed with rubbish that was collected along North Beach. MES Staff then conducted waste sorting and auditing, and it was found that majority of rubbish collected along North Beach are waste timber, nails, and broken bottles.
All participants of the day witnessed great team work. Guests commended on the programme as they congratulated the resort for its commitment to conservation.
E days culminate with presentation of certificates. On the 30th of October occasion, Ms Sokidi awarded certificates to participants concluding with a vote of thanks.
