Presentation by Ms Candace Veramu, Miss Hibiscus 2017 at the National Climate Change Week Event held at Ratu Sukuna Park on Saturday September 23rd 2017
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I am indeed honoured to be given this opportunity to make a
presentation on the occasion of National Climate Week which began yesterday and
will end on Saturday, September 30 when the Prime Minister who is also
President of COP 23 will officiate at the closing.
The Prime Minister while addressing the UN
Climate Change Conference in Bonn in May had outlined a detailed 7 point plan
on Fiji’s vision of COP 23. One of the strategies is of great relevance to all
Fijians as we develop climate action for a resilient Fiji.
Honorable Bainimarama had told the world community that we will
infuse COP 23 with the Fijian “Bula Spirit” of inclusiveness, friendliness and
solidarity. This is a process of inclusive, participatory and transparent
dialogue that builds empathy and leads to decision making for the collective
good of the nation and indeed the whole world. It is not about finger pointing
and laying blame but it is about listening to each other, learning from each
other, sharing stories, skills and experiences. By focusing on the benefits of
action, this process will move the global climate agenda forward.
I have taken into account the Bula Spirit
of National Climate Week. My interest is in holistic wellness and good health
for myself, my family, and the nation. While the technical issues of the Paris
Agreement on Carbon Emission Reductions are being negotiated in the UN through
COP 23, we the citizens of Fiji can take personal action to reduce our own
carbon footprints.
I personally take an interest in planting
local organic fruits, vegetables and root crops in our home garden in Wailoku.
This is something that we can all do. Our young people can also do this in the
afternoons before they go off to play touch rugby or other leisure activities.
We should take action by eating less imported processed foods
and consuming more locally grown foods. Eating healthy doesn't just
directly impact your own life, it can help inspire those around you as well. Composting,
recycling, and keeping Fiji free from litter will help reduce our
individual carbon emissions and contribute further to Fiji’s lower carbon
footprints.
I notice that footpaths have been
constructed in the Suva and Nasinu areas and indeed in many other areas. We can
all use these paths to walk or jog in the mornings or after work to keep fit.
This will also have the positive effect of reducing incidences of
non-communicable diseases which are preventable.
We really have an opportunity when we take control of our lives
to positively affect every person around us through our lifestyle choices and
decisions. Considering a movement towards greater sustainable living is
critical to our future.
We should be mindful that we can do all
things through God who strengthens us. In our prayers we should
integrate messages of environmental stewardship and pray for the success of our
COP 23 Presidency. The key point I wish to leave with you all is that we must
take action to reduce our carbon emissions.
As we launch National Climate Week I take
this opportunity to acknowledge all those who are working to support our
nation’s reduced carbon footprints. Our Prime Minister had stated that "Climate
change is about our existence, our survival and saving something for our
children and their children." Let us take positive action now so that the
Fiji we leave for the children now and in future is a sustainable one.
Thank you very much for your time and patience.
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