Mauritius: Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Rajesh Anand Bhagwan attended a symbolical tree planting ceremony at the SOS Children’s Village in Beau Bassin.
The tree planting was a part of the country’s Commemoration of Earth Day. The event was attended by several officers and Ministers from the administration.
The Junior Minister Joanna Marie Bérenger was among the attendants and participants of the event.
Earth Day is observed annually all over the world on 22 April. The aim of the Commemoration is to engage people worldwide in environment protection efforts.
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet”.
Minister Bhagwan delivered a brief address at the tree planting event. He highlighted the negative affect of climate change which is affecting several if not all the nations.
He said that the government of Mauritius is committed to protect the environment. They will continue to organise initiatives like tree planting for this mandates.
In his address, Minister Rajesh Anand Bhagwan spoke about the affects of pesticides on human health and the environment. He encourage the farmers to grow of medicinal plants which will help in preserving biodiversity.
He also said it is important to inspire environmental values in the younger generation. “It is vital that we raise the youth and imbibe in them ecological values and sustainable practices to better protect and sustain our planet”, Minister Bhagwan said.
Junior Minister Bérenger also delivered brief remarks at the event. She informed the people that that this year marks the 55th anniversary of Earth Day. The event is a reminder to the world to combat environmental threats and protect and preserve the planet. She highlighted that trees play an important role in sustaining life on Earth and maintaining ecological balance.
Minister Bérenger talked about the various key initiatives of the government of Mauritius. These initiatives, the Minister said seek to reinforce ecological values into national policy. The launch of the Service to Ecology, which is an environmental programme is among these initiatives.
The programme is designed to enhance public engagement in environmental issues through voluntary participation. National Youth Environment Council will also be revamped to better involve the youth in environmental policies and actions, she added.