Africa-Press – Mauritius. A prize giving ceremony to reward the winners of competitions, organised by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change for students of primary schools, secondary schools and higher education institutions, to mark Earth Day 2023, was held, this morning, at Sir Harilal Vaghjee Memorial Hall, in Port-Louis.
The Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Kavydass Ramano, and other eminent personalities graced the event. In his address, the Environment Minister highlighted that Earth Day paid tribute to Mother Earth and sought to call to action individuals, businesses and communities to preserve, protect and improve the environment.
He pointed out that the theme for Earth Day 2023 was ‘Investing in our Planet’, which he said, pertained to the environmental challenges that continued to increase with more alarming consequences.
He stated that it was essential to be aware of the triple planetary crises faced by humanity today, namely climate change, loss of biodiversity and pollution.
“These crises are intertwined and have significant impacts on our planet, our lives and our future,” cautioned Minister Ramano.
Speaking about the competitions, the Minister congratulated the young participants for their exceptional work and encouraged them to continue to invest in the planet.
He underlined that the world needed their creativity, enthusiasm and commitment to protect the planet, and expressed confidence that they would continue to be leaders of a more sustainable future.
Minister Kavydass Ramano remarked that the world being built today would be the legacy for the youth of tomorrow. “It is our responsibility to work together to protect the environment, ensure a sustainable life for all, and enable the youth to realise their full potential,” he stressed.
Furthermore, the Minister pledged for the organisation of such school competitions in order to arouse the interest of pupils in environmental themes. “We will continue to encourage them to take initiatives in favour of the environment, and inculcate to them an environmentally conscious ‘eco-citizen’ spirit’,” he said.
Mr Ramano urged participants to champion the principles of environmental protection among their peers, family and in the community. “If everyone plays their part in protecting the environment, our country will definitely become a sustainable island in the Indian Ocean, and probably a living model for the whole world,” he emphasised.
Winners of the various competitions Essay Competition 2023 for secondary school students of Grade 10 focusing on various environmental issues: The first prize, a cash prize of Rs 15,000, was awarded to the following winners from each Educational Zone:
Zone 1: Ramdhony Yeaana Shaarvi, student of Pamplemousses State Secondary School. Zone 2: Bontemps Emillie, student of Professor Basdeo Bissoondoyal College Girls.
Zone 3: Chiniah Dhairyash, student of Imperial College. Zone 4: Marie Mélodie Loȉs, student of Loretto College Quatre Bornes. A shield was remitted to a representative of their institution.
Drawing and Painting Competition 2023 for primary school pupils of Grades 5 and 6 pupils, on the theme ‘Air pollution is not a joke. It will make us choke! Let’s care for the air: Stop Air pollution!’:
The first prize, a cash prize of Rs 10,000, was remitted to the following winners from each Educational Zone: Zone 1: Melikah Cooper Mongrelard (Grade 5), student of the Lighthouse Primary School.
Zone 2: Josheb Appavoo(Grade 6), student of Mohunlall Mohit Government School. Zone 3: Marie Eloise Lucette(Grade 6), student of Notre Dame de La Confiance RCA School.
Zone 4: Vihaan Kumar Dosoye (Grade 5), PCK Aryan Vedic Hindu Aided School. A shield was remitted to a representative of their institution. Poster Competition for students enrolled in higher education institutions (2022-2023), focusing on the theme ‘The ocean we want for the future we need’:
The first prize was awarded to Divesh Nugessur, student of the University of Mauritius. He received a cash prize of Rs 25,000. A shield was remitted to the University of Mauritius.
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