Santa Came Early for VEPA this year

It’s been awhile since I’ve written a blog for VEPA.  We have been so active over the last couple of months with the lovely international volunteer Vicky managing the coral reef nursery out at Matamaka (sad to see her go), the Nature Explorers Club, Karen and Kate rescuing turtles and running workshops for the board.  

The new year will be a busy time for VEPA as in the last month we have successfully been awarded not one but TWO grant applications, and an unofficial acceptance on another.  In addition to this The Vava’u Turtle Monitoring Program has been awarded the Prince Bernhard Nature Fund, which will supply funding to purchase a vehicle, rent for an office space and office equipment. 

The excitement started when we found out VEPA was successful in getting funding for a joint composing project with the Women’s Division in the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries Forestry and Farming (MAFF).  The New Zealand High Commission has kindly funded this project and we will start building the compost at the MAFFF farm in January 2013.   Following the construction of the compost a series of composting workshops will be held for the women’s groups of Vava’u.  We will show them a variety of easy low cost compost types, which will not only improve soil quality but also reduce the amount of green waste being burnt. 

In the village of Toula the Australian High Commission will be funding a waste management and recycling project.  Two recycling stations will be set up where residents can separate their plastic, aluminium cans, steel cans and glass.  These cages will be collected once they are full and taken to GIO Recycling.  VEPA will be assisting Toula to plan, implement and monitor the project.

Lastly, but arguably the most exciting, it looks like VEPA will get funding to employ a part time project manager and run a year long project on sustainable mangrove management.   We will keep you updated when the official agreement has been signed.  

The new year will also bring a new office space.  We are currently looking at a cosy little space, ideally located in the centre of town with a ‘terrible’ view of the beautiful Neiafu Harbour.   This space will be shared with Kate, who manages the Vava’u Turtle Monitoring Program.

I hope all the VEPA followers have a wonderful Christmas and I look forward to updating you on VEPA’s activities in 2013.

Ofa atu

Elana

2013 and beyond

with only a few short weeks left in December and time flying by we are looking forward to 2013. In the past year VEPA has expanded and achieved on many different projects and these will continue on to the next year.

Our achievements for 2012 include
- media and education outreach on environmental issues to the high schools and on the local radio.
- assistance to Matamaka for the Coral Reef Project with their school.
- Nature Explorers Club is up and running with the Turtle awareness in the next weeks.
- Received funding from NZ for the demonstration composting plot at MAFF and the women's groups.
- Other fundings applied for include Environmental Ambassadors for Mangrove field work and study.
- Implementation by Kate Walker of the Vava'u Turtle Monitoring Project.
- Upscaled our internal working including Environmental management systems and position descriptions for board members.
- Involved at government level in surveys and meetings to take conservation further.
- countless donated hours to collaboration on projects with Ministry of Environment (MLECCNR) and JICA to establish community waste management initiatives.

VEPA is still only run by volunteer board members and we give our heartfelt thanks to all those that support us with fundraising and time especially Tropicana Cafe, Sunset Grill, Poolside Cafe. Also we would like to thank Keep Vava'u Green who is based in Utah and fundraises for our initiatives. Also our heartfelt thanks to Elana and Kate for all their works to take us forward as well as to all the board members for their generous time and support. Thanks also to our international volunteers Damo and Vicky who made a lot of the above possible with their time here.

Taking VEPA through to 2013 is to include

- finding our own office space and part time employee
this really needs help from local businesses who are willing to help us through donations. Project funding sadly does not cover administration costs and general NGO running, so please if you can help us in any way email us on info@vavauenvironment.org or phone Karen on 8441747.

- continuing to achieve international funding for projects that are coming up. (more information to come on this)

VEPA would like to wish everyone a safe and happy December and a great warm up to Christmas and the New Year.

Malo'aupito

Karen
Project Co-ordinator

Turtle Release 26th October

Upon arriving at work this morning we were alerted to a turtle that was on a local fishing boat, the fishermen allowed us to purchase the turtle for TOP30. Though we do not like paying for turtles as a means to preserve them unfortunately this is often the only way we can secure a release.

Kate Walker with the Turtle 

Monitoring Project

The small green turtle was in a very healthy condition luckily and only had 3 minimal scratches possibly from being in the boat. We brought it back down to the waterfront and Kate came over to take measurements and to tag the turtle with flipper tags.

 47.5 cm in length of the carapace

The green measured 47.5cm in length of the carapace or shell and although the minimum catch size is 45 cm we are currently in the closed season for hunting. The Vava’u Turtle Monitoring Project aims to reduce the illegal catches of turtles such as this one through community assistance and education. This program is running alongside of VEPA and VEPA will continue its work to raise awareness and rescue turtles as we can.

Once the turtle had received its 2 flipper tags, it was whisked off back to the ocean and released near some sea grass beds, which is the main food source for green turtles.

Tagging the turtle's flipper

At 47.5cm this turtle is not yet sexually mature and sexual identification is hard to determine, turtles will disappear from the nest to the open ocean and float around until they come back to shore at approx. 20cm (dinner plate size though I hate using that term as a marker!). The estimates of sexual maturity range between 20-30 years old and this turtle had quite a way to go before reaching that stage.

The tagging of this turtle enables us to monitor if it is caught or seen again, and the information is passed along to the pacific database.

Karen Stone and Langi at Dive Vava'u

The turtles are about to begin their nesting season here and between the VTMP and VEPA we hope to successfully engage communities to recording and establishing data with us. This will work towards the goal of reducing catches and egg taking and turning towards turtles as an income source for communities through eco-tourism.

VEPA would like to thank all those involved in the successful rescue this morning, we are hoping for more successes as the Turtle project comes into full work soon.

For more information on VEPA and the turtle project please contact us by email on info@vavauenvironment.org or turtles@vavauenvironment.org.

Facebook us on: VEPA http://facebook.com/vavauenviro or http://facebook.com/vavauturtle

Blog post by Karen Stone (VEPA Project Coordinator) 

Matamaka Coral Reef Fish Nursery

The rope nursery which will be catching coral spawn

During the last month I have been working with the kids from Matamaka GPS to set up a coral reef nursery. Two methods are being used to promote coral growth.  The first one being a rope nursery made up of two ropes tied to buoys floating on the surface and bricks at the bottom to keep them tight. These ropes were then tied onto an existing rope which has been in the water for years and has many corals growing on it. Hopefully the new ropes will catch lots of coral spawn and over the time, have coral heads growing on them as well.

 The coral frame with the coral fragments tied onto it

The second method consists of a 1m x 1m re-bar frame on which broken coral fragments rescued from the seabed are tied onto. These fragments will slowly grow onto the frame creating a small artificial reef. This method is a bit more complicated as the frame has to be placed in an area with the right conditions (e.g  light, temperature, water flow, nutrient and sediment load). This isn’t turning out to be the easiest as sometimes the ‘perfect’ spot would be where the fishermen throw their anchors or its too deep for the kids to swim out to. The students will be undertaking monthly monitoring of the nurseries including recording the number of fish, water temperature, colour of the coral, replacing any broken or damaged coral and brushing off any algal growth.  By looking after these projects, the kids will learn how important coral reefs are in providing habitat and food as well as how slowly corals grow after they have been damaged.

But it’s not all hard work...once a week the kids practice their snorkelling skills in the shallow sandy area and lately I’ve been taking a few at a time to the reef just in front of the school which is a lot more interesting in terms of sea life. They don’t stop pointing at every single fish, sea star or anything they see. It’s really rewarding seeing them so happy! I’ve told them it is really important not to stand on the coral or touch it, so a few times already I’ve nearly drowned due to having six kids hanging on to me to stay afloat! But they are getting very good with their fins and snorkels!

The kids of Matamaka getting ready for 

their snorkelling class

The kids also got a chance to be movie stars for a day as Matamaka was the ‘movie studio’ for an IMAX movie being filmed in Tonga about the humpback whales and the people of Tonga. The kids were filmed learning how to snorkel and also tying coral fragments onto the coral frame (which is really good, because it means the project will appear on IMAX theatres all around the world!).

I am very lucky I got assigned this project, working with kids and being in the water most of the day is all I could ever ask for, I love it! Thank you very much to the families of Matamaka and MacGillivray Freeman Films who donated the materials for this project.

October Terrestrial Environment Presentation

In the month of October VEPA headed out to the local high schools to do a presentation on the terrestrial environments and some human influenced impacts Vava’u is facing.

Student playing 

environmental celebrity 

heads

Vicky von Bernard (VEPA international volunteer) and I completed three presentations at Mailefihi Siuiliku Tabu College, Tailulu and Saineha Secondary School.  Unfortunately we were not able to complete the presentations at the other schools due to exams. 

The presentation touched on terrestrial biomes around the world, the unique Tongan biodiversity and endemic species as well as soil erosion, deforestation, dryland salinity, pollution and recycling.  

Elana and Viki a student 

from Tailulu

From previous presentations we have learnt that the students are shy and unwilling to put their hand up to ask questions or answer questions I ask them, even if they know the answer. To try and ‘loosen’ the crowd up we played Environmental Celebrity Heads with them.  A volunteer was chosen from the crowd to come up the front.  An environmental process or topic was stuck on their heads and the rest of the class had to help them guess what it was without telling them the directly.  For every right clue they got a lollipop.  Its amazing how kids shyness melts away when offered a sweet!

The students at Tailulu School in particular touched me.  With two enthusiastic students coming up to me at the end of the presentation and explaining their passion for the environment and how they would love to come and volunteer for VEPA!  Sesika and Viki thank you for your dedication towards protecting Vava’u’s environment.  I look forward to working with you on future  VEPA projects. 

‘Ofa atu

Elana

Turtle project is moving forward

this link is for a blog post written by Karen, Project coordinator for VEPA about the attendance of Kate and Karen to the Tonga Community Turtle Monitoring and Eco-Tourism workshop that they attended in Nuku'alofa.

The project will be getting into full swing in a short period of time and we shall be keeping you up to date with details and progress as we go.

Luckily for Kate and Karen, turtles are found on beaches and reefs and not in 3 feet of mangrove mu like the MESCAL survey they were just involved in. No matter they were still smiling despite being a bit stinky!

Making recycled pot plants for local schools - regatta week

Last Thursday (27.09.12) VEPA held an event as part of the annual Regatta Week Festival (22^nd – 29^th September) where we made self watering recycled pot plants and planted seedlings to be donated to the local schools in Vava’u.

Yachties painting their recycled self watering pot plants

Me with a young participant 

The recycled pot plants were made out of used plastic water bottles, soil and a piece of wool that acts like a root drawing water up from the bottom of the bottle to feed the plant. A number of yachties and children attended to try their hand at making these pot plants and planted their choice of either Marigold flowers, Basil or Tomato seeds. They then painted them bright colours and some even wrote messages on the pots for the schools. Everyone was very excited by how easily they could make the pot plants themselves and were very happy that they could help out with an activity to benefit the local children here in Vava’u.

These bags were handed out so yachts can collect
rubbish from the outer islands during their stay

Once the seedlings have started to grow, VEPA will be delivering them to the local schools that are participating in the ‘Clean School Program’ (run by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with VEPA's assistance).  This will help teach the kids about how they can re-use their waste and turn it into something useful.

Elana also did a presentation on coral reefs that highlighted what we can do personally to help protect them and keep them clean. It was a really fun day and I think everybody had a great time (despite the rain!). 

Malo aupito to everyone that helped out and made the day such a success!

Aimee Foster

(VEPA Volunteer)

Camp Glow Recycling Activities

VEPA volunteers helped out on Thursday to teach the Camp Glow girls how to recycle waste products.

The VEPA and Camp Glow team! 

Camp Glow is an annual event organised by the Peace Corps.  About 30 Tongan female students are chosen from the local high schools to participate in a week of fun learning.  They are taught about nutrition, sex education, careers choices as well as participating in arts and craft activities and games. 

VEPA spent two hours with the girls making a world map out of bottle caps and wallets out of milk and juice tetra paks.  The girls had so much fun and were excited with their end products.  

It was lovely spending time with such a happy enthusiastic group of young ladies.  They were all very interested in the different countries, how many people they had in them, what they were like etc. 

World Map made out of bottle caps. 

Some of the girls painted their wallets

Susana and Mele helping the girls make the world map

Aimee and I carefully banged in at least 30 poppers for the wallets which left me with two rather sore fingers!  All the wallets turned out fantastic with some of the girls painting theirs bright colours. 

Thank you so much Kate, Aimee, Vicky, Susana and Mele for helping out!

'Ofa atu

Elana

Aimee Foster (Friend of VEPA) making wallets out of tetra pak's

Creative kids keep the oceans clean!

It is only my second day in Vava'u and I have already seen the great work that VEPA is doing. I thought it would be a great experience to help out at the Saturday library morning with the local children. 

Elana, Jean (volunteer),  Judy (a local volunteer) and myself took out paintbrushes and paint and ended up with an innovative way to try and clean up the outer islands of Vava'u. 

The kids put their artistic talent to the test, and sent out an environmental message by painting empty flour sacks that will soon be distributed to tourists entering by boat so they can collect the rubbish that washes up on the shore in Vava'u. 

The kids were very excited, and once a paintbrush was in hand there were colours flying from all directions. The sacks were landscaped with pristine beaches that were clean from pollution, full of fish in all shapes and sizes and la'a skies (meaning sunny skies in Tongan).  On many sacks were kind and appreciative messages to thank the people for cleaning up the rubbish. 

While the painted flour sacks were drying in the sun, the kids turned to me as a face painter, and I painted their faces with butterflies and flowers.

Overall the day was a great success, and I had a great time meeting all of the kids, although it was difficult to memorise so many Tongan names at once.


By Tess Graves Browne


* Tess is visiting Vava'u for a week during her university break.  She was very keen to get involved and spend some time volunteering with the kids during her stay.  Thanks for helping out Tess! 

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Sea Save Wave Rave @ the Library

VEPA joined other NGO's and passionate people around the world over the weekend by hosting a Sea Save Wave Rave.  Our Wave Rave was an educational morning with the local kids in Neiafu.  

Saturday (25 August) morning I volunteered at the local library to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Vava'u's ocean (oseni).  There were about 30 kids there ranging from 3 to 13 years.  

I did a ten minute presentation on what kind of special animals one might find in the waters of Vava'u and how its important we look after them.  The kids were also taught to put their rubbish in the bin, instead of the ground, as it can wash into the ocean.  Of course the example of a plastic bag being mistaken for a Jellyfish by a turtle was used, which is almost a cliche in Australia but I don't think they had ever seen it before.  I'm hoping thats a sign they learnt something.  At one point some kids were laughing but i'm pretty certain it was at my pathetic attempt at Tongan rather than the presentation.  

Judy, the library volunteer and Friend of VEPA, helped me out by explaining each slide in Tongan, after I had gone over it. 

After the presentation the kids were asked to draw their favourite ocean animal.  No surprise that lots of kids started drawing fish, whales and turtles as thats all they have ever seen in Vava'u (unfortunately for the turtles and fish because they are being served as dinner).   We got some picture books out and showed the kids lots of different kinds of animals.  After this they started drawing everything from crabs to sharks to octopus.  

One child in particular, a boy about 13 years old, was extremely  talented.  He drew a whale, with an amazing level of detail,  swimming in an ocean of  floating plastic bags and jellyfish.  It was sad when Judy told me that he really loves drawing but will probably grow out of it because "it's not encouraged here (in Tonga)".   

At least they have the lovely young ladies at the library that dedicate every Saturday morning to read to the kids and continually tell them their drawings are fakaofofa (beautiful).  

Malo aupito

Elana

http://www.facebook.com/Seasave

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MANGROVES FOR OUR GLOBE

HERE ARE 4 REASONS WHY NOT TO CUT DOWN MANGROVES

REASON 1.

The Mangrove is an important plant to the ocean even though it is in the water on a mud bank. Though do you ever wonder why the mud under the mangrove does not move or cover the ocean floor? It is because of the mangrove roots they dig in to the mud and hold it in place so it won’t move to make the sea murky or cover the ocean floor.

REASON 2.

The Mangrove has another benefit.  It provides a safe place where fish can go to have their babies.  The mangrove roots provide protection for the fish while they grow.  

REASON 3.

 The Mangrove is also a home to small sea creatures e.g. crabs, fish etc. Have you ever seen a mud bank with mangroves without aquatic life (No,  I’ve only seen many with aquatic life).  

REASON 4.

One last thing the leaves of a Mangrove tree taste like salt. It is because when a mangrove tree drinks it separates the salt from the water.  On a hot day the mangrove sweats salt. So if you lick a mangrove leaf it will be salty to you.  Mangroves also use nutrients in the ocean to grow.  So if we cut the mangrove tree down there will be nothing there to soak up the salt and nutrients. 

SO DON’T CUT DOWN THE  MANGROVES

Blog by Ashlee Jones (Friends of VEPA Volunteer)

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August Theme - Coastal Environment

The July theme of Marine Environment was a huge success with Damian doing multiple presentations at the secondary schools in Neaifu and the University of South Pacific.  Based on our evaluation questionnaire for teachers and students they loved it and want VEPA to come back every month to teach the students about different environmental topics.   We look forward to the August presentations on Coastal Environments

We have started on the August Education and Awareness theme, Coastal Environments, by recording a 7 minute radio program to be played on the local FM radio station on Friday and Saturday evenings (about 6:45pm).

Damian and Lise recording the program

Annalise (Vava'u High School student) wrote the program with some guidance from VEPA volunteers.  Subjects such as benthic organisms, coastal clearing, mangroves and sea cucumbers were discussed.  

Thanks very much to Lise for putting this program together we look forward to working on the September theme of Terrestrial Environment. 

Elana

The Marine Environment

Malo e lelei from Vava’u in the beautiful Kingdom of Tonga!!!

Last week was an awesome week for VEPA with myself and Elana heading out to the local high schools for the education program we are running as part of our Media & Education campaign aimed at secondary school students here in Vava’u.  

The July theme is “The Marine Environment” which discusses things such as the oceans, coral reefs and fish and their roles and functions within the biosphere. Additionally we educated them on threats to each of these systems and the consequences of not protecting them. For example we discussed the impacts of overfishing and indiscriminate fishing practices such as netting which is an extremely important topic for the people of Tonga who rely heavily on their reefs and oceans as a food source! 

Presenting at Seineha to the biology form 5 and 6 students 

Another critical topic we delved into is the issue of marine pollution. The children were literally gobsmacked when the consequences of improper waste management were highlighted to them. Not only does it affect the oceans and the organisms which inhabit them but it can also have adverse effects on human health, their food sources and their economy!! Global warming and climate change, in particular the effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming , was another big topic discussed to give the students a bigger picture of what is happening around the world and how it can affect them in their own backyards!!! Overall it was an excellent learning experience for the students and hopefully they got something out of it. They seemed very interested so we are really looking forward to moving onto next months’ theme!!!!

The theme for August is “The Coastal Environment” when things like mangroves, intertidal zones and benthic organisms will be discussed as we start to head away from the oceans and onto land. It’s going to be fun!!! Stay tuned for more updates.

The students at Kalana College enjoyed the presentation

Malo ‘aupito toki sio!!!

Damian (Tamiano)

MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

MY REEF, YOUR REEF, OUR RESPONSIBILITY

By Annelise Halafihi 

During their holidays sixteen students from Vava'u High School went on a snorkelling trip to Coral gardens to learn about the complexities of coral reefs and the threats they face from human activities.  The students  won the snorkelling trip for coming first in the Vava’u 2012 Environment Week school drama competition.   The prize was generously donated by Hakau Adventures and the fuel sponsored by VEPA.    Many had never been to the reef before and found the experience  inspirational.  One student commented that they  “had to admit, we may know what our reef looks like in magazines, photos and in the television but, we never get to see it with our own eyes”.  

One of the sites visited was ‘Anauku cave, where students swam close to the entrance to experience the colours of the reef, for many it was like nothing they had ever seen before. 

During the trip Damien, a VEPA volunteer, taught the students about different organisms and their symbiotic relationship with the coral, together creating a healthy reef.  He also discussed how the reefs are under threat from human activities, including increased sediment from runoff and rising sea temperatures.   One of the major impacts that the students witnessed were the strips of dead corals caused by dragging anchors.  A scar left from boat anchors cutting through the reef, damaging the coral and eventually killing it. When Damien asked the students ‘who the reef belongs to?’ The students immediately thought of nobles and  the Government. By the end of the trip they realised that the reef belonged to them and they are now determined to do something to protect it.   One student pointed out, “ it is my reef, your reef and it is our responsibility to take care of it!”

Figure 1: Scar in the reef from anchor dragging

Figure 2: Students snorkeling 

.....................................................

This is an article written by one of the students who went on the snorkelling trip.  Annelise is now a VEPA volunteer and is looking forward to helping out on our projects.  

Flying Pigs of Pangai

The first Flying Pigs of Pangai was a fantastic success with about 145 guests showing up to watch the Taste of Tonga pig racing, participate in human horse racing, share some laughs and have fun.  Taste of Tonga hosted the event with all profits going to VEPA.  We raised over TOP $1,800 which will allow us to fund current and future projects.  These include a pilot project for solid waste management in two villages (a joint project with MECC), environmental education and awareness project and a media campaign.

People brought their own drinks and food or enjoyed some of Taste of Tonga's taro chips or a VEPA sausage.  There was plenty of entertainment on with hermit crab racing, human horse racing, a coconut de-husking competition and of course the feature of the night... the pig racing!

Congratulations to Jeff from Vava'u Adventures for winning the coconut de-husking competition.  The prize was a voucher to Poolside Bar and Restaurant, thank you very much to the boys at Poolside for donating that.

Last but not least a MASSIVE thank you to all the volunteers that helped out.  Patrea, Georgie, Matt, Ashley,  Damo, Mele, Christy, Karen, Sasha and Gabe... the event could not have happened without you.  Thanks so much!

The next race is on the 14th of July..... see you all there.

Malo 'aupito
Elana

Photo 1: 'Horses' lining up at the start of the race

Photo 2: Watching the pig race

Neiafu Library Fun Day

9th June 2012 - Neiafu Library Fun Day

Every year the Neiafu library holds a Fun Day to raise money for the library.   It was a fantastic day with lots of games for everyone to play.  I was painting faces and learnt a new Tongan word, Pepe (butterfly).  As that is the only animal name I know in Tongan there were lots of kids running around with Pepe's on their cheeks! 

VEPA volunteers helped by creating a game where kids had to throw rubbish into the correctly labelled bin.   There are plenty of young Tongans with a good aim.   It was such a success we have been talking about creating a similar VEPA event with games based around environmental education.  

Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out. 

Elana 

AusAid Volunteer 

Figure 1 - throw the rubbish into the separate bins

Figure 2: Thank you to the Peace Corps VEPA volunteers for helping out

Environment Week

Environment Week was a success, with the local community and schools getting involved throughout the whole week.  Winnie and the team at the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) did a great job of pulling it all together.  However, none of the activities could of happened without the support of local organisations, such as VEPA.  Thankyou very much to the following sponsors; Fatima Hair Studio, Tropical Tease, VEPA, Kart Safari's, Profilio Tangitau, TCC, Cafe Tropicana, Tonga Development Bank, Dive Vava'u, Hakau Adventures, Veisiale Construction, Isis Bakery, Digicel and Mounu Island Resort.  

Below is a brief outline of the weeks activities.

Sunday 3rd of June:  The official opening of Environment Week with a special Church service at Tonga Konsistutone Church, in Neiafu.  Winnie, Sataita and Yosuke did a great job of speaking.

Photo 1: Winnie (VEPA board member) doing a reading at the Tonga Konsistutone Church. 

Saturday 2nd and Monday 4th of June: village clean up inspection.
MECC members drove around Vava'u inspecting the village Saturday clean ups.  A member of the local radio station came with us and was making live radio comments on village clean ups, including any illegal dumping.   We were also filming the inspection, to be played later on the local television channel (when its working again).

It was a great way for me to see the island and think about how VEPA can work with the local communities.  There are some villages that are doing a much better job of waste management and others could learn from these examples.

Photo 2: Village Officer talking to live on the radio about is clean up

Tuesday 5th June: World Environment Day - "Going Green" day.
It was great to see all the schools leaving their uniforms at home and wearing green to support world environment day.  We delivered over a 200 plants to local schools and sponsors as well as having a tree planting afternoon in Pouono Park, Neiafu.  The Vava'u Governor came down to plant a native Heilala plant, which has beautiful scented red flowers.

Photo 3: Winner of the best dressed individual 

Photo 4: students at Mailafihi College planting a tree

Wednesday 6th June: School Drama competition

Four secondary Schools were selected to compete in a school drama competition by creating a short drama with the theme of Green Economy.  Mailefihi Siuiliku Tabu College, Vava'u High School, Mizpah Secondary School and Saineha Secondary School all did a fantastic job with costumes made out of recycled materials and everyone working on different themes.  Themes included The 3 R's (reduce, reuse and recycle), the pig problem in Vava'u, marine ecosystems and more.  Although all drama skits were very good Vava'u High school was the winner with their clear message of recycling and cleaning up the rubbish in Vava'u.  Thank you to Hakau Adventures who donated a field trip to a coral reef as the prize for the students who won.

Photo 5: Vava'u High School performing their drama skit with costumes made from recyclables.

Thursday 7th June: Neiafu Town Clean up, sponsored by VEPA.
Primary and secondary schools were allocated a section of town to clean up.  Students walked along the streets between 2-4pm picking up rubbish and segregating it into recyclables and non recyclables.  We are yet to tally up the exact amount of sacks collected but we know it was over 150.  Well done to everyone and thanks to VEPA for sponsoring this event.

Photo 6: Students cleaning up town using recycled flour sacks

Photo 7: Liviela Primary cleaned the old harbour 

Friday 8th of June: Environment Week closing exhibition. 

An exhibition was held at Mailefihi Siuiliku Tabu College Hall between 12-3:30pm.  There were display tables from NGOs, Government, businesses, community groups and schools.  Schools displayed cakes and items made from recyclables, the Youth Congress had organic vegetables for sale and MAFF had seedlings for sale.  You could also buy local handcrafts.  I was very pleased with myself when Saineha Secondary School students sold me a compost welded together from scrap metal.  

The Governor came and presented awards to all the winners from the various activities throughout the week. These included the school drama competition, cleanest small, medium and large village and best dressed school and individual.  

Photo 8: Governor presenting an award for best display table (Seineha Secondary School)

Photo 9: Don Blanks (VEPA Chairman)

For more photos please see the VEPA Facebook page. 

Elana

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