Finished my second week working in Vava'u with VEPA and the Ministry for Environment and Climate Change (MECC).  I was really looking forward to the library fun day today so was disappointed to wake up to a rainy day and find it was cancelled.  Something to look forward to on another weekend!

This week local businesses and the community showed their support for Environment Week by donating money and prizes to MECC.  The sponsorship will go towards the activities planned for the week (June 1-8).  We have a school drama competition, a harbour clean up, a tree planting day plus more.  There will also be a closing exhibition on the 8th of June where schools, local businesses and community groups can have a display table.

Welcome volunteers

we had a little official welcome party for both Elana and Damian last night, few nibbles provided by both members and Lisa from Tropicana. Here are some pics -  thanks to everyone for coming and for their efforts to help and support VEPA.

More pictures are on our Facebook page - so go ahead and tag yourselves if I have not done so.

Big thanks as always to Lisa from Tropicana for hosting our get together.

First week volunteering in Vava'u

When I flew over Vava'u on Monday afternoon I realised what a special place it really is.  I'm so excited to be here for the next 12 months, working with VEPA to help protect Vava'u environment.

Over the last couple of days I have met most of the VEPA board members and come to learn the great things they have achieved with little funding and resources.  It shows what a team of passionate environmentalists can do!

Over the next two weeks I will be helping the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC) plan for World Environment Week (1-8 June).  It is a great opportunity to meet the school principles,  local business owners and community organisations.  MECC have a great week planned, which i'll update you on over the next couple weeks.

Guest bloggers

will be appearing on our VEPA blog, Elana from Aus Aid who is here for a year to help co-ordinate our community efforts and educational methods and Damian, who has just finished his studies in Environmental Science is here to volunteer for 3-6 months.

Both of them will be blogging as they go about their work, projects and experiences of volunteering here in Vava'u.

Welcome to both of you, and looking forward to the next period of VEPA.

Environment Week 1st till 8th June 2012

and hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change is targeting the theme of Green Economy - to improve the human well being and social equity by significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

During the week long program, schools will be creating environment based drama skits, clean ups along the waterfront and planting trees that are native species in Pounu Park in town.

Sadly, funds are low for this week and sponsorship is needed to make these events work. Please do sponsor even the smallest amount will be beneficial.

For the planting tree days - Heilala trees cost TOP20 per plant and other native plants are TOP5.00.

VEPA is sponsoring and we would ask other friends and businesses to be able to help if possible.

For more information please either contact us on info@vavauenvironment.org or Winnie at Ministry Of Environment and Climate Change.