Over 550 saplings were planted at the Nampoc natural resource management demonstration zone in Vangvieng district. - VT
VIENTIANE (Vientiane Times/Asia News Network): The government believes in the protection of natural resources and the environment as key to the country’s development and people’s quality of life, the Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Bounkham Vorachit, has said.
The minister was speaking at an event to mark World Environment Day, which was also attended by the UN Resident Coordinator in Laos, Sara Sekkenes, and the Governor of Vientiane province, Khamphan Sithidampha.
The event included the release of 13,000 fish, and the planting of 68 large trees and 550 saplings at the Nampoc natural resource management demonstration zone in Vangvieng district, Vientiane province.
The slogan for this year’s World Environment Day is “only one Earth”, with a focus on “living sustainably in harmony with nature”.
“I am honoured to attend this ceremony, which this year marks the 50th World Environment Day on June 5 and the 23rd National Environment Day. Sweden hosted the first World Environment Day in 1972,” Bounkham said.
“If we help save the world, we will be able to reap the benefits and sustain our abundant natural resources through ecological restoration, adaptation to climate change, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, promotion of clean and environmentally friendly technologies, clean living by eating clean, and using clean and environmentally friendly energy and efficient waste management.”
Khamphan said “Vientiane province has managed to solve the problem of garbage and dirty water to protect the environment in a sustainable way, and to maintain the cleanliness of tourist sites for the enjoyment of visitors.”
Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh added his support for the occasion in a message calling on all members of the public to share in efforts to protect the world and the environment.
The premier made the plea in the run up to the two environmental awareness-raising days, which closely follow National Arbour Day on June 1.
“This year, we are partnering with nations around the world to celebrate the 50th World Environment Day on June 5 and the 23rd National Environment Day, which coincide with National Tree Plantation Day on June 1,” the prime minister said.
“We are taking this opportunity to raise awareness and inspire the multi-ethnic Lao people to work together to help save our world by tackling environmental issues through this year’s slogan “only one Earth”, with an emphasis on cohabitation with nature in ways that are harmonious and sustainable,” he added.
