2017 World Environment Day: Chiefs of Erakor Bridge force their way in

Although the Erakor Bridge Community was not invited to participate in the World Environment Day, the tragic status of the Erakor Lagoon, namely the single use plastics invasion, became the center of the attention.

In fact, the community leaders were discouraged to participate in the 2017 World Environment Day, by the organizers, who had set up the program with donors, diplomats, dignitaries guests from different government Departments, and representatives from NGO’s, and foundations, societies and few schools.

As the whole-day Seminar at the Vanuatu Convention Centre under the theme; “Connecting People to Nature”, Pollution was not welcomed…

The community leaders decided to force their way to the program, as they felt that People should be aware of the dramatic situation on the Erakor Lagoons marine life attacked by plastic pollution.

Georges Cumbo from organiser of the petition movement No plastic bag, plis to end with single use plastics in Vanuatu supported the community with a projector so the videos and photos could be shared.

It was the first time that the community leaders entered in Palace style Conference Centre of Port Vila. Despite of the invitation, the chiefs were able to negotiate with the organizers who eventually accommodate a corner of the Conference Centre for the photos of the marine life to be presented and explained by John Coquiage to the visitors of the Environment Week.

It became clear that the Environment Week was organised to show the beautiful and positive features of the Vanuatu’s Paradise and culture. By contrast, the videos and pictures of dead fish shocked the visitors who concentrated around the Erakor Bridge community. Primary and High School students were interested to interact with the community leaders. Radio and TV interviewed the chiefs. The Director of the Environment felt compelled to provide the last slot of time to the chiefs to talk in the one of the Conference Room of the Chinese Palace.

The Community of Erakor Bridge felt that their inputs showed, in a tragic way the substance of the Environment Week. The connection between Humans and Nature. Here some and videos pictures shared with the visitors.

The struggles of the Erakor Lagoons communities became known by students and local media and Community Leaders realized the importance of sharing their worries with authorities and People.