Seychelles joins world in marking Earth Day |24 April 2014

The Wildlife Club Seychelles gathered at the Peace Park in Victoria On Tuesday to commemorate Earth Day.

Earth Day was first celebrated on April 22, 1970 and since then 500 million people including us in Seychelles mark the occasion every year.

The Wildlife Club has taken it upon itself to adopt this day and for several years has organised activities to commemorate this day. Last year the festivities took place at the University of Seychelles where kids wrote post cards to the president to express their concerns, especially about climate change.

Although the commemoration this year was more brief, the club believes it had just as much significance.

The aim of the day was to bring people together to reflect and understand that we need to protect our planet and be responsible to ensure its sustainability.

The Wildlife Club has adopted the principles of the Earth Charter which is an international declaration of fundamental values and principles considered useful by its supporters for building a just, sustainable, and peaceful global society in the 21st century.

Tuesday’s event included poems by Tony Joubert aka Raspyek and Stephanie, as well as other children from the Wildlife Club including those from private and public schools, followed by prayers and songs. Local artists such as Curious, Zion-I and Jude performed songs in honour of the day.

Coordinator of the Wildlife Club Seychelles Terrence Vel explained that the celebrations came at a great time since the children are on school holidays and have constructive activities to do where they can listen to music, learn and enjoy.

He added that this year’s activities were more spiritual and gave the children the chance to reflect.