Madagascar was selected as a host for the 2007 regional celebrations for World Environment Day. This was in recognition of this country’s commendable efforts in environmental management and particularly in preserving its’ unique, abundant and endemic biodiversity. The choice of Madagascar was also consistent with the theme for this year: Melting Ice – a Hot Topic? as Islands are among the countries that would suffer most from the impacts of climate change. UNEP supported the organization of weeklong activities.
Indeed, World Environment Day was celebrated in an imposing way throughout the week. Activities included a kick off TV programmes to raise awareness, through flyers, information materials and remarks, about World Environment Day and the need to protect the Environment;
Green caravan with many stop over, particularly at Manjakandriana, Ambatolaona and Moaramanga, on the way to Ambatondrazaka. The objectives were to sensitize local authorities and populations on the impacts of climate change on their local environments, on the country and on the planet at large and explain the role of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Forest Resources in addressing the challenge. People were also advised on what each and everyone could do to reverse the trend.
Official launch of WED Celebrations and Inauguration of Ramsar site
The official launch of World Environment Week was held in the city of Ambatondrazaka. The ceremony was marked by parades in the streets of the town, addresses, entertainment, exhibitions, the inauguration of the Ramsar site of Lac Alaotra at Andreba, which is said to be the second biggest Ramsar site in Africa, with 722.500 ha.; Conferences on climate change and its impacts on biodiversity and potential impacts on HIV-AIDS.
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Madagascar Minister of Environment giving speaking at the launch |
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Lac Alaotra, the second biggest Ramsar site in Africa
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Activities during the World Environment Week
Energy saving Stoves at the Exhibition |
Follow-up activities included radio programmes on the theme for 2007 WED, visit of Protected areas and Biosphere Reserve, to see the rich biodiversity of Madagascar.
World Environment Day is also a multi-media event that inspires thousands of journalists to write and report on the environment through television documentaries, photo exhibits, web sites. The best environmental reporting were awarded on the day.
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Closing Ceremony in Toamasina
Children perfoming at Toamasina |
World Environment activities ended in the same magnificence in Toamasina, once known as Tamatave, the main coastal city on the eastern coast of Madagascar. The ceremony coupled with the launch of the Month dedicated to children in Madagascar, to promote children’s rights to education, health, and a clean environment was a very colorful event attended by local and national authorities and dozens of schools and the Scout Movement. Build up activities included clean up of damaged beaches and conferences.
>> Photogallery - Closing Ceremony
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