In an effort to mitigate the negative impacts of plastics on the environment, the Fiji National University’s Natabua, Lautoka campus has placed a ban on balloons.

The implementation of the ban coincided with the World Environment Day celebration where staff planted fruit tree seedlings at the campus.

The Fiji National University acting vice-chancellor Professor Unaisi Nabobo Baba was chief guest at the event.

“Are plastics the problem or is the education of the human being to be totally human the problem? Plastics don’t carry themselves to the rivers, plastics don’t block fish, it’s the act of us people that make the plastic access the fish,” she said.

“We are going to do a total ban on plastic balloons across all our campuses. That is a good step forward, we are also going to begin tomorrow the work on making sure all our campuses plant 1000 sandalwood trees.

“The environment is home, those of us that have had the privilege of living in small island countries in the Pacific understand that that’s all we have. ‘

“That there is no land in most of our island countries. That the work we do on our environment in Fiji and the north of the world, the industrial north will affect biodiversity and climate in our Pacific,

“When we empower individuals today what we really mean is between this year and next year for me, I’d like to see student leaders who you are passionate.”

FNU Lautoka Campus student representative Josh Murikanaka said the student body was grateful to be part of the global initiative.

“This event serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices,” he said.

“Our generation understands the urgency of protecting our planet and creating a more sustainable future. World Environment Day provides an opportunity for students like me to display our innovative ideas, inspire action, and drive positive change. “

Story by:: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj