The members of the cabinet have today decided to mark World Environment Day and World Ocean Day country-wide. The cabinet made this decision at today’s cabinet meeting after discussing a paper submitted by the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment.
World Environment Day is commemorated each year on 5 June, while the United Nations in a resolution has officially declared the 8th of June as the World Ocean Day from this year onwards.
The cabinet decided to organise several activities and programmes from 5 to 8 June to celebrate the days. In this regard, the cabinet decided declaring whale shark habitats near B. Hanifaru, B. An’gafaru and ADh. Maamigili as protected areas; introducing seven awards to recognise the efforts to go carbon neutral; and, launching a “Walk to School” campaign and, a “Back to Bicycle” campaign.
With the launching of the ‘Back to Bicycle” programme on the World Environment Day, the government has further plans to start a project to encourage adopting more environmentally-friendly vehicles such as bicycles.
Other programmes include holding a swimming competition, a cleaning programme for resorts, organising awareness programmes, broadcasting informative programmes via the television and radio stations, and organising an event for children.
At today’s meeting, members also discussed the recommendations of the ministerial committee formed on 26 May to advise on the Herétheré issue.
The committee was reconstituted today. The committee now include Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr Ahmed Ali Sawad; Minister of Human Resources, Youth and Sports, Uz Hassan Latheef; and, Attorney General, Uz Husnu Suood.
The committee will hold a press conference on the Herétheré issue tomorrow.
The President, the Vice President and cabinet members congratulated and welcomed the newly appointed cabinet members. The President also expressed his confidence that the three new members would give their full cooperation and support to the cabinet.
The three new members, who were sworn in today, are Minister of Civil Aviation and Communication, Mr Mahmood Razee; Minister of Home Affairs, Mr Mohamed Shihab; and, Attorney General, Uz Husnu Suood.
