Pacific Climate Warriors across the region, are about to launch the next phase of the 350 Pacific #StandUpForThePacific campaign- The Canoe Build.
To communicate and announce the launch of the Canoe Build, the Pacific Climate Warriors have chosen the 12th of April as their Day of Action.
Mr. Aaron Packard, 350 Oceania Regional Coordinator, says that the Day of Action will see 350 Pacific Local Volunteer Groups across the region, host a public event to make known their intentions of building traditional style canoes that will be taken with them on a historic journey to Australia.
“In Australia, they will use the canoes to communicate their message on climate change. They will stand up peacefully but powerfully to the fossil fuel industry, in order to protect their islands in the face of climate change.”
“This campaign is an opportunity we are taking to ensure those responsible for climate change are held accountable and push them to think about the future of the Pacific when expanding the fossil fuel industry and continuing their careless use of non renewable energy” he added.
Ms. Koreti Tuimalu, 350 Pacific Coordinator, says that the team is excited about the Day of Action as well as the process of the canoe build over the next few months.
“The teams across the Pacific are not only proud to be part of the movement but also to be able to reconnect with the traditional art of canoe building. This is one way that allows us to stir up the cultural and traditional warrior spirit, take action and be part of the solution.”
“Every little bit of effort to raise awareness, hold people accountable or encourage others to support the movement counts” she added.
The Day of Action is a great opportunity to let people know about 350 Pacific, the regional 350 teams, the vision of the Pacific Climate Warriors and why climate change is one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today.
Over the last few months, 350 Pacific Climate Warriors, have undergone training in leadership, climate change awareness and traditional understanding, to prepare themselves for the remainder of the Stand Up For The Pacific Campaign.
This Day of Action will mark the next step these courageous young people are taking to #StandUpForThePacific.
A regional video clip will be created for use at various platforms to raise awareness on climate change and to show how the Pacific islands are standing in solidarity to make their voices heard.
“The various actions from this Day of Action will be filmed and all participating countries will come up with a 3-5 minutes video clip to share with the global community,” added Tuimalu.
Countries that are part of the campaign include: Papua New Guinea, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tokelau, Niue, Cook Islands, Federated Sates of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, Palau, Tuvalu, Nauru, Kiribati and Fiji.
350.org Pacific is a regional youth-led climate change network that is the Pacific chapter of the global 350.orgalliance.
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