Oceania Under 19s- more than rugby
Team effort planting mangroves.
Samoa boys after planting.
peaceful rugby being played on the effected beach.
The United Nations in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Samoa Aids Foundation, FORU, Samoa Rugby Union and IRB, this week launched its 2010 Oceania FORU Legacy Program that will create a lasting benefit not only for players but for the rugby community and Samoa.
Advocating UN Millennium Development Goal 7, for environmental sustainability, the join forces of UN, MNRE, SAF, FORU, SRU and IRB have chosen Aleipata, a village that was severely damaged and destroyed by the devastating tsunami last year to regenerate mangrove areas in Lotupu’e and Malaela through planting Mangrove seedlings and regeneration activities.
The involvement of rugby players and management teams from the six participating nations forms a strong bond to environmental sustainability, (UN MDG 7) through understanding, awareness and consciousness, to protection in the future.
Papua New Guinea Under 19 Team Manager, Andy Yangiman Agovaua, is impressed with the legacy program. “It is really a good program because we share the same impact back home, it’s very encouraging for the team as young players, and surely we will take it back with us to our mother union as one of the initiatives to promote for Papua New Guinea” The same sentiment was voiced by PNG’s front row player. “It’s very interesting, because it helps me understand more about mangroves.” “I know there are mangroves in my country, but I never bothered anyway” “I believe as a potential National rugby representative I can advocate MDG 7”
American Samoa’s Prop, Yonah Muasau says he has learned a lot from the program. “In actual fact I have never heard of any details about mangroves, and their advantages.” “American Samoa was also affected by the tsunami and the most important part I learnt is that mangroves limit the strength of waves from reaching further inland” Approximately 143 mangrove seedlings will be planted at Aleipata on Friday this week, by each player and management teams.
“The regeneration program reflects the 143 lives that were perished by the unfortunate natural disaster”. “The replanting process leaves a bright prospect for future generations through the2010 Oceania under 19 rugby players” In addition to the Regeneration Program, rugby is also seen as a viable practical tool in achieving UN MDG 6 that is by combating HIV/AIDS and other major diseases.HIV Awareness and Prevention messages will be delivered by representatives from the Samoa Aids Foundation (SAF) to all the players and management teams.
UN MDG 6, will culminate in a rally on the 31st next week, where all players will perform cultural items signifying the support of their nations and Pacific Rugby to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the region..