“Van2017 knows the decisions we take have an impact on our environment,” said CEO Clint Flood.
“That’s why we’re committed to an Environmental Legacy Plan, the ability to use the Games as a catalyst of environmental change, by taking some small steps forward, because environmental sustainability is everyone’s business.”
There are a few major components to the Games Environment Plan; reducing /eliminating single-use plastic bags, no polystyrene or Styrofoam, composting food waste, use of biodegradable product, use of eco-friendly cleaning products and planting of trees to offset carbon emissions.
“We are mindful of playing our part with all venues having a no smoking policy, plastic water bottles collected and compacted - diverted from landfill, reusable dinnerware or reduction in disposable service ware catering for our athletes. We are promoting use of locally sourced products and pushing to procure eco-friendly cleaning products.”
“Our biggest Environmental Legacy will be for the Medals for the Environment Program where for every single medal won during the Games in December, a Sandalwood tree will be planted,” stated CEO Flood.
Over 1100 Sandalwood trees will be planted around Port Vila in line with the Municipal Council “Sandalwood City” project, with the commencement of the Medals for the Environment Program happening on Wednesday 7th June at Parliament House. 120 Sandalwood trees will be planted over the course of the day starting with 55 trees planted by the Ministers of Parliament, key Van2017 stakeholders, Van2017 Sponsors and The Summit Estate Limited in Parliament House compound at 9am, a following 20 trees will be planted at the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, another 20 at the Malvatumauri Council of Chiefs and the remainder at DeDock Steps above Pacific Energy in town.
There will be more trees planted in the coming months leading up to December. Three months out from the Games, in line with our 100 days countdown, we will be launching a Clean Up Port Vila Campaign with Nasi’s Eco Warriors pledging eco-friendly initiatives.”
We acknowledge that there should be more efforts and activities to support the environment. It’s a small start that we hope will make a tangible difference and more importantly that in future events, there is a clear and definitive