A variety of educational activities was held for students at Lunjata Valley on Monday as part of the celebrations in Gozo of UNESCO's World Environment Day, which is celebrated worldwide on the 5th of June.

The activities were based on the theme #Together4Nature, including the dissemination of information about agricultural practices, the geomorphological structures of Lunzjata and the flora and fauna that characterise the valley.

Present for the occasion was the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo, who reiterated the importance of our surroundings and the environment. He said that the Ministry is working constantly to maintain the Gozitan environment.

Dr Refalo showed his appreciation to the Permanent Delegation of the Office of Malta to UNESCO with the collaboration of the Education, Science and Culture Centre's management, in their relentless work towards a better environment.

"It was also well-timed idea that the same administration is working on a new publication for children on the historical and most natural aspects of the Lunzjata valley, helping to further promote appreciation of the environment, in particular to the beauty of this valley and all that make it unique," he said.

Minister Refalo also urged the students present to set an example and work towards a clean environment, therefore helping to maintain a sustainable country, saying that an effort made by everyone will make a difference and result in a cleaner island.

The Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Change Dr José Herrera, also attended Monday's event and praised the Office of the Permanent Delegation of Malta to UNESCO, for organising the activity.

He announced that in the run-up to the Environment Day, he will also be meeting this week with several eNGOs, and visiting environmental projects. While on Sunday the Ministry of the Environment will be organising activities for the whole family.

Minister Herrera said that he was impressed the way the children present were aware of the environment.

He reiterated the commitment of his Ministry, saying that it attaches great importance to the environment, "because a better environment leads to better health."

The event was concluded with the planting of endemic plants, including Sempreviva, a species found specifically in certain areas of Gozo.

Photograph: MGOZ/George Scerri

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