The Anglican Diocese of Polynesia celebrated Arbor Day and marked UN World Environment Day with a series of community-led initiatives across the region, focusing on combating plastic pollution and caring for creation. Volunteers participated in extensive clean-up operations, removing plastic waste to help restore ecosystems and promote healthier living environments.
In his Charge, Archbishop Sione Uluilakepa reaffirmed the Diocese’s moral and spiritual duty to protect the environment, calling for sustained, faith-driven action rooted in stewardship.
Tonga
In line with its theological commitment to creation care, the Diocese partnered with the No Pelesitiki Campaign – Tonga under the theme: “Reduce, Remove, and Recycle Plastics from Tonga.” This campaign addressed the pressing issue of plastic waste through clean-up operations held in multiple communities, where volunteers worked to remove harmful plastics and debris. These efforts not only supported environmental restoration but also encouraged healthier and more sustainable living.
To further engage the next generation, Team Tonga of the Anglican Mission distributed fruit trees to youth groups across four Anglican parishes, promoting hands-on participation in environmental care and fostering a culture of sustainability.
Fiji
Saint John the Baptist Theological College commemorated Arbor Day and Environment Day by organizing interactive activities involving faculty, students, and their families. The sessions focused on planting, sustainability, and ecological resilience, equipping participants with both awareness and practical strategies to support environmental stewardship.
Samoa
At All Saints Anglican School in Apia, students and staff celebrated World Environment Day with a major clean-up of the school grounds, particularly targeting plastic waste. The school also launched a planting initiative featuring edible and endemic plants as part of its year-long Environment Programme, which this year focuses on the Oceans (Moana). The programme will continue with the re-launch of the “Caring for God’s Creations” Walkathons, held once per term to clean the Apia Seawall Foreshore.
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Through collaboration, education, and action, the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia continues to lead by example, demonstrating its commitment to environmental stewardship and the shared responsibility of caring for God’s creation.
With Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Beauty of the Earth:
We give you thanks most gracious God, for the beauty of earth, sky, and sea, for the richness of mountains, plains, and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and glory of your Name, now and forever. Amen.
