Happy 1st Birthday Kyoto Protocol!
© WWFSPP 2006. Children from Nauti Primary School make a banner message for President Bush. » Watch the video of their message
On February 16th, 2005, the Kyoto Protocol entered into force and became a legally binding international treaty.
WWF was in Tuvalu to celebrate the first anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol coming into force on February 16th, 2006. We were joined in this celebration by the Prime Minister, staff of government department, civil society organisations, students from Nauti Primary School, and members of the public.
The celebrations began with a short speech by the Prime Minister. He then cut the birthday cake, the children sang “Happy Birthday Kyoto” and everybody had a piece of cake.
In addition to celebrating the first anniversary of the Kyoto Protocol, the only international treaty that makes it compulsory for developed countries to reduce their emissions of climate changing gases, this was also an awareness raising activity.
© WWF SPP 2006. The Prime Minister of Tuvalu, Hon. Maatia Toafa, cuts Kyoto's birthday cake.
WWF staff, with staff of the Tuvalu Department of Environment spoke to the participants about climate change and its impacts on Tuvalu. Students and adults then painted on t-shirts their climate messages, and wrote these messages on postcards, addressed to President Bush and Prime Minister Howard (the USA and Australia are the only two developed countries that refuse to ratify the Kyoto Protocol).
Those who participated in this event were awarded WWF products like climate change stickers and badges. A highlight of the event was students painting a banner that read “Bush Turn Down the Heat for Tuvalu- Galue Nei Mo Ataeaoa”. Translated this means “Work now for Tomorrow”. This was a strong message coming from children, asking adults to work now for their future tomorrow.
WWF would like to thank the European Commission for funding this event, the Prime Minister and all who attended, for their support. Most importantly, WWF would like to thank the students of Nauti Primary School for their inspiring and challenging climate change messages.
» Watch the video of Nauti Primary School students message to President Bush
» Australia and the United States receive Postcards from Tuvalu