By Carolyn Kitione, a
journalism student from USP
Pacific Nature Conference Closing
Bulletin 2013, Suva Fiji - In an effort to engage more young
people to get interested in environmental issues, the Foundation of the Peoples
of the South Pacific International used culture and showcased traditional
chants and dances.
About 50 people gathered at the
Japan-Pacific ICT Auditorium at the University of the South Pacific for a
special night to witness the power of traditional chants and dances organised
by FSPI during the 9th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature
Conservation and Protected Areas.
The production with the theme 'May
it not be just a memory' had lead performers from the
Conservatorium of Music, a music and creative dance school in Suva, who dazzled
the crowd with heart-pumping traditional dance and chants.
Programme coordinator Mr. George
Nacewa said the whole production was targeted specifically at youths, who he
said needed to acknowledge the messages in their oral histories and that it was
relevant in the Pacific.
"Most of the people here
tonight are young people and it's always good to portray culture.
"Even if it's generations old,
it's still fresh and young people can relate to it," he said.
Backed by the Oceania Dance Group
and singer Ilisavani Cava, the production exposed talents, portraying the
contributions their ancestors had made to protect their land and the sacredness
of their environment.
Carolyn Kitione is a member
of the Media Team providing coverage of the 9th Pacific Islands Conference on
Nature Conservation and Protected Areas from 2 to 6 December in Suva, Fiji.
This is a partnership between the Fiji National University (FNU), University of
the South Pacific (USP), SPREP and Pacific Islands News Association (PINA)
whereby a team of 10 journalism students are mentored by senior reporters as
they cover the conference. This activity is funded by the Pacific Assistance
Media Scheme (PACMAS).
No comments:
Post a Comment