President’s Office has revealed that President Nasheed and members of his cabinet will hold an underwater cabinet meeting and a hold 24 hour nationwide program to join in the efforts of 350. Org, an organization working for global action on the worst crisis humankind ever faced; the climate change crisis.
Deputy Under- Secretary at the President’s Office Aiminath Shiuna said that 350 campaign will start in Maldives on 24 October and the activities will be held in collaboration with Divers Association. She said before the 350 activities begin, President Nasheed and his cabinet will hold an underwater meeting and will sign a resolution on behalf of the Maldivian people.
She said the cabinet session to be held underwater will be just like other cabinet meetings and will be chaired by the President and the resolution will be signed by ministers and by the president and will be taken to Copenhagen Summit to be held in December.
She also said the President and members of his cabinet are receiving training on diving underwater and the training is facilitated by experienced MNDF and Police divers.
A special program to launch the entire campaign is to be held today, according to the President’s Office.
The 350 campaign is a global campaign initiated by an American based NGO, 350.Org, working for the protection of the environment. The campaign start date is set for 24 October as it is the International Day for Climate Action.
Shiuna revealed that in addition to President Nasheed and his cabinet diving underwater, some 350 divers in to the lagoon, in front of the President’s Office, assemble in a 350 formation and will light up underwater.
As part of the 350 activities, a photo exhibition is also planned. Some 350 post cards made from 350 selected photos from the exhibition will be sent to 350 world leaders calling on them to inform UN summit on effects of climate change on Maldives.
Further, a vessel made out of plastic bottles will travel to Hulhule’, Male’ International Airport, where the vessel will kept on display. Shiuna said in addition to these activities several other activities will go on for 24 hours on the International day for climate action.
The Divers Association coordinating the 350 activities, along with President’s Office, revealed that activities are planned in such a way to increase the participation of the public. However, the association revealed that the previously planned underwater demonstrations will not be held.
The purpose of these activities is to provide the opportunity for every Maldivian to be aware of what 350 is about and what the organization stands for , in addition to sending an important message to Copenhagen.
The 350 symbolizes the maximum amount of carbon dioxide that should be present in the atmosphere without endangering life. The objective of the global 350 campaign is to bring the world’s focus that carbon dioxide level in atmosphere has exceeded the 350 level and has risen to 387.
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