A group of over 100 children of all ethnic groups from the country’s regions, who form part of the choir “La La Play Voices” – a project of social inclusion through music – on December 16 planted 30 fir trees so as to contribute to reducing the impact of air pollution. The event was held in the Chisinau Park “Dendrarium” in connection with the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, IPN reports.
The participation of children in the solving of problems that affect them is one of their fundamental rights, UNICEF Country Representatives in Moldova Desiree Jongsma stated in the event. According to her, the children from the inclusive choir are those who will give an example also to adults in their communities, becoming ambassadors of an eco-friendly lifestyle. “We want to hear you singing, but also to hear your opinions. Your voices matter,” stated Desiree Jongsma.
“Congratulations on such a nice initiative implemented together with the heroes from “La La Play Voices”. We consider this tree planting event is one of the really tangible methods of maximally contributing to combating climate change in Moldova,” stated Sweden’s Ambassador to Moldova Anna Lyberg.
The costs associated with fir tree planting were covered with proceeds from the sale of tickets to a concert given by the choir “La La Play Voices”.
According to UNICEF Moldova, almost 2 billion children live in areas where outdoor air pollution exceeds minimum WHO air-quality guidelines and have to breathe toxic air that affects their health. Each year, over half a million children younger than five die from diseases related to air pollution.
UNICEF said the droughts, floods, frosts and storms during the past few years have been frequent in the Republic of Moldova too and the snowstorms of April 2017 showed once again how vulnerable the Republic of Moldova is to climate change.
