Eight primary schools in Upolu took part in a debate and spelling competition as part of the National Land Week programme.

Organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.), the programme was to develop children’s knowledge on ways to protect the environment.

Acting Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry’s Environment Sector, Frances Reupena, said there is a need to direct children’s attention towards the conservation of the environment.

"We intend to familiarise them of the importance of the environment and how they can contribute to saving the environment so when they grow older they can understand and put into action what they know," she said, in an interview with Samoa Observer.

Manumalo Primary School was one of the schools that participated in the programme. Its representative, Peter said in his presentation "saving the environment is paving a way for a better future".

The M.N.R.E has been leading activities in line with the week’s theme "Climate proofing our coastal lands with sustainable land management (S.L.M.) tools and practices for the future".

Such activities include tree planting and providing tools and materials to develop students.

"The Ministry aims to focus more on the children, helping them have a better understanding of how to save the environment because we believe saving the environment starts from the children.

"Majority of our activities to save the environment depends on the mindset of our children because we're growing older and older and our children will take on our spots so it's always important to make them understand," Mrs. Reupena added.