Uniting for the Planet on Earth Day: A Day of Action and Inspiration with Colégio Mateus Ricci
Uniting for the Planet on Earth Day: A Day of Action and Inspiration with Colégio Mateus Ricci
23
Apr
23/04/2024
On Earth Day, the Institute of Science and Environment and Colégio Mateus Ricci demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship through a unique collaboration at the School’s Ricci Villa in Cheok Van, Coloane.
On Earth Day (22nd April), the Institute of Science and Environment of the University of Saint Joseph (ISE/USJ) and Colégio Mateus Ricci demonstrated their commitment to environmental stewardship through a unique collaboration. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the two institutions joined hands to embark on impactful environmental initiatives at the School’s Ricci Villa in Cheok Van, Coloane.
The event commenced with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Fernando Azpiroz, S.J., superior of the Jesuit mission in Macao. This was followed by a presentation by the school staff about the rich history, notable progress, and recent environmental practices of Colégio Matteo Ricci’s Villa. A significant moment followed as representative participants engaged in mangrove planting and a floating wetland installation, symbolising the collective commitment of both institutions to the well-being of our planet.
Subsequently, professors from ISE introduced attendees to state-of-the-art environmental monitoring devices for installation at Ricci Villa. These devices included meteorological monitoring and air pollutant detection systems, fostering a dynamic atmosphere as participants learned to operate them first-hand.
In alignment with the theme of Earth Day 2024, “Planet vs. Plastics,” the ISE team demonstrated extracting and identifying microplastics from water samples collected along the nearby Cheok Van coastline.
Additionally, participants viewed the documentary “The Letter—A Letter from Home to Our Country,” produced by the Catholic International Organization “Laudato Si’ Movement” in 2022, which provides insight into the Pope’s encyclical “Laudato Si’.”
The event was attended by representative guests from Colégio Mateus Ricci including Ms. Irene Cheung, Principal of Colégio Matteus Ricci, Fr. Alexe Pak, S.J., Assistant Chaplain, and representatives from the Alumni Association and the Student Council, 校友會榮譽會長吳志輝先生, 校友會李倩儀會長, 李啟邦監事
Colégio Mateus Ricci and the University of Saint Joseph reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative efforts to foster reconciliation between humanity and nature through initiatives centered at the Ricci Villa. Together, they aim to cultivate a generation of environmentally responsible global citizens.
