Estonian PM: Clean environment is obligation to future generations

TALLINN - A clean environment is an obligation to future generations, not a favor to them, Estonian Prime Minister Juri Ratas said participating in the first World Cleanup Day on Saturday.

"Big things that change the world always stem from a vision, passion and initiative. Estonia's great gift to the world, World Cleanup Day, is a notable example of good cooperation of a lot of people for a great cause. We want to live on a planet that has clean environment and the best way to achieve that is to care and lend a helping hand," Ratas said according to the government's communication office.

"The Let's Do It! initiative proved that tens of thousands of hands in one country can achieve a lot together. I am convinced that millions of pairs of hands acting in unison in 150 countries can move the world. Passing on a clean environment is our obligation to our children and grandchildren," Ratas added. "I salute and appreciate all Estonians and all the nationals of other countries who have come out today to take on a fall clean-up in public places or in their own backyard."

Ratas participated in the World Cleanup Day at Aasmae parking lot in Harju County and in Tallinn's Snelli Park, a cleanup action organized in cooperation of the Government Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Central Tallinn district government. In the afternoon, the prime minister visited the headquarters of the global initiative at Tallinn University.

The government's communication office says that as Estonia celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, the World Cleanup Day, which is due to take place in 150 countries all over the world, is Estonia's great gift to the world.