By The government, through the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI), in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other essential stakeholders, announces the implementation of strategic interventions to safeguard the environment as the world commemorates World Environment Day.
Since 1975, the United Nations has designated the 5th of June annually as World Environment Day.
2024 commemorates the 51st Anniversary of World Environment Day, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has consistently shown exemplary dedication to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) by leading initiatives to restore degraded landscapes, combat desertification, and enhance resilience to drought. These efforts significantly contribute to environmental conservation and sustainability goals.
The aim of the celebration is to foster ongoing public awareness and education regarding emerging environmental concerns. It also serves as a global platform to expedite, magnify, and involve individuals, communities, and governments worldwide, inspiring action on pressing environmental challenges confronting the planet.
The Ministry and other government agencies are anticipated to conduct tree planting exercises, public education and awareness campaigns, “What Do You Know Quiz” activities, as well as exhibitions focusing on sustainable land management practices.
Minister of Environment Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, emphasizes that these initiatives aim to foster discussions on nature-based solutions conducive to ecosystem restoration, thereby advancing endeavors to accomplish Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 15.
She further states that these efforts are geared towards restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification, fostering resilience to drought, and securing a sustainable future for both the planet and future generations.
In a press release signed by the Minister she said, “Let’s therefore use this day as a catalyst for social change as we adopt sustainable land management practices and invest in resilient strategies to protect our planet’s existing natural resources and promote a greener, safer and better future for all.”
The Ministry highlights that to fully grasp the significance of this year’s theme, which centers on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience, it’s crucial to remember that in March 2019, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed a resolution designating 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
To expedite progress on these pledges, the government asserts that this year’s celebration aims to underscore the importance of collaboration among governments, private sector organizations, and individuals worldwide. This collaboration is essential to intensify efforts on ecosystem restoration on a large scale, safeguard and rehabilitate degraded landscapes, address desertification, and bolster drought resilience. These endeavors are crucial for advancing initiatives aimed at achieving Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 13 and 15, and for securing a sustainable future for the planet, its species, and future generations.
