Kohima, May 21 (MExN): WED is the United Nations’ campaign for encouraging global awareness and action for the environment. It was established by the United nations General Assembly to mark the opening of the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.
Over the years it has grown into a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries. It serves as the people’s day for doing something positive for the environment, inspiring individual actions that collectively can generate a hugely positive impaction of the planet.
WED is celebrated around the world in many ways, including street rallies, bicycle parades, concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, cleanup campaigns and much more.
“When we see or experience the negative effects of climate change, environment degradation or resource depletion it is easy to blame others – governments for nor prioritising environmental policy; industry for raising greenhouse gas emissions; NGOs for not lobbying strongly enough; and individuals for not taking action,” stated a DIPR report. WED however is a day we put aside our differences and instead celebrated the achievements we’ve made towards protecting the environment.
“By celebrating WED, we remind ourselves and others of the importance of caring for our environment. Remember that every action counts, so join us: every year, everywhere, everyone,” the report added.
Various events and practical activities can be taken to celebrate WED. If each of us contributes a little to this celebration, it will be a far greater success.
The most important goal of the day is to raise awareness on wildlife crime.
Some suggested WED activities are:
• Arts and Crafts exhibition/Film Festival
• Ceremonies and celebrities
• Competitions
• Concerts
• Demonstration activities
• Drama and poetry
• Information kits
• Flash mobs
• Environmental Education and awareness-raising
• Online and social media activities
• Publicity and media coverage
• Sport activities
The above list are not exhaustive and many activities may spring to mind that will be better suited to your local needs and conditions.
