World Environment Day, commemorated
each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United
Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political
attention and action.
The
World Environment Day theme selected for 2006 is Deserts and Desertification
and the slogan is Don't Desert Drylands! The slogan
emphasizes the importance of protecting drylands, which cover more than 40%
of the planet’s land area. This ecosystem is home to one-third of the world’s
people who are more vulnerable members of society.The main international celebrations
of the World Environment Day 2006 will be held in Algeria.
UNEP is honoured that the City of Algiers will be hosting this United Nations
day. The Official Program - Algiers - 4 June and 5 June in French [ Photo Gallery ]
The day's agenda is to
give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active
agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding
that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental
issues; and advocate partnership which will ensure all nations and peoples
enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. World Environment Day is a people's
event with colourful activities such as street rallies, bicycle parades,
green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree planting,
as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns.
When did it all begin?
World Environment Day was established
by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 to mark the opening of the Stockholm
Conference on the Human Environment. Another resolution, adopted by the General
Assembly the same day, led to the creation of UNEP.
How can you celebrate World
Environment Day?
The World Environment Day Alphabet - 77 Ways to Celebrate World Environment Day can be celebrated
in many ways, including street rallies, bicycles parades, green concerts, essay
and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, recycling efforts, clean-up
campaigns and much more. In many countries, this annual event is used to enhance
political attention and action.
Heads of State, Prime Ministers and
Ministers of Environment deliver statements and commit themselves to care for
the Earth. More serious pledges are made which lead to the establishment of
permanent governmental structures dealing with environmental management and
economic planning. This observance also provides an opportunity to sign or ratify
international environmental conventions.
On this World Environment Day, let
us examine the state of our environment. Let us consider carefully the actions
which each of us must take, and then address ourselves to our common task of
preserving all life on earth in a mood of sober resolution and quiet confidence.
