- January 20 - PENGUIN AWARENESS DAY
- February 2 - WORLD WETLANDS DAY
- 18 February - WORLD PANGOLIN DAY
- February 27 - INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY
- March 3 - World Wildlife Day
· March 14 - International Day of Action for Rivers
· March 20 - World Sparrow Day
· March 21 - International Day of Forests
· March 21 - World Planting Day
 |
| Source: Keyword Suggestion |
· March 22 - World Water Day
· Late March - Earth Hour
 |
| Source: Wikipedia |
· April - Earth Month
 |
| Source: Pencils |
· April 13 - International Plant Appreciation Day
· April 22 - Earth Day
· APRIL 25 - WORLD PENGUIN DAY
· Second Saturday in May – World Migratory Bird Day
· May 16 - Endangered Species Day
· May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity
· May 30 - Water a Flower Day
· June 5 - World Environment Day
· June 8 - World Oceans Day
· June 9 - Coral Triangle Day
· June 15 - Global Wind Day
· June 16 - World Sea Turtle Day
· June 16 - World Sea Turtle Day
· June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification
· June 21 - WORLD GIRAFFE DAY
· July 3 - International Plastic Bag
Free Day
· July 11 - World Population Day
· July 29 - International Tiger Day
· August 2 (in 2017) - EARTH OVERSHOOT DAY
· August 12 – World Elephant Day
· September 16 - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
· September 16 - International Coastal Clean-up Day
· September 18 - World Water Monitoring Day
· September 21 - Zero Emissions Day
· September 22 – World Rhino Day
· September 22 - World Car Free Day
· September 25 - World Rivers Day
· September 26 - World Environmental Health Day
· September 27 - World Tourism Day
· September 28 - Green Consumer Day
· September 28 - Green Consumer Day
· First Monday in October – World Habitat Day (human habitat/settlements)
· October 4 - World Animal Day
· October 5 - World Teachers' Day
· October 6 - Outdoor Classroom Day
· October 12 - International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction
· October 16 - World Food Day
· October 24 - International Day of Climate Action
· October 24 - World Development Day
· October 31 - World Cities Day
· October 31 - World Cities Day
· November 20 - Universal Children's Day
· November 21 – World Fisheries Day
November 25 – International Buy Nothing Day
· December 5 - World Soil Day
· December 11 - International Mountain Day
 |
Source: Wallpaper Best
|
PENGUIN AWARENESS DAY
 |
| Source: Dreamatico |
 |
| Source: TreeHugger |
But why is Penguin Awareness Day important? Penguins continue to be one of the most threatened species on the planet due to several threats such as climate change, oil pollution, an insufficient food supply, and getting caught in fishing nets have led to a rapid decline in their population.
 |
| Source: Defenders organization |
So, please join your fellow penguin lovers and wholeheartedly celebrate our tuxedo-bearing friends!
 |
| Source: BoredPanda |
Powerful penguin facts:
· Penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost completely in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctica, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, the Falkland Islands, and the Galapagos Islands.
· Highly adapted for life in the water, penguins have counter-shaded dark and white plumage, and their wings have evolved into flippers.
· The black and white coloring of the penguins is a camouflage, helping them to hide from underwater predators.
· They spend about half of their lives on land and half in the oceans.
· There are about 20 known species of penguins, the largest of which are the emperor penguins.
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
· The smallest known penguin species are the little penguin found in the coastal areas of Australia and New Zealand.
· The fastest penguins – the Gentoo – can swim at the speed of 22 miles or 35 kilometers an hour.
· They either waddle on their feet or slide on their bellies across the snow, a movement called "tobogganing", conserving energy while moving quickly.
· They jump with both feet together if they want to move more quickly or cross steep or rocky terrain.
· In the water, they are astoundingly agile.
· The air layer also helps insulate the birds in cold waters.
· On land, penguins use their tails and wings to maintain balance for their upright stance.
 |
| Source: Pinterest |
References
WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2018
World Wetlands Day is one of the first environmental days on the calendar. It takes place on the 2nd of February in order to raise global awareness about the value of wetlands for humanity and the planet. Not only this, but it also marks the date of adoption of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.
By 2050, 66% of humanity will live in cities, as people move into urban areas searching for better jobs. Unfortunately, most people are unaware of the value and importance of urban wetlands. In fast-growing cities, wetlands are often viewed as wasteland; places to dump rubbish, fill in or convert to other uses. Scientists estimate that at least 64% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared since 1900, while in parallel, cities have exploded in growth". Urban wetlands make cities liveable by providing multiple benefits such as; flood control, water supply, waste treatment, green space and livelihoods. Urban wetlands should be integrated into a city’s sustainable future planning and development; not viewed as wasteland. Cities should adopt policies and actions which help conserve and promote urban wetlands".
Here is a statement by Martha Rojas Urrego, Secretary General of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2018:
"Wetlands are essential for a sustainable urban future 4 billion people, about half of the world’s population live in urban areas today. By 2050 that number is expected to increase as more people move into cities in search of jobs and better opportunities. Urbanization is one of the key defining mega-trends of our time. It’s completely transforming where and how people will live in the future. In fact it is estimated that the number of megacities with more than ten million inhabitants will jump from 31 to 41 by 2030. A rapidly growing urban population comes with enormous challenges for city planners and managers. They have to ensure that cities today can deliver not only basic services such as accommodation, transport and water, but that these cities are safe, resilient and environmentally friendly. Every year on 2 February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day, to raise global awareness about the important role of wetlands for people and the planet".
"This year’s theme “Wetlands for a Sustainable Urban Future,” highlights the important role of wetlands for sustainable urbanization. Urban wetlands are essential and contribute to making cities liveable. During storms, urban wetlands absorb excess rainfall, which reduces flooding in cities and prevents disasters and their subsequent costs. The abundant vegetation found in urban wetlands, acts as a filter for domestic and industrial waste and this contributes to improving water quality. Urban wetlands supply cities with water and are green spaces for recreation which helps to promote human wellbeing. Today`s current development of human settlements is a major concern for wetland conservation and wise use. As cities grow and demand for land increases, the tendency is to encroach on wetlands. They are often viewed as wasteland available to dump waste or be converted for other purposes. Yet when preserved and sustainably used, urban wetlands can provide cities with multiple economic, social and cultural benefits. They are prize land not wasteland and therefore should be integrated into the development and management plans of cities".
"We encourage cities to adopt policies and actions which will help to conserve urban wetlands. There are already successful examples of cities that have committed to sustainably use their wetlands. In October 2018 in Dubai, during the 13th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, we will be recognizing the first cities to obtain Wetland City Accreditation under our Convention. We hope that these pioneer cities will serve as a catalyst and inspire deliberate actions that set us on a pathway towards sustainable urbanization. Let us commit to making our cities liveable by taking actions today to retain, restore and preserve urban wetlands. Happy World Wetlands Day 2018!"
Let's have an in-depth look at the importance of wetlands:
· Reduce flooding
Wetlands act as giant sponges that absorb flood waters. Rivers, ponds, lakes and marshes soak up and store heavy rainfall. In coastal cities, saltmarshes and mangroves work as a buffer against storm surges.
· Replenish drinking water
Groundwater aquifers, rainwater and rivers are the source of almost all drinking water. Wetlands fi lter the water that seeps into aquifers, helping to replenish this important water source. Protecting rivers and limiting harmful run-off also helps safeguard the water supply.
· Filter waste and improve water quality
The silt-rich soil and abundant plants in wetlands function as water fi lters, which absorb some harmful toxins, agricultural pesticides and industrial waste. Urban wetlands also help treat sewage from households.
· Improve urban air quality
Wetlands radiate moist air thanks to their high water levels and lush plant life. This naturally cools the air in the local surroundings; a relief both in tropical cities and in extremely dry climates.
· Promote human well-being
When preserved as green spaces in cities, wetlands offer residents a space for recreation and access to diversity of plant and animal life. Studies confirm that interacting with nature reduces stress and improves our health.
· Enable people to earn a living
Many types of fish spawn and breed in wetlands, making them popular fishing grounds. Wetlands provide reeds and grasses for weaving, medicinal plants and fruits; all valuable goods for local residents. Wetlands also attract tourism, another important source of jobs.
These wetland benefits grow ever more crucial as the number of people living in cities has now passed the 4 billion mark and continues to rise.
What are urban wetlands?
Wetlands are land areas that are flooded with water, either seasonally or permanently. Urban wetlands are found in and around cities or their suburbs and include rivers and their flood plains, lakes, and swamps as well as coastal variants such as salt marshes, mangroves and coral reefs.
Here follows an infographic will all of the important facts:
Parents click on the link for a coloring in picture: http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/documents/10184/272341/WWD18_color_in_English.pdf/6bf7f368-25c1-40b5-85f1-5817e541164d
How a wetland works:
Help create awareness by:
- Inviting the public to take action on urban wetlands Promote World Wetlands Day and the theme on urban wetlands on your website, on social media platforms, in newsletters or bulletin boards etc.
- Using the posters and hand-outs provided or create your own materials such as T-shirts, caps, banners etc. Indesign files are available and can be downloaded directly from: www.worldwetlandsday.org Translating the information materials provided into your own language.
- Writing a blog or article in your local paper. Inform journalists and other media about how wetlands benefit cities, and how important they are for quality of life in urban areas.
- Organizing an event in your vicinity.
Examples include:
ü Urban wetland field trip: Most cities have a wetland, maybe even a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site). Consult the list of Ramsar Sites by country at www.ramsar.org/sites-countries/ the-ramsar-sites. Once on site, consider what the wetland does for the city. And enjoy bird-watching, hiking, a boat ride, or a swim.
ü Conference or a talk featuring wetland experts, local people who make their living in wetlands.
ü Exhibition to present and showcase arts or photographs about wetlands. Community walk, bike or run for wetlands.
ü Public wetland clean-up day. Press conference to make an important announcement.
ü Film viewing: bring people together to watch a film on wetlands. Organize a photo or essay competition on World Wetlands Day.
ü Organize or join an urban wetland clean-up exercise.
You can also do the following:
ü Become a wetland “Ambassador” who advocates for protecting local wetlands.
ü Use water sparingly and avoid toxic products that could flow into urban
ü wetlands.
ü Support actions that seek to restore degraded urban wetlands.
Teachers' resources
- Teacher’s guide to sustainable cities with a strong biology and science orientation, aimed at grades 9-12, issued by The Nature Conservancy: www.natureworkseverywhere.org/asset/resources/Sustainable_Cities_ Teacher_Guide_v1_2_8_2016.pdf
- A brief but comprehensive overview of the growth of cities, from the United Nations: The World’s Cities in 2016 Data Booklet www.un.org/en/development/desa/population/publications/pdf/urbanization/the_worlds_cities_in_2016_ data_booklet.pdf
- A practical teacher’s guide for a wetland field trip, including activities for four different age ranges: Grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. http://seas.umich.edu/ecomgt/pubs/wetlands/hennepin/App%205.PDF
- A teacher guide to wetland activities aimed at grades 4-5 covering key aspects including food chain, and water cycle. From Ducks Unlimited Canada: Teacher’s Guide to Wetland Activities www.uaex.edu/environment-nature/wildlife/youth-education/TR%20Wetlands%20activities%20DU.pdf
References
http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/documents/10184/279535/En_+WWD2018+Statement.pdf/9792fe8b-942e-435d-b3fe-34426f92db5e
http://www.worldwetlandsday.org/documents/10184/272657/Handout+1/032e4501-70d5-49d6-b7db-6e2f5b08e5ed
World Wetlands Day (WWD) is annually celebrated on the 2nd of February. Government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and citizens annually undertake actions aimed specifically at raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits and, in particularly, the Ramsar Convention.
 |
| Source: UN |
Theme for 2017
The Standing Committee of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands accepted “Wetlands for Disaster Risk Reduction” as this year’s theme, during its 52nd meeting held in Gland, Switzerland from 13 – 17 June 2016. It was selected to raise awareness and it plays an essential role in reducing the effect of extreme weather events including floods, droughts and cyclones on communities. In fact, healthy wetlands help us cope with extreme weather events and in helping to build resilience.
The Ramsar Convention defines a wetland as “any land or area that is saturated or flooded with water, either permanently or seasonally, along with all beaches and shallow coastal areas, including 6 meters into the sea. This definition covers all inland wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lakes, fens, rivers, floodplains, and swamps as well as the whole range of coastal wetlands, which includes saltwater marshes, estuaries, mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs”.
Learn more about this important environmental day by visiting the official World Wetlands Day (www.worldwetlandsday.com). Here, you’ll find valuable advice and inspiration to celebrate it.
WORLD WETLANDS DAY 2016
World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February. It falls specifically on this day because it marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on the shores of the Caspian Sea, on 2 February 1971. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.
This is an important day on every environmentalist’s calendar because it raise public awareness of wetland values and benefits for humanity and the planet. It is also important as it fervently promote the conservation and wise and sustainable use of wetlands. Government agencies, non-government organisations, and community groups have all participated in raising important environmental awareness and the Ramsar Convention in particular.
Each year, World Wetlands Day focuses on a different theme and putting the spotlight on a vital function of wetlands. The theme for 2016 is Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods. This was chosen based on the fact that wetlands play a vital role for not only the current but also the future wellbeing of humanity. It also emphasis the promotion of the wise use of all wetlands. Also it will look specifically at their relevance towards achieving the new Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, it is about drawing attention to urgently acting towards slowing, stopping, and reversing wetland degradation. We can’t achieve sustainable development without healthy wetlands.
This year, you too can spread the green word by visiting www.worldwetlandsday.org which is running a photography competition for people aged 15 to 24. The prize is a flight to any wetlands destination anywhere in the world, courtesy of Star Alliance Biosphere Connections. Please do your bit to counteract the loss and degradation of wetlands. Let’s raise awareness of protecting wetlands, not only on World Wetlands Day, but also beyond, so that future generations can also experience the beauty that is wetlands.
 |
| Source: UN. |
Because wetlands work for us, we need to work for wetlands!
WORLD PANGOLIN DAY
The SIXTH annual World Pangolin Day is celebrated today, on the 18th of February. The first World Pangolin Day was celebrated in February 2012. This day is dedicated to the armor-clad mammals, resembling giant pine cones. World Pangolin Day provides the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about these unique yet vulnerable mammals as well as put the spotlight on their plight. The aim of this particularly important day is to draw as much attention to pangolins as possible because they’re still fairly unknown outside of Asia and Africa. Unfortunately, Pangolins are one of the most heavily trafficked mammals in the illegal wildlife trade. Their numbers are quickly declining in both Asia and Africa due to poaching and illegal hunting. However, there is some good news! Fortunately, at the most recent Conference of the Parties to CITES, held in South Africa during September 2016, all eight pangolin species were upgraded from Appendix II to Appendix I. Consequently, all pangolin species will receive the strictest global protections from trade.
 |
| Source: Arkive |
 |
| Source: Whatspecies |
Worldwide, there are eight species ranging from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered.
Four pangolin species occur in Asia:
Indian Pangolin (also called Thick-tailed Pangolin), Manis crassicaudata
Phillipine Pangolin, Manis culionensis
Sunda Pangolin (also called Malayan Pangolin), Manis javanica
Chinese Pangolin, Manis pentadactyla
Four pangolin species occur in Africa:
Three-Cusped Pangolin (also called African White-Bellied Pangolin and Tree Pangolin), Manis tricuspis
Giant Ground Pangolin, Manis gigantea
Cape Pangolin (also called Temminck’s Pangolin), Manis temminckii
Long-Tailed Pangolin (also called Black-Bellied Pangolin), Manis tetradactyla
According to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), almost no information is available on population levels of any species of pangolin. They are rarely observed as a result of their secretive, solitary, and nocturnal habits, and there has been little research on their population densities.
Here are powerfully interesting pangolin facts:
· Their name, “pangolin”, is derived from the Malay word “pengguling”, which loosely translates to “something that rolls up”. Together, the eight species comprise their very own Order: Pholidota.
· Otherwise known as scaly anteaters.
· They’re unique creatures that are covered in hard, plate-like scales, comprised of keratin.
· Their scales cover their whole body from head to tip of tail — except for their undersides (it’s covered with a few sparse hairs).
· Pangolins are insectivorous (feeding on insects) and predate almost exclusively on ants and termites.
· They voluntarily constrict their ears and nostrils to keep insects out while they’re feeding.
· They are the only scaled mammal.
· They are predominantly nocturnal and elusive, secretive mammals.
· To protect themselves, they curl into balls like hedgehogs.
· Due to variation in their size and the size of their scales, each species of pangolin has a different range in terms of the number of scales.
· Giant ground pangolins are the largest of all eight species - one was found to weigh 33 kilograms (72.6 pounds).
· Long-tailed pangolins are the smallest, weighing around 2-3 kg (about 4-6 pounds).
· A pangolin’s tongue can be longer than its body when fully extended is can be 40 cm long!
· They do not have teeth and are unable to chew. Instead, they have long sticky tongues that they use to catch the insects they feed on.
· They have large, curved claws that they use for pulling bark off trees and logs to find their insect prey.
· Their large and elongated claws enable them to burrow underground for shelter and to excavate ant and termite nests for food, mixing and aerating the soil, improving nutrient quality of the soil and aids the decomposition cycle, providing a healthy substrate for lush vegetation to grow from.
· They reach sexual maturity after two years, and typically only give birth to a single young.
· Their gestation period is thought to last between 69–150 days, varying by species.
· When born, the babies weigh around 8-450 grams (about 3-16 ounces), depending on the species, and have soft scales that harden fairly rapidly.
· Young are usually weaned at around three months of age.
· Baby pangolins travel around with their mothers by riding on the base of her tail.
· The scales of these critters comprise about 20% of their total body weight.
· When pangolins feel threatened, they curl up into a tight, almost impenetrable ball to protect their tender undersides. If caught, they will thrash about using their tail muscles. Because their scales have very sharp edges, they can slice the skin of a human or predator when they do this.
· Pangolins have poor vision and hearing, but their sense of smell is quite strong.
· Some species find shelter in trees, while others live in underground burrows.
So show your support for these under-appreciated animals today!
References
INTERNATIONAL POLAR BEAR DAY
 |
| Source: Telegraph |
 |
| Source: Daily Mail |
International Polar Bear Day is celebrated annually on the 27th of February. It is celebrated to raise vital awareness about the conservation status of this beautiful species. It is organised by Polar Bears International to put a spotlight on the impact of global warming and a reduction of sea ice on polar bear populations.
Polar Bears, like many other species, are under threat as a result of climate change. The Arctic is warming roughly twice as fast as the global average, causing the ice that polar bears depend on to melt away. The sea ice is melting earlier and forming later each year. Polar bears require the sea ice to hunt seals, which are their main prey. Because a significant amount of sea ice reduction takes place, it affects their survival and breeding success because they have to fast for longer periods at a time.
 |
| Source: Polar Bear World |
 |
| Source: Telegraph |
So please join us in celebrating the white giants of the North.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2018
This year’s theme (“Big cats: predators under threat”) involves precious big cats (they not only include lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars (the four largest wild cats that can roar), but also cheetahs, snow leopards, pumas, clouded leopards, etc.), placing the spotlight on their protection. Lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars are majestic animals, symbolizing power and courage. These cats are widely recognizable, admirable, and charismatic. Big cat species are primarily found in Africa, Asia, and North, Central and South America. Sadly, though, they face various and unprecedented threats (primarily caused by human activities) to their survival in the wild, and globally too. Their populations are rapidly declining due to loss of habitat and prey, conflicts with people, poaching, and illegal trade.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2017
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2016
Today is an important day on the annual environmental calendar: World Wildlife Day. This day is a prominent global wildlife event. On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), as UN World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.
This year’s theme (“Big cats: predators under threat”) involves precious big cats (they not only include lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars (the four largest wild cats that can roar), but also cheetahs, snow leopards, pumas, clouded leopards, etc.), placing the spotlight on their protection. Lions, tigers, leopards, and jaguars are majestic animals, symbolizing power and courage. These cats are widely recognizable, admirable, and charismatic. Big cat species are primarily found in Africa, Asia, and North, Central and South America. Sadly, though, they face various and unprecedented threats (primarily caused by human activities) to their survival in the wild, and globally too. Their populations are rapidly declining due to loss of habitat and prey, conflicts with people, poaching, and illegal trade.
According to CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), “tiger populations plummeted by 95% over the past 100 years and African lion populations dropped by 40% in just 20 years”.
According to the CITES Secretary-General, John E. Scanlon, “over the past century we have been losing big cats, the planet’s most majestic predators, at an alarming rate. World Wildlife Day 2018 gives us the opportunity to raise awareness about their plight and to galvanize support for the many global and national actions that are underway to save these iconic species. Through World Wildlife Day big cats will generate the level of attention they all deserve to be sure they are with us for generations to come”.
Follow the link for facts and statistics about cheetahs, jaguars, pumas, leopards, lions, snow leopards, and tigers: http://www.wildlifeday.org/content/learn
Show your support for this incredibly important day by hosting your own event with a big cats theme. It will be a roaring (pun intended) success!
References
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY 2017
What does World Wildlife Day entail?
On 20 December 2013, at its 68th session, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) proclaimed 3 March, the day of signature of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). With 183 Member States, CITES remains one of the world's most influential tools for biodiversity conservation through the regulation of trade in wild fauna and flora. The CITES Secretariat was designated as the facilitator for the global observance of this special day for wildlife on the UN calendar. It’s a day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. It is about raising awareness of the multitude of benefits that conservation provides to people and helps to galvanize national and international action. Today it’s the world’s most important global annual event dedicated exclusively to wildlife. It reminds people of the urgent need to step up the fight against wildlife crime, which has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.
Theme for 2017
Every year a specific theme is used to celebrate this important environmental day on the calendar. This year WWD is celebrated with a “Listen to the Young Voices” theme in mind. Youth are essentially the agents of change. This is definitely an important and relevant theme because almost one quarter of the world’s population is aged between 10 and 24. Therefore, efforts need to be made in order to encourage young people because they are the future leaders and decision makers of the world, and, thus, to act at both local and global levels to ensure that the protection of endangered wildlife occurs. One thing that is high on the United Nation’s agenda is the engagement and empowerment of youth. Currently, this objective is being achieved through the youth programmes of various UN system organizations and the dedicated UN Secretary General’s Envoy on Youth. Parties to CITES gathered at the 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (CoP17) (held in Johannesburg in September 2016) adopted the first CITES resolution on ‘Youth Engagement’ – calling for greater engagement and empowerment of youth in conservation issues. This year, WWD specifically 2017 encourages youth all over the world to rally together to address on-going major threats to wildlife including habitat change, over-exploitation or illicit trafficking. Thankfully, progress has already been seen on the positive impacts on conservation issues made by some young conservation leaders around the world. The collective youth impact is extensive and indisputable. It is the duty of the current generations to impart their knowledge of wildlife conservation with the younger generations, and thereby empowering and encouraging them to actively engage and participate.
Plight of wildlife
Wildlife has an intrinsic value, contributing to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of sustainable development and human well-being. But, alarming challenges facing wildlife include habitat loss, climate change and poaching. Poaching and trafficking of wildlife is the most immediate threat to many species. The fate of the world’s wildlife will soon be in the hands of the next generation. There’s is a pressing need for enhanced action to ensure the survival of wildlife in its natural habitats.
Get involved!
WWD is celebrated in various ways in order to help promote awareness about wildlife conservation issues around the world. So, go wild for World Wildlife Day by:
· Making sure to announce your applicable event so we can see how World Wildlife Day is being celebrated around the world!
· Posting on social media. Repost one of our photos, posters or use one of our action cards and say something about the day. Remember to use the hashtags #DoOneThingToday, #youth4wildlife, #YoungVoices, #WorldWildlifeDay, #EndWildlifeTrafficking
· Entering the World Wildlife Day 2017 Photo Competition (The winner will get a free flight and 2 night accommodation to New York for World Wildlife day 2017)!
· Engaging with celebrities, athletes, politicians, businesses and appoint them as Wildlife Conservation Ambassadors or key opinion leaders.
Local communities can play a positive role in helping to curb illegal wildlife trade. So, WWD provides an excellent opportunity to help raise awareness and take action to be part of the solution, ensuring that wildlife conservation takes place and wildlife crimes are combatted. The message of the official World Wildlife Day website is clear: WE ALL HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY. It is also up to every citizen, young and old, to protect wildlife and their habitats. IT’S TIME FOR US ALL TO LISTEN TO THE YOUNG VOICES!
References
http://www.un.org/en/events/wildlifeday/
World Wildlife Day is internationally celebrated on the 3rd of March every year. It revolves around raising awareness of our beautiful and divers wild fauna and flora as well as why it is imperative that it must be conserved for future generations. The focus is not only charismatic, majestic species but also the lesser known (but equally important) species. It is specifically celebrated on this day because it marks the day that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was adopted in 1973. CITES have 182 Member States and is a powerful international tool for biodiversity conservation by regulating the trade in wild fauna and flora. .Every year the day is celebrated with a specific theme in mind and this year’s theme is “The future of wildlife is in our hands”, globally focusing on the conservation of African and Asian elephants through the sub-theme of “The future of elephants is in our hands”. The theme emphasizes the inextricable link between wildlife, people and sustainable development.
Wildlife has an intrinsic value and contributes to the ecological, genetic, social, economic, scientific, educational, cultural, recreational and aesthetic aspects of sustainable development and human well-being. It is a vitally important day because the world’s wonderful wildlife is facing many challenges including habitat loss, overgrazing, farming, and development. Furthermore, poaching and trafficking in wildlife especially elephants, pangolins, rhinoceros, sharks, tigers and precious tree species of are threats to these species as well.
A worrisome and shocking fact is that about 100,000 elephants were estimated to be slaughtered for their ivory between the period 2010 - 2012. Wildlife crime has wide-ranging economic, environmental and social impacts.
Countries and individuals alike around the globe are enthusiastically encouraged to take actions to place greater attention on wild animals and plants from their own countries and commit themselves to conserving these precious species and to protect them from imminent threats as well as to protect their habitat indefinitely. It is the responsibility of each generation to safeguard wildlife for the following generation.
So, please, join us in this celebration. We all have an imperative role to play to be part of the solution to ensure that adequate wildlife conservation takes place. Together, with our collective conservation actions, we will ensure that these wildly wonderful wildlife will not go extinct, but, conversely, prosper. Please speak for the voiceless. And remember, every day should be Wildlife Day.
"On this World Wildlife Day, I call on all citizens, businesses and governments to play their part in protecting the world’s wild animals and plants. The actions taken by each of us will determine the fate of the world’s wildlife. The future of wildlife is in our hands!" - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
Website for WWD 2016 is: http://www.wildlifeday.org/
References:
Examples of what you can do on World Wildlife Day
This year there is also a greater focus on social media and the power thereof because it plays an important role on raising awareness to educate people about this vital environmental day. This will ensure the protection of wildlife daily. Showing your support by supporting is very easy; including
· Use your computer or phone to digitally spread the message. This will ensure that more people are reached and they, too, will be aware of this important day. Use the hashtags #WWD2016; #InOurHands; #WorldWildlifeDay.
· Make use of the WWD logo as widely as possible.
· Make use of the following official posters to commemorate this day:
· Visit a zoo, a museum, a botanical garden or a national park.
· Launch a new campaign linked with the World Wildlife Day.
· Talk about wildlife in schools and universities.
· Organize wildlife photo exhibitions.
· Supporting your local conservation projects.
· Put up wildlife exhibits.
· Collaborate with local zoos, conservation centres, wildlife reserves, museums or botanical gardens and encourage them to celebrate World Wildlife Day.
· Collect signatures for a “say ‘no’ to illegal wildlife products” campaign.
· Donate your time. Many organizations and zoos have volunteer programs.
· Learn more about our planet’s species from experts. Visit the websites of conservation organizations Subscribe to a wildlife magazine and watch nature programmes on TV.
Reference:
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass, performing vital functions around the world. Around 1.6 billion people depend on forests for their livelihoods, medicines, fuel, food and shelter. Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land. They are also home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects. Even though they provide a myriad of priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarmingly fast rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Today International Day of Forests is celebrated all over the world. It is an annual occurrence and a particularly important environmental day. It not only helps to raise awareness of the importance of forests to people, but also their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security. Sustainable management of all types of forests are at the heart of unlocking challenges of conflict-affected, developing and developed countries, for the benefit of current and future generations.
2018 Theme: Forests and Sustainable Cities
This year the UN has provided the platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees, and celebrate the ways in which they sustain and protect us.
Key Messages that they want to convey are:
· Forests and trees store carbon, which helps mitigate the impacts of climate change in and around urban areas.
· Trees also improve the local climate, helping to save energy used for heating by 20-50 percent.
· Strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air by up to 8 degrees Celsius, reducing air conditioning needs by 30 percent.
· Urban trees are excellent air filters, removing harmful pollutants in the air and fine particulates.
· Trees reduce noise pollution, as they shield homes from nearby roads and industrial areas.
· Local populations use the fruits, nuts, leaves and insects found in urban trees to produce food and medicines for use in the home, or as a source of income.
· Wood fuel sourced from urban trees and planted forests on the outskirts of cities provides renewable energy for cooking and heating, which reduces pressures on natural forests and our reliance on fossil fuels.
· Forests in and around urban areas help to filter and regulate water, contributing to high-quality freshwater supplies for hundreds of millions of people. Forests also protect watersheds and prevent flooding as they store water in their branches and soil.
· Well-managed forests and trees in and around cities provide habitats, food and protection for many plants and animals, helping to maintain and increase biodiversity.
· Forests in cities and surrounding areas generate tourism, create tens of thousands of jobs and encourage city beautification schemes, building dynamic, energetic and prosperous green economies.
· Urban green spaces, including forests, encourage active and healthy lifestyles, improve mental health, prevent disease, and provide a place for people to socialize.
How you can partake in the day:
· Watch and share the International Day of Forests video 2018 (please see video below).
· Take part in the International Day of Forests 2018 photo contest by sharing a photo of that special tree or that special forest in your city.
· Organize or join events celebrating forests – tree plantings, symposiums, art exhibitions, or a photo competition.
· Use the #IntlForestDay hashtag on social media.
Read the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations’ report on the state of the world’s forests here: http://www.fao.org/3/a-i5588e.pdf
Why do you think forests matter? Follow the link to find why forests are important: https://www.unenvironment.org/explore-topics/forests/why-do-forests-matter
How much do you really know about forests and cities? Follow the link to the FAO’s quiz to find out: http://www.fao.org/zhc/detail-events/en/c/1107093/.
References
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS - 2017
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS - 2016
The International Day of Forests is held on 21 March every year. The United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/67/200 on 21 December 2012, declaring that 21 March of each year is to be observed as the International Day of Forests. The secretariat of the United Nations Forum on Forests, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, are responsible to facilitate the implementation of the International Day of Forests, in collaboration with Governments, the Collaborative Partnership on Forests and international, regional and sub-regional organizations.
It is an important day on the environmental calendar due to the fact that it raises awareness about the importance of forests. It provides a platform to raise awareness of the importance of all types of woodlands and trees. It’s also about celebrating the ways in which they sustain and protect us. Countries are encouraged to undertake local, national, and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.
Different events celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees outside forests, for the benefit of current and future generations. Forests provide priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits as well as play a critical role in environmental sustainability, food security, and poverty eradication.
2017 Theme
The theme of International Day of Forests is decided by the Collaborative Partnership on Forests. This year’s theme is Forests and Energy. This year, the focus is placed on the importance of wood energy in improving people's lives, powering sustainable development, and mitigating climate change.
Undeniably, wood is a major renewable energy source. It provides the world with more energy than solar, hydroelectric or wind power, accounting for approximately 45 percent of current global renewable energy supply (27 percent of total primary energy supply in Africa, 13 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean and 5 percent in Asia and Oceania).
Quick facts about forests
 |
| Source: Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement |
· The state of our forests is important to us all here on earth for many reasons – 80% of all terrestrial biodiversity lives in forests, and each year many species go extinct as a result of them being destroyed.
· Forests cover 30% of land, but 3 million hectares are lost per year.
· Trees are Nature’s air conditioners – 1 young healthy tree can cool just like 10 air conditioners running 20 hrs a day.
· More than 2 billion people, including more than 2,000 indigenous cultures, depend on forests for their livelihoods, and use it to cook food, boil water, and stay warm
· Almost 900 million people, generally in developing countries, are engaged in the wood-energy sector on a part- or full-time basis.
· Forests equal energy – 90% of fuelwood and charcoal use takes place in developing countries
· Sustainably managed forests can supply renewable, CO2 neutral energy
· Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass.
· They perform vital functions around the world.
· Forests are the most biologically-diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
· Global deforestation continues at an alarming rate - 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually.
· Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 percent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
· Strategically placed trees in urban areas can cool the air by between 2 to 8 degrees C.
 |
| Source: Forest Foundation |
People can participate in events such as: include tree-planting and other community-level events, and national celebrations including art, photo and film and, importantly, social media outreach.
References
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF FORESTS - 2016
Today International Day of Forests is celebrated all over the world. This year’s theme is “Forests and Water”. It is celebrated globally to raise awareness about the importance of all forests not only for current generations but also for future generations’ benefit. It also places a spotlight on deforestation and how it can effectively be dealt with.
Forests cover one third of the Earth's land mass which comprise vital functions globally. Forests play an important role in sustaining and protecting us; they are the lungs of our planet; they are essential for life and survival providing valuable goods and services; and are important in supplying freshwater for our planet.
Here is a short video about this important day:
 |
| Source: Discover the Forest Organisation |
 |
| Source: WWF International |
Please follow the following link to participate in a quiz to find out how much you truly know about forests: http://www.fao.org/zhc/detail-events/en/c/280085/
WORLD WATER DAY - 2017
World Water Day is annually celebrated on the 22 March. This day was first implemented in 1993. It was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. It commenced as a result of continued awareness about water-related issues. The United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World Water Day and is coordinated by UN-Water. This is an important day on the environmental calendar, especially because all over the world water crises occur. It provides an incentive to learn more about the importance of water resources and to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably. It is seen as an international observance where knowledge about water-related issues is shared. The most important message is to take action and make a critical difference.
Theme for 2017
Each year the day is spend with a different theme in mind, decided upon by UN-Water, corresponding with either a current or future challenge. 2017’s is Wastewater (Why waste water?). Wastewater is an important resource and it is about reducing and reusing it. It’s in line with achieving the Sustainable Development Goal 6 target: To halve the proportion of untreated wastewater and increase water recycling and safe reuse. The most important thing to remember is that instead of wasting wastewater, it must be reduced and reused and reused.
References
WORLD WATER DAY - 2016
World Water Day is annually celebrated on the 22nd of March. Water is such a valuable resource and this important day is celebrated to raise vital awareness that all people must use water sparingly to take future generations into account, too. It expands people’s knowledge about the importance of water and other related issues to make an invaluable difference. The spotlight is placed on the importance of freshwater while simultaneously encouraging freshwater resources to be sustainably managed.
It commenced in 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). A theme is chosen each year by UN-Water relating to either a current or future challenge that we are facing right now or will in the future. This year’s theme is: Better water, better jobs. Approximately 1.5 billion people work in sectors relating to water. Water plays an instrumental role in creating and supporting jobs.
Here is the official World Water Day video:
Here is the official World Water Day video:
Water is not only important for drinking and for good health, it is also vitally important for comprehensively supporting economic, social, and human development. One of the most powerful way to contribute to this important day is to raise your voice on social media by using the hashtags #WaterisWork and #WorldWaterDay.
Source: UN-Water
“You never miss the water till the well runs dry” is a very true and relevant idiom.
 |
| Source: How stuff works |
References:
This year Earth Hour is at 8:30pm on 25 March 2017. All over the world, millions of people, businesses, and landmarks set aside an hour to host events and to switch off their lights. Moreover it shines a light on the need for climate change action. All individuals, communities, households, and businesses are encouraged to turn off all non-essential lights for an hour. This is seen as a symbol for their commitment to help save our planet.
What is Earth Hour all about?
Earth Hour is an engagement platform for climate change. Through this campaign, the WWF strives to “make climate action understandable, relatable, and accessible to all”. It has the power to inspire and empowers people from all over the world to, instead of being passive bystanders, to actively participate in global efforts to fight climate change successfully. It reminds us that we can all be heroes for our planet.
Earth Hour is not about how much energy is saved during the hour, but about focusing the attention on the issues facing the planet and inspiring people to live more sustainably. The whole idea about the campaign is that the choices people make and the actions they take after the hour is up can help reduce the impacts of climate change on the planet, its wildlife, and future generations.
From helping shape climate-friendly policies to powering the transition to renewables and protecting our forests and wildlife from the worst impacts of climate change, Earth Hour empowers every individual and communities worldwide to be a part of the future we desire and that our children truly deserve. Earth Hour ensures each and every one of us plays our part in creating a better future for our planet and generations to come (WWF Earth Hour Report 2016).
The ‘Plus’ sign was integrated into the Earth Hour logo to indicate the campaign’s evolution beyond the hour.
History
WWF’s Earth Hour commenced as an idea intending to unite Sydney-siders to take a stand for climate action in 2007 and it was celebrated for the first time by 2.2 million people. Countries from around the world are experiencing the impact of climate change and our precious planet needs urgent climate action, so, thus, this valuable campaign was launched. Since them Earth hour has been the “force behind numerous environmental outcomes including helping to drive legislative changes, promoting individual actions to protect forests, oceans and wildlife, encouraging sustainable behaviour and lifestyles, and helping spark global awareness and momentum on climate”.
#ChangeClimateChange
The Paris Agreement marked the first step toward the climate action our planet needs today. 2015 was both the year the world celebrated the first universal climate deal. “This is our time to #ChangeClimateChange”. Changing climate change necessitates innovation in ambition, vision, and collaboration, starting with all of us. Emphasis is placed on the transition to clean, green renewable energy as it’s a cornerstones of building a climate-safe future.
Successes
In 2009, Earth Hour broke all records of mass participation, and also becoming the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. In 2009, there were 88 Countries & Territories and in 2016 a whopping 178 Countries & Territories! This unequivocally serve as reminder of the globe’s determination to tackle our planet’s biggest environmental challenge yet. It is much more than simply an hour: It has assisted in changing laws and fund solar-powered homes, thereby making a real, positive impact on the planet. Earth Hour continues to remain the key driver of the now larger movements.
Earth Hour Report 2016
Here are some interesting facts revolving around Earth Hour 2016. According to the Earth Hour Report (2016):
· 78 countries and territories participated in Earth Hour.
· 12 700 landmarks and monuments switched off their lights
· 2, 426, 929 actions were taken during Earth Hour
· 2.5 billion impressions on Earth Day
The Report notes that “our actions today will define what tomorrow will look like for generations to come and every one of us must be a part of the climate action our planet urgently needs”.
Participation
· Use the hashtags #changeclimatechange and #EarthHour to show your support digitally or share the official Earth Hour poster. Our actions today can invariably change our tomorrow - collectively, let's #ChangeClimateChange
· Sign up and send a strong message that you want action on climate change right now
· Switch off your lights in a symbolic show of global support to protect our amazing planet
· Bring your friends, family, or community together and organise a special Earth Hour event.
· Share your plans on our Earth Hour map
· Fundraise for our vital work to tackle pressing threats like climate change and help us to protect our amazing planet.
· Take a look at our range of fantastic Earth Hour events – get involved!
The WWF’s message is crystal clear: Earth Hour belongs to you.
References
References
Earth Day is annually celebrated on the 22nd of April. It is observed all over the world and several events are held to support Mother Nature. This day commenced in 1970 and is coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network. Rallies, conferences, outdoor activities, and service projects occur. It places the spotlight on the threats the planet face as well as what an individual and communities can do to protect our beautiful Earth. On Earth Day 2016, the landmark Paris Agreement was signed by the United States, China, as well as 120 other countries, and it was a key requirement for the entry into force of the historic draft climate protection treaty adopted by consensus of the 195 nations present at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.
A march of science will take place and several communities celebrate Earth Week, comprising of an entire week of activities focused on the environmental issues that the world currently faces.
The essence of this critical environment day is to encourage people across the world to be more environmentally friendly.
So, what can you do?
· Promote understanding of important environmental issues so that more people are aware of the critical actions we need to take to protect our environment.
· Commit yourself to service on or around Earth Day by planting trees, participating in a beach clean-up, or help your local community garden.
· Or simply take a walk in nature
· Participate in recycling activities
· Appreciate Mother Nature and all she does for us!
References
EARTH DAY - 2016
The theme of this year's Earth Day is: Trees for the Earth.
Earth Day 2016 is annually celebrated on 22 April. It marks an important environmental day that is celebrated all over the world. The Earth Day Network aims to plant 7.8 billion trees. The organisation notes that "trees will be the first of five major goals we are undertaking in honour of the five-year countdown to our 50th anniversary". These positive initiatives will impact the environment which will ultimately lead to a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable planet for all.
There are several reasons why trees were chosen, mainly because (Earth Day Organisation 2016):
- Trees help combat climate change. They absorb excess and harmful CO2 from our atmosphere. In fact, in a single year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving the average car 26,000 miles.
- Trees help us breathe clean air. Trees absorb odours and pollutant gases (nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone) and filter particulates out of the air by trapping them on their leaves and bark.
- Trees help communities. Trees help communities achieve long-term economic and environmental sustainability and provide food, energy and income.
 |
| Source: www.lynchburgparksandrec.com |
Reference
The Earth Day Network. Available from: http://www.earthday.org/earth-day/earth-day-theme/#sthash.o31ffYg6.dpuf
EARTH DAY - 2015
Earth Day is annually celebrated on the 22nd of April. This year is the 45th anniversary of this environmental day. More than 1 billion people and 22 000 partners in 192 countries enthusiastically participate in this imperative day.
 |
Celebrating Earth Day
|
This an important day in environmentalists’ green eyes and we strive to make noticeable awareness about this day and to essentially celebrate and participate in Earth Day every single day. The environmental community comes together to help raise awareness to protect the environment and the climate.
It is about making people aware and to inspire them to participate and show their support for environmental protection and sustainable development and to change our behaviour and fight for a clean environment. Various groups and communities show their support and to celebrate clean air, land, and water. This day puts a spotlight on the imminent and unique environmental challenges and issues and to protests against the deterioration of the environment. This day is about truly honouring Mother Nature.
It is about making people aware and to inspire them to participate and show their support for environmental protection and sustainable development and to change our behaviour and fight for a clean environment. Various groups and communities show their support and to celebrate clean air, land, and water. This day puts a spotlight on the imminent and unique environmental challenges and issues and to protests against the deterioration of the environment. This day is about truly honouring Mother Nature.
Earth Day’s Global 2015 Theme is ‘It’s Our Turn to Lead’. This day is globally coordinated by the Earth Day Network which does an extraordinarily good job of raising environmental awareness around the world and to globally create positive change and to raise awareness about the link between economic growth and sustainability as well as seeking to choose clean and greener energy solutions. They work towards a better environmental future.
This year is the most important year in environmental history because the harsh reality of climate change is increasingly becoming clear. Earth is the only planet where life is possible and it is necessary to maintain the natural assets of the earth in order to continue the life on the earth.
This year is the most important year in environmental history because the harsh reality of climate change is increasingly becoming clear. Earth is the only planet where life is possible and it is necessary to maintain the natural assets of the earth in order to continue the life on the earth.
Truly making an environmentally friendly difference
Let’s all celebrate Earth Day and daily help to protect Mother Nature while daily keeping an environmentally friendly future in mind. Remember, give Mother Nature a reason to love us back.
For more information with regards to this important day and what you can do to participate and help, please visit:
Why support Earth Day?
 |
Earth Day Badge
|
There are several reasons why it is important to participate in such a day and show your support:
· The current global warming trend is of particular significance because the majority of it is most likely to be caused by humans. It is proceeding at a rate that is unprecedented in the past 1,300 years.
· Climate change causes coastal flooding and displacement of people. Floods also help spread deadly diseases by transmitting infection and vector-borne diseases.
· The world's average surface temperature has increased by around 0.6 degrees Celsius over last 100 years.
· The Golden Toad is the first species to go extinct due to climate change.
· Climate change enhances the spread of pests that causes life-threatening diseases such as malaria.
· Climate change could push food prices up by 50% to 60% by 2030.
· Scientists predicted that due to ongoing activities contributing to global warming, the average global temperature could increase between 1.4 and 6 degrees Celsius in the 21st century.
· The United States constitutes 5% of the world population and contributes to 22% of world's carbon emission.
· Hurricanes and droughts are some of the natural disasters caused by climate change.
· More than 600,000 deaths occur worldwide every year due to climate change, and 95% of deaths take place in developing countries.
(Source: International Business Times).
World Penguin Day is celebrated to learn more about these fascinating species and to fully appreciate such a beautifully intriguing species. This day is about raising important awareness about penguins’ habits, their habitats, and their journey to survival and to just celebrate these popularly iconic and charismatic birds. It is also about getting people to do their bit to conserve these majestically monochromatic species.
References
http://blog.arkive.org/2013/04/world-penguin-day/
http://www.asoc.org/advocacy/antarctic-wildlife-conservation/penguins/1189
WORLD PENGUIN DAY
 |
| Please celebrate World Penguin Day with me and I'll give you some of this cuteness as a reward! Thank you |
Penguins are not just adorably cute creatures, they are also uniquely remarkable. World Penguin Day is annually celebrated on the 25th of April as the annual northward migration of these spectacular species is on or around April the 25th. Penguins are flightless, aquatic birds living most in the Southern Hemisphere, especially in Antarctic as well as South Africa, Peru, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, the Falkland Islands and the Galapagos Islands. There are approximately 17 - 20 different penguin species.
Range of All Penguin Species
World Penguin Day is celebrated to learn more about these fascinating species and to fully appreciate such a beautifully intriguing species. This day is about raising important awareness about penguins’ habits, their habitats, and their journey to survival and to just celebrate these popularly iconic and charismatic birds. It is also about getting people to do their bit to conserve these majestically monochromatic species.
 |
| (Source: Daily Mail UK) |
They have adapted exceptionally to life in the water and live in some of the harshest environments on earth and can survive and thrive in inhospitable Antarctica, where temperatures are as low as -50C. Penguins’ wings have evolved into flippers. Penguins also form an integral part of the ecosystem of Antarctica and changes in their populations, have detrimental consequences for other sections of the food chain. It is vital that we protect the oceans around Antarctica as penguins spend about 75% of their whole lives at sea. Unfortunately many of the penguins are threatened, so much so that 60 % of the 18 penguin species are listed as threatened by the IUCN.
 |
| Source: Penguins World |
Please show your support and celebrate these incredibly beautiful species! Please see more information with regards to Penguins, World Penguin Day and the efforts that are done to protect this valuable species at:
References
http://blog.arkive.org/2013/04/world-penguin-day/
http://www.asoc.org/advocacy/antarctic-wildlife-conservation/penguins/1189
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY - 2017
On the 22nd of May, a wonderful environmental day takes place: International Day for Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day. It is an annual observance and this United Nations–sanctioned is one of the most important days on the annual environmental calendar. The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) in order to increase understanding and promote awareness of biodiversity issues as well as raise awareness about preserving endangered habitats. Previously, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity) was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity when it was first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993. Thereafter, in In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, as it commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
But why an International Day for Biological Diversity?
Even though it has globally been recognised that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to present and future generations, the number of species is still being significantly reduced by certain human activities. As a response, The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components as well as the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources”. This convention has been ratified by 196 nations. The General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of the adoption of its text, as the International Day for Biological Diversity by its resolution 55/201 of 20 December 2000. This was done as a result of an increasing importance of public education and awareness for the implementation of the Convention.
Theme for 2017
This year’s theme relates to Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism which is a very fitting and relevant topic. It has been specifically chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 70/193 and for which the United Nations World Tourism Organization is providing leadership. Biodiversity (at the level of species and ecosystems) also provides an imperative foundation for several aspects of tourism. Furthermore, the importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. Various issues addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. Consequently, a well-managed tourist sector can contribute meaningfully to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.
Importance of biodiversity
Biodiversity is life. Furthermore, it is a key condition for resilient ecosystems, able to adapt to a changing environment and unexpected challenges. Also, it’s as necessary for nature and humankind as cultural diversity, in order to build stronger, more resilient societies as they’ll be equipped with the tools they need to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow.
References
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-for-biological-diversity/
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 2018
World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June each year and is one of the UN’s most important environmental days. It encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of our environment. It is the ‘People’s Day’ for doing something positive for the environment. World Environment Day has gained tremendous momentum over the years. Since its inception in 1974, it has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.
Theme for 2018
Each WED is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. This year's theme "Beat Plastic Pollution" was chosen by the host country, India.
Plastic pollution is a defining environmental challenge. “Beat Plastic Pollution”, the theme for World Environment Day 2018, also ties in with World Oceans Day’s 2018 theme of “Prevent Plastic Pollution” that will take place on the 8th of June. The theme was chosen by India, the host country.
It also is about considering how all of us can make changes in our everyday lives in order to reduce the burden of plastic pollution on not only our natural places and wildlife, but also our health. All partners raise awareness and inspire action to form the global movement needed to wholeheartedly combat plastic pollution. It promises to be the largest and most consequential World Environment Day ever. They are going to build on the global momentum to beat plastic pollution and use as a turning point to people worldwide to do more than just clean up existing plastics, but also focus their action upstream.
This year’s World Environment Day provides an opportunity for each of us to embrace the many ways that we can help to combat plastic pollution around the world. And you don’t have to wait until 5 June to act. Nor do you have to take only take action on the 5th June; preventing pollution can be part of your green, everyday lifestyle.
Key actions and message
An important message the day tries to convey is in order to beat plastic pollution, we need to entirely rethink our approach to designing, producing and using plastic products. Their goal is to inspire solutions that will ultimately lead to sustainable behaviour change upstream. They are also calling on governments to enact robust legislation to curb the production and use of unnecessary single-use plastics. Its aim is to harness individual actions and transform them into a collective power that has a legacy of real and lasting impact on the planet. They are working with education partners to help them reconsider their plastic habits, generate solutions and raise awareness. They want to inspire children on how they can take action to protect the environment. Children can then spread this message to their parents and, importantly, the wider community.
Plastic’s impact on the environment and on humans
Although plastic has many uses, people have become too reliant on single-use or disposable plastic – with severe environmental consequences.
It is shocking to realize that:
· Every year, 13 million tonnes of plastic enter our oceans, threatening marine and human life and destroying our natural ecosystems. It smothers coral reefs and threatens vulnerable marine wildlife.
· The plastic ending up in the oceans can circle the earth four times in a single year, and it can persist for up to 1,000 years before it fully disintegrates.
· Nearly one third of the plastic packaging we use escapes collection systems, which means that it ends up clogging our city streets and polluting our natural environment.
· What is even more worrisome is the fact that, around the world, 1 million plastic drinking bottles are purchased EVERY MINUTE.
· Every year we use up to 5 trillion disposable plastic bags. In total, 50 per cent of the plastic we use is single use.
· Over 90% of bottled water and even 83% of tap water contain microplastic particles. Micro-beads from beauty products and other non-recoverable materials also negatively impact our environment.
· Plastic also makes its way into our water supply – and thus into our bodies.
· Plastics contain a number of chemicals, many of which are toxic or disrupt hormones.
· Plastics can also serve as a magnet for other pollutants, including dioxins, metals and pesticides.
Other Global Plastic Pollution by Numbers
· Up to 5 trillion plastic bags used each year
· 17 million barrels of oil used on plastic production each year
· 100,000 marine animals killed by plastics each year
· 100 years for plastic to degrade in the environment
· 90% of bottled water found to contain plastic particles
· 83% of tap water found to contain plastic particles
· 50% of consumer plastics are single use
· 10% of all human-generated waste is plastic
What needs to be done?
It requires a complete rethinking of the way plastic is produced, used, and managed. Simply put: Our manufacturing, distribution, consumption, and trade systems for plastic NEED to change. Items that are merely thrown away immediately after a single use must stop. Individual action alone cannot solve the problem of reducing our plastic footprint. It is important that the problem is addressed at its source. Manufacturers must be held to account for the entire life-cycle of their consumer products. Policymakers and governments must safeguard precious environmental resources and public health by encouraging sustainable production and consumption through legislation. Focusing on the next generation is central to addressing the plastic pollution issue.
What has been done to curb plastic use?
Individuals, companies, and communities have increasingly exercised their power as consumers. This has been evident especially in supermarkets where people have, instead of using single-use plastic grocery bags, have used recyclable material or paper bags. Many have also reconsidered their purchase habits in supermarket aisles. People have also continuously turned down plastic straws and cutlery and several restaurants have joined in a campaign to not give any plastic straws out anymore. Beach clean-ups have also taken enthusiastically place. While clean-ups may only address the plastic issue at the end of its life cycle, they are a wonderful way to see the extent of plastic waste first-hand and rethink their behaviour.
Is there something else I can do, though?
Consumers must not only be actors but drivers for the behaviour change that must also happen upstream.
The main idea that this day wants to bring across is:
If you can’t reuse it, refuse it.
Furthermore, there are so many things that we can do:
· Ask your restaurants to stop using plastic straws
· Bringing your own coffee mug to work
· Pressure your local authorities to improve how they manage your city’s waste.
· Bring your own shopping bags to the supermarket
· Pressure food suppliers to use non-plastic packaging
· Refuse plastic cutlery
· Pick up any plastic you see the next time you go for a walk on the beach
On social media platforms you can share your ideas on social media using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution #WorldEnvironmentDay #WED2018 and inspire other people to also get involve.
Download the Litterati app to track the plastic waste that gets collected. Click on www.litterati.org and register what you collect so that it is included in the global total.
There is also a guide to help you develop your promotional materials for World Environment Day 2018. Click on the link to learn more: http://worldenvironmentday.global/en/get-involved/toolkits.
Encourage another institution to make a plastic-reduction pledge: Make a commitment to reduce your school, university, or organisation’s use of disposable plastic.
#BeatPlasticPollution game of tag
Join the global #BeatPlasticPollution game of tag: Invite students and staff to take a selfie with their canvas shopping bag, metal straw or any other reusable product and tag five friends, telling them to do the same. The person tagged should post a photo with their reusable item within 24 hours. You can also challenge other institutions to join you in cleaning the planet: Announce that your school, university, or organisation is cleaning up plastic litter in a park or public space for World Environment Day. Challenge other to do the same.
You can also host your own event and make it as fun, inspiring and interesting as you would like.
You, as citizens, must act as both consumers and informed citizens, demanding sustainable products and embracing sensible consumption habits in your own lives. To Beat Plastic Pollution, everyone needs step up and think about how they can not only reduce, reuse and recycle, but seek to inspire behavioural changes.
Only when we all come together, can we successfully combat one of the great environmental challenges of our time.
Remember: IF YOU CAN'T REUSE IT - REFUSE IT!
REFERENCES
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY - 2017
World Environment Day (WED) takes place on the 5th of June every year. This is a very relevant and important environmental day, especially in light of the current environmental situations around the world. The environment is currently in a dire state and is being degraded at a tremendously fast pace.
It is the United Nation's principal vehicle and is the biggest, most globally celebrated environmental days in terms of positive environmental action. WED places an imperative spotlight on protecting the environment and to inspire and motivate individuals, communities, and organisations to reconnect with Mother Nature. The day is all about imploring people to get outdoors and into nature so as to appreciate its stunning beauty as well as nature’s importance. It is a day on which people can reflect on their dependency on nature and how we are part of nature. It’s about ensuring a cleaner and greener future. Essentially it is about deepening public awareness of the need to preserve as well as enhance the environment. It’s about doing something positive for Mother Nature. WED provides an ideal opportunity for people to realize that they have a responsibility to care for the Mother Nature. The day promotes ways to improve the planet's environment as well as taking forward the call to protect the Earth that we share. It’s all about stimulating awareness of the environment as well as enhancing political attention and public action. It calls on people to show their love and affection for our shared natural world. World Environment Day is in spring in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
It is about being engaged in activities that serve to educate and improve people’s environment locally. WED is “the ‘people’s day’ for doing something to take care of the Earth or become an agent of change. That ‘something’ can be focused locally, nationally or globally; it can be a solo action or involve a crowd – everyone is free to choose. Through WED, the UN Environment Program (UNEP) enables everyone to realize not only the responsibility of caring for the Earth, but it also reminds people of their individual power to become agents of change. Every action counts, and when multiplied, it has the potential to become exponential in its impact. This observance provides an ideal opportunity to sign or ratify international environmental conventions.
The main colors featured in many promotions are natural colors (softer shades of green, brown and blue), representative of Mother Nature and its natural resources. WED is for everybody; it doesn’t matter where you live, albeit in cold or sunny areas, in the city or the countryside.
History
In 1972, World Environment Day was designated by the UN General Assembly on the first day of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, resulting from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. In 1974 the first WED was held.
Since its inception, citizens from all over the world have organized thousands of events, from neighborhood clean-ups, to replanting forests. Thus, for more than four decades, WED has essentially raised awareness and supported action and change. More than 143 countries participate in this important day. It commenced as a result of efforts of leading environmentalists who recognized the need for there to be a coordinated global focus to begin to make conserving the environment and our natural resources a priority.
The Host
Every year, WED has a different global host country where the official celebrations take place. This is to ensure and highlight the environmental challenges it faces, as well as supports the effort to address them. This year’s host country, Canada, chose the theme and will be at the centre of celebrations around the world.
Theme for 2017
Each WED is organised around a theme that focuses attention on a particularly pressing environmental concern. There couldn’t be a more fitting theme for 2017 than ‘Connecting People to Nature - in the city and on the land, from the poles to the equator’. For the youth, this theme has particular relevance as children frequently don’t spend enough time in nature anymore. Similarly, adults also, nowadays, don’t seem to spend quality time outdoors. Corporations, NGOs, communities, celebrities, and governments use this theme to adopt to advocate environmental causes and organise events around the specific theme. Also, stakeholders and interested parties are encouraged to add activities related to the environment for saving it and to motivate people for taking initiative to achieve it too. This year, UNEP will strive to make WED epic. In support of the 2017 celebrations, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the #NatureForAll campaign have helped inspire people to get out into nature and record what they see.
In our modern world few of us take enough time away from our daily lives to appreciate and engage with our natural world. By celebrating this day surrounded by nature, we'll be able to rediscover the importance for caring for the environment so that it can care for us.
In our modern world few of us take enough time away from our daily lives to appreciate and engage with our natural world. By celebrating this day surrounded by nature, we'll be able to rediscover the importance for caring for the environment so that it can care for us.
Why is World Environment Day so important?
There's a closing window of opportunity to safeguard Earth’s capacity to support future generations. Meeting the immediate needs of growing human populations is threatening the equilibrium and viability of local and global ecosystems. Without public awareness of the importance of the environment on a global scale, politics won’t pay attention to changing legislation to govern practices that may be hurting the environment. When you create a group for World Environment Day, it’s a year round commitment to advocacy and action in your local area, and on a global scale to promote and encourage environmental responsibility and the conservation of natural resources.
The value of nature
The value of nature is truly expansive. As the official World Environment Day website notes: “Scientific advances and growing environmental problems (for example global warming) are helping us to understand the countless ways in which natural systems support our own prosperity and well-being”. It further explains that “the world’s oceans, forests and soils act as vast stores for greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane; farmers and fisher-folk harness nature on land and under water to provide us with food”. Rural communities from all over the world are well connected to nature as they spend every working day conscious of the fact of their dependency on natural water supplies and are appreciative of the fact that nature provides their livelihoods in the form of fertile soil. As a result of this dependency, they are the first to suffer when ecosystems are threatened and degraded due to factors such as pollution, climate change, and over-exploitation. Furthermore, nature’s value cannot only be measured in monetary value only. Just like clean air, it’s often taken for granted, at least until they become scarce.
Up close with nature
Up close with nature
When people forge personal connections with nature, the benefits to individual and societal health are endless and lay a foundation for lifelong support of nature conservation. Connecting to nature doesn’t have to involve only one of your physical senses. Take off your shoes and get your feet (and hands) dirty; take a night hike at night; and rely on your ears and nose to experience nature. Luckily, for people in cities, major parks can be seen as a green lung and a hub of biodiversity. In this manner, people can still feel connected to nature. You can green your urban environment too, by greening your street or a derelict site, or planting a window box. Nature is there to be enjoyed all-year round.
So, how can you be part of this memorable day?
So, how can you be part of this memorable day?
There are a myriad of different WED activities in which all people can participate in. Here are just some ideas:
· By reconnecting with our beautiful planet!
· Go outside! Enjoy some of your country’s national parks.
· Head to the beach
· The WED website suggest that while you’re there to set a challenge for yourself by seeking out a rare mammal, identifying different butterfly species, and reaching the remotest corner of the park. It will be worth your while.
· Join a growing number of citizen scientists: Today, more than ever, smartphone apps help you log your sightings and connect with others who can identify the species. These records feed into conservation strategies and assist in mapping the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
· Weed and fertilize public trees and gardens.
· Eat organic food and make meals from locally grown products.
· Collect trash in your vicinity.
· Think about how you can help save energy and reduce your monthly electricity bill.
· Instead of driving with your car, why not drive a bicycle instead?
· Hold a local educational forum about global environmental issues and invite in speakers.
· By investing time in green spaces, Mother Nature will become more important for people. So, thus, get out into a local green space.
· Think about what you can do reduce your carbon footprint as well as to be environmentally friendly as possible.
· Be green – literally! Wear green clothes to show Mother Nature that you truly care for her and her wellbeing.
· Learn more about environmental issues by conducting researching on these issues. Why not go a step further by coming up with your own ideas on how you can control them.
· Buy items that are made up from recycled products. Look out for recycle symbol on the packaged goods).
· Organise clean-up campaigns, art exhibits, tree-planting drives, and concerts, recycling drives, and social media campaigns.
· Do one thing differently to increase how you benefit the environment.
· Show that you’re #WithNature
· Use other hashtags such as: #WED #WorldEnvironmentDay #WED2017 #ILoveNature #ProtectMotherNature
You don’t have to only partake in celebrations on the 5th of June only – make every day a #Nature day! Mother Nature (and your health) will infinitely be happy! It’s so important to remember that “by keeping our planet healthy, we keep ourselves healthy too”. Evidently, we need harmony between humanity and nature in order for both to thrive.
What will YOU do to make this day count?
References
http://worldenvironmentday.global/sites/default/files/toolkit_organizations/WED4_Lessons%20EN_FINAL.pdf
http://worldenvironmentday.global/sites/default/files/toolkit_organizations/WED1_IUCN_04.pdf
World Environmental Day is annually celebrated on the 5th of June and is the most commemorated of all the environmental awareness days in over 100 countries. In 1972 the UN General Assembly chose June 5 as World Environment Day (WED), marking the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. It is a platform for public outreach to stimulate and deepen global awareness of the need to care for, preserve, and enhance Mother Nature. It is a day to acknowledge and personalise environmental issues and to evoke positive environmental action amongst all people. It inspires individual and collective action to do something positive for the environment, to realise that each of us has a responsibility to protect to it from further destruction, and to take care of it indefinitely.
People must become environmental agents of change. Notably, it is also a day to learn more about ways that people can help to ensure the future of our planet is safe and a cleaner and greener outlook for not only themselves, but, more prominently, for future generations to make greener lifestyle choices and support sustainable and equitable development. It is also known as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something to take care of the Earth. It puts a spotlight on all the achievements and effective actions that have been implemented to protect life-nurturing Mother Nature.
Each year a different global country is assigned as the host of WED where official celebrations occur and this year’s host is Angola. A greater emphasis is placed on the environmental challenges that this specific country is faced with and support is provided in an effort to address them.
Each year a different global country is assigned as the host of WED where official celebrations occur and this year’s host is Angola. A greater emphasis is placed on the environmental challenges that this specific country is faced with and support is provided in an effort to address them.
Importance of WED
As a result of decades celebrating this momentous day, millions of people from all over the world have participated in imperative environmental action. Furthermore, it is celebrated to look at all the achievements that have been made towards protecting the environment. It reminds individuals and countries of the importance of caring for our environment. It encourages societies to actively participate in becoming an agent in curbing negative environmental impacts. Being a part of the celebrations, it provides an opportunity for people to share ideas and activities to make the world a better, environmentally-friendly place. As the official WED 2016 website reminds as, “Remember that every action counts, so join us: every year, everywhere, everyone!”
Theme
Each year a specific theme for WED is chosen by the United Nations to promote awareness on a specific and pressing environmental issue. WED 2016’s theme is: The illegal trade in wildlife under the slogan ‘Go Wild for Life’. Wildlife not only faces man-made and natural threats such as climate change, habitat loss, and collisions with vehicles, but also one incredibly yet totally avoidable danger: the lucrative illegal wildlife trade. Huge profits can be made from ivory and rhino and is a very attractive commodity. This year focuses specifically on highlighting the dangers illegal wildlife trade has on our wellbeing. This illegal yet booming trade is fast eroding Mother Nature’s precious biodiversity but it is depriving us of our wonderful natural heritage. If this trade isn’t curbed swiftly, extinction is imminent. Furthermore, the killing and smuggling undermine economies and ecosystems. Through this senselessly shocking practice, elephants, rhinos, tigers, gorillas, and sea turtles are threatened. Other lesser-known species that are also negatively impacted include helmeted hornbills, pangolins, wild orchids and timbers like Rosewood. Notably, efforts to counter this illegal trade, including stronger policies, awareness campaigns and investments in community conservation and law enforcement, have occurred. But a lot can still be done.
It is important to convey a zero-tolerance for this illegal trade. This year all people are encouraged to celebrate those species that are under sever threat in order to take action to help safeguard them for not only current, but also future generations to come.
It is important to convey a zero-tolerance for this illegal trade. This year all people are encouraged to celebrate those species that are under sever threat in order to take action to help safeguard them for not only current, but also future generations to come.
The rationale behind this year’s theme is that the illegal trade in wildlife will ultimately lead to extinction (both at a local and global scale) of many animal and plant species. The extinction of elephant, tiger and sea turtle species will be detrimental for conservation efforts. Wildlife crime is a rising threat to economies and communities, especially in developing countries. The loss of a species is a destruction of the biodiversity that supports the natural systems and on which we depend for food security, medicines, fresh air, water, shelter and a clean environment. By reducing human-wildlife conflict and, simultaneously, engaging communities in conservation efforts, there will be an increase support for wildlife protection and provide incentive to reduce poaching.
Partaking in WED Activities
WED is celebrated in various ways such as bicycle parades, concerts, poster competitions, tree planting, recycling efforts, and clean-up campaigns.
In terms of this year’s theme, the following can be done:
· People need to understand the damage that illegal trade has on, not only the environment, but
also their livelihoods, communities, and security.
· People must change their behaviour and habits so that demand for illegal wildlife products
declines.
· More awareness and action will enable governments and international bodies to introduce and
enforce tougher laws.
In terms of using social media as a platform to show your support, the following can be done:
· Share all the information related to this important environmental event.
· Encourage as many people as possible to ‘like’, ‘tweet’ or comment on WED.
· Use hashtags #worldenvironmentday #wed2016 #wildforlife and make use of the following three
posters:
· More information can be obtained from: www.uneporg/wed.
· Make use of the official logo on social media platforms:
· Make use of the following official WED posters:
In general environmental-friendly terms, the following can be done:
· Adopt an eco-friendly, sustainable lifestyle, and set green goals.
· The smallest thing, such as recycling can make a huge difference.
· Eat organic food.
· Make meals only from locally grown products.
· Leave your car and drive a bicycle or take public transport.
· Wear green clothes to show that you care for Mother Nature.
· Set up a recycling programme at home or the office.
· Use reusable shopping bags.
· Plant a tree or indigenous plants.
· Take a nature walk and enjoy being outdoors.
· Create your own vegetable and herb garden.
Conclusion
Please keep your world clean and green. Earth is the only liveable planet, help save it for future generations, and abide by environmental laws. The need for change is pressing because if something isn’t seriously done to protect species, extinction will be imminent. The responsibility lies with all of us to take immediate action. So, make a difference - the time to act is now! Take a step in the green direction. Remember, Every Day should be World Environment Day!
References
 |
| Source: www.worldenvironmentalday.com |
World Environmental Day is annually celebrated on the 5th of June. This is an important environmental day to deepen global awareness of the need to care for, preserve, and enhance Mother Nature. This day is about raising awareness of environmental issues and to evoke positive environmental action amongst all people. It provides the perfect opportunity for all people to do something positive for the environment and to realise that each of us has a responsibility to protect to it from further destruction. It is important that people become environmental agents of change.
"Take care of the earth and she will take care of you."
- Author Unknown
- Author Unknown
This programme was started by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to bring about the biggest global call and mobilisation for action. Each year it is celebrated with a unique theme. The 2015 theme for World Environment Day is Sustainable consumption and production. The slogan for the theme is "Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care."
 |
| Source: UNEP |
- Thomas Fuller
It involves how the wellbeing of humanity, the environment, and economies ultimately depend on the responsible management of the planet’s natural resources. Unfortunately, people are consuming far more natural resources than what the planet can sustainably provide. It is no surprise then that many of the Earth’s ecosystems are nearing critical levels of depletion and even irreversible change. This is mainly as a result of high population growth and economic development.
"There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed."
- Mohandas K. Gandhi
A shocking fact is that by 2050, with a rising population expected to reach 9.6 billion and if current consumption and production patterns remain the same, we will need three planets to sustain our way of life. To ensure a healthy future, it is imperative that all people live within planetary boundaries. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon states that “Every little step toward improving the environment can help. Although individual decisions may seem small in the face of global threats and trends, when billions of people join forces in common purpose, we can make a tremendous difference”.
Human prosperity need not cost the earth. Living sustainably is about doing more and better with less. It is about knowing that rising rates of natural resource use and the environmental impacts that occur are not a necessary by-product of economic growth (UNEP).
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."
- Native American Proverb
So, please keep your world clean and green. Earth is the only liveable planet, help save it for future generations, and abide by environmental laws. The need for change is pressing. The time to act is now! Remember, Every Day should be World Environment Day.
"When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves."
- David Orr
- David Orr
References
Below is the official World Environmental Day video:
Here is an interesting song about World Environmental Day and the effect that humans have on the Earth:
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2018
Oceans are an integral part of the environment, but are under severe threat, mainly due to unsustainable human activities and other natural factors.
World Oceans Day is annually celebrated on the 8th of June and has become a growing global celebration, as an increasing number of countries and organizations have marked 8 June as an opportunity to celebrate our world oceans and their personal connection to them. It mainly focuses on why oceans are important in our lives, and how we can protect it. People from all over the world partake in the celebrations. It provides an opportunity to help conserve our world’s oceans. Specific focus is placed on honoring the ocean (our blue planet), which connects all of us. It is done to ensure a better future of all. It raises awareness to inspire to being more involved to conserve this amazing resource we all depend on. This will ensure a healthier ocean and a better future for all.
Each year there is a main conservation focus. Based on the conservation theme of the year, they also develop an annual World Oceans Day social media campaign their partners can tie in with to enhance their efforts. The action focus for World Oceans Day 2018 is to Prevent plastic pollution so as to encourage solutions for a healthy ocean. This also tied in with this year’s World Environment Day’s theme of “Beat Plastic Pollution” to further place the spotlight on preventing plastic pollution.
Brief history
The Ocean Project has promoted and coordinated World Oceans Day globally since its inception in 2002. They are based in the US, but have various advisors and volunteers in various countries. They are a collaborative organization and work in partnership with hundreds of organizations, including World Ocean Network.
There’s no getting away from the fact that a healthy world ocean is critical to all of our survival.
The ocean plays an integrally important role as it: Generates most of the oxygen we breathe,
Helps feed us, Regulates our climate, Cleans the water we drink, and Offers a pharmacopoeia of medicines. Not only that, but it provides limitless inspiration.
Why is World Oceans Day required?
It helps to:
· Change our perspective by encouraging individuals to think about what the ocean means to them and what it has to offer all of us. Whether you live inland or on the coast, we are all connected to the ocean. Take the time to think about how the ocean affects you, and how you affect the ocean. This will help to conserve it for present and the future generations.
· We learn by discovering the wealth of diverse and beautiful ocean creatures and habitats, how our daily actions affect them, and how we are ALL interconnected.
· It changes our ways as we are all linked to, and through, the ocean. You are a caretaker of oceans when you take care of your backyard and helping out in your community. You can also make small modifications to your everyday habits to make a difference. All of this will be beneficial to our blue planet.
The Ocean Project has recognized that there’s one global ocean connecting all of us. There are five distinct oceans: the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Southern Ocean.
So, how can I get involved?
The official World Oceans Day’s website (www.worldoceansday.org/) has a myriad of ways you as an individual, group, or community can get involved. Simply click on the link below to download and read free resources which you can use then. Ask your family, friends, and community to join you. The more people involved, the better the outcome of this environmental day. By working enthusiastically together, it’s possible to strive towards protecting our oceans.
You can, furthermore, plan your event, play host, and register your event on their website. You can also find others on the global community map, get celebration ideas, access media and outreach resources, and more!
It is important to help spread the day’s positive impact.
It is not just individuals that will make a difference; it is up to ALL of us to ensure that our oceans are healthy, not only for current generations, but also, importantly, future generations.
I hope you will get involved and participated in a World Oceans Day event near you!
I’ll leave you with this: The ocean, undoubtedly, deserves its own day. Make every day an Oceans Day.
Reference
World Oceans Day 2017
History
Unofficially, it has been celebrated since its original proposal in 1992 by Canada's International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada (OIC) at the Earth Summit - UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Brundtland Commission (The World Commission on Environment and Development) provided the incentive for a global oceans day as it noted that the ocean sector lacked a strong voice. In 1992, the objectives were to move the oceans from the side lines to the centre of the intergovernmental and NGO discussions and policy and to strengthen the voice of ocean and coastal constituencies worldwide.
Consequently, World Oceans Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in late 2008. The Ocean Project, working closely with other similar organizations, has been promoting World Oceans Day since 2002. This project has also led a three-year global petition movement to secure official UN recognition.
Purpose of WOD
This day is particularly important for Mother Nature as it honors the world’s oceans. It also highlights the importance of the ocean in our daily lives. Its aim is to raise awareness of the role of the oceans, the importance of protecting our marine environment and its resources, the different impacts of human actions on the ocean. Furthermore, it is about mobilising and uniting the world behind a project of sustainable global ocean management. It raises global awareness of the current challenges faced by the international community in connection with the oceans. It’s about celebrating and honouring the bodies of water that links us all. It’s about making a difference in your life, community, and world by taking action to protect our ocean for present and future generations.
Importance of oceans
The oceans cover approximately two-thirds of the surface of the Earth and are the foundation of all life. Oceans provide us with a myriad of resources and services such as oxygen (it is one of the “lungs” of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe), climate regulation, nutrients, and food sources as well as absorb a large quantity of carbon dioxide emissions. It’s also economically important for countries that rely on tourism. They are a critical part of the biosphere. The oceans are vital to food security and the health and survival of all life. It provides an exceptional opportunity to take personal and community action to conserve the ocean.
Why do we celebrate WOD?
· To remind everyone of the major part the ocean has in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
· To inform the public on the impact of the human actions on the ocean.
· To develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean.
· To mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world's oceans. They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
· To celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean
· To inspire younger generations to get involved with oceans’ conservation.
Theme
The theme for 2017 is Our Oceans, Our Future. The focus of the conservation action is to encourage solutions to plastic pollution and preventing marine litter for a healthier ocean and a better future.
Ocean Threats
Over the last few decades, habitat destruction, pollution, overfishing, destructive fishing, and other forms of exploitation to marine habitats have dramatically occurred. Even though, there are a myriad of challenges facing the world’s ocean, it’s still possible to achieve a healthy ocean, providing for the billions of humans, plants and animals which depend on it daily. Around 3/4th of our planet is water, but as a result of the occurrence of global warming, there's a threat to even the largest natural resource on earth, namely water. As a result of climate change, ocean acidification has taken place. Accordingly, there's a major hazard to the marine life which thrives in the ocean. This means that it will lead to a loss of equilibrium in the natural order of things.
How it’s celebrated?
World Oceans Day events are celebrated on not only on June the 8th, but all month long. This day entails launching new campaigns and initiatives, outdoor explorations, aquatic and beach clean-ups, educational and conservation action programs, art contests, film festivals, and sustainable seafood events. You can also show your support digitally by using the following hash tags on your social media platforms: #SaveOurOcean, #WorldOceansDay, #WorldOceansDay2017, #WOD2017, #Oceans.
References
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2016
Oceans are the heart of our precious planet. Just like our hearts pump blood to your body, the ocean connects people from all over the world. There are five distinct oceans: the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and Southern Ocean. Oceans are an indispensable component of the Earth’s ecosystem and play a life-giving role for both people and the environment. Some of their crucial functions include: regulating our climate and supporting numerous life forms, it shapes the Earth’s characteristics, and they are a source of freshwater. We all depend on it as it generates most of the oxygen we breathe and it feed us. Without them life would truly cease to exist.
However, they are often taken for granted as overfishing occurs and an exorbitant amount of rubbish is thrown into the oceans. The conservation of marine species is a drop in the ocean as much can still be done through improving fisheries, protecting habitats, controlling industrial activities and creating marine protected areas. If this occurs, the marine ecosystems will be maintained and will eventually be able to adapt effectively to climate change and other pressures from human activities.
World Oceans Day is a very special day that is yearly and internationally celebrated on the 8th of June. It was implemented by the United Nations General Assembly and is internationally coordinated by The Ocean Project and the World Ocean Network.
It is about honoring the world’s beautiful yet fragile oceans and about raising invaluable awareness about the conservation of our beautiful blue planet. All people who care for the oceans and its vitally important species, appreciate the ocean’s intrinsic value and show their commitment for protecting marine environments. It is a day to contemplate about what our impacts are on the oceans and the vital role they play in our lives.
It is about inspiring other people to think and act sustainably so that we can have healthy oceans and curb further detrimental destruction. It is about advocating for the oceanic world to safeguard vulnerable oceanic communities.
This day provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about our oceans and its diverse inhabitants, their interconnectedness with humans and their importance in our daily lives, the challenges that our marine life daily face, why it imperative that it should be infinitely conserved and protected as well as look at the various invaluable and diverse products that the oceans offer.
It is about providing an invaluable opportunity to take not only personal, but also community action in order to conserve the ocean and its precious resources indefinitely.
Water is a limited resource on our earth. This year’s theme is “Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet” by concentrating specifically on promoting the prevention of plastic ocean pollution. Everyone’s health depends on a clean, productive ocean. A healthy oceanic world is critical to our survival. Undeniably, our oceans are facing tremendous threats and unprecedented changes as a result of unsustainable human activities, global pollution, overconsumption of fish species, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing, unsustainable aquaculture practices, habitat destruction, alien species, and ocean acidification. Consequently, it has led to the drastically diminishing of various species and has put a huge strain on the oceans. Climate change currently poses an enormous challenge for the health and productivity of the oceans. CO2 is extremely high in our oceans.
Be a voice for our oceans by implementing small yet impactful changes:
· Choose sustainable seafood – By choosing seafood that is caught or farmed in such a manner that it doesn’t deplete the species in the long term and is harmless for the ocean, it will help to reduce the demand for overexploited species.
· It is important to keep beaches clean by bringing a trash bag with you or you can volunteer to do beach cleanups.
· One important aspect to consider is to never release balloons as marine animals mistake it for food and accidently swallow it.
Activities
People from all over the world come together to celebrate the ocean and partake in actions to combat the adverse impacts on the ocean. Specific events include: beach clean-ups, educational programs, art contests, film festivals, and sustainable seafood events.
Twitter
Use the following tweets:
Or make use of the following pictures:
Facebook
Make use of the following impactful pictures to effectively convey the message:
We have to ensure that oceans continue to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations. They regulate the planet’s climate and are a significant source of nutrition. Their surface provides essential passage for global trade, while their depths hold current and future solutions to humanity’s energy needs - Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose, should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life. But the sea, though changed in a sinister way, will continue to exist: the threat is rather to life itself - Rachel Carson
Conclusion
Our blue planet needs YOUR help. Together we can make a valuable difference! The message is clear: If we want to ensure that future generations are healthy, it is our responsibility to take care of the ocean. It is of vital importance that sustainable practices are followed to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations. Show your support and commit yourself to ocean conservation to protect it from further human destruction. Be ocean advocates and do everything in your power to save this vital ecosystem. Make a splash and participate in one of the numerous World Oceans Day events that are globally available. The future of our blue planet is in our hands. Please remember, it is time to take care of the ocean like it has taken care of us.
References
http://www.un.org/Depts/los/wod/index.html
WORLD OCEANS DAY 2015
Oceans are the heartbeat of the planet. Oceans generate most of the oxygen we breathe, it feed us, and regulate our climate.
We need to respect the oceans and take care of them as if our lives depended on it. Because they do - Sylvia Earle.
World Oceans Day is a very special day that is annually celebrated on the 8th of June. It is a day on which all people, who care for the oceans and its vitally important species, appreciate and the ocean’s intrinsic value.
This day provides the perfect opportunity to learn a bit more about our oceans. It is a day of raising awareness among the global community about the importance of oceans and its inhabitants, the challenges that our marine life daily face, learn about why it imperative that it should be infinitely conserved and protected, and to evoke a sense of taking positive environmental action. It helps to think about what our impact is on the ocean and to inspire other people to think and act sustainably so that we can have healthy oceans and curb further detrimental destruction. It is of utmost importance that people know and understand what their relationship to the ocean is, and will be in the future to safeguard vulnerable oceanic communities and places.
 |
| Source: Ishareimage |
If you think the ocean isn't important, imagine Earth without it. No ocean, no life support system - Sylvia Earle.
The theme for this year is Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet in an effort to stop plastic pollution. Oceans are under threat. Unsustainable human activities, global pollution, overconsumption of fish species, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, destructive fishing, unsustainable aquaculture practices, habitat destruction, alien species, ocean acidification have contributed to a shockingly dwindling of the population of many marine species and in the process has put a huge strain on the oceans. Also, climate change is currently posing a huge challenge for the health and productivity of the oceans.
It is of vital importance that sustainable practices are followed to meet our needs without compromising those of future generations. The future of our blue planet is in our hands. Show your support and strive to protect our oceans and deeply commit yourself to ocean conservation to protect it from further human destruction by being ocean advocates. Do everything in your power to save this vital ecosystem. Together it is possible to make a significant difference. Be a voice for our Oceans. Be an ocean steward. The oceans will truly thank you if you do!
It is imperative that we protect our oceanic habitat. Water is a limited resource on our earth. Our oceans are in peril. There are several reasons why we should full immerse ourselves in the aquatic life and to celebrate this important day, such as:
· To remind everyone of the major part the Ocean has in everyday life. They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
· To inform the public on the impact of the human actions on the Ocean and make them aware of the alarming declines of oceanic life.
· To mobilise and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the World Ocean. To celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the Ocean.
· To keep this beautiful ecosystem safe.
· It is a reminder that we must do better in protecting this irreplaceable resource.
· To deeply committed to ocean conservation.
· To learn more about plastic pollution in the ocean and how each person can do their bit to curb it.
So please celebrate and appreciate our blue planet!
 |
| Source: YELP |
World Sea Turtle Day is annually celebrated on the 16th of June. It is about honoring and highlighting the importance of sea turtles. It provides ample opportunity to learn more about these fascinating sea creatures and to show your support.
 |
| Source: National Aquarium |
Expand your turtle knowledge by reading several facts about these wonderful species:
· There are seven species of sea turtles to marvel at, but all of them are classified as endangered species.
· Turtles don’t have teeth - their upper and lower jaws have sheaths made of keratin.
· Turtle shells are made of over 50 bones fused together.
· Species vary considerably in size. The smallest, Kemp’s ridley, are around 70cm long and up to 40kg in weight whilst the leatherback can reach up to 180cm and 500kg in weight.
· Female marine turtles return to the same beach they hatched on to nest.
· Only 1 percent of sea turtles live to reach sexual maturity, which is why female turtles lay hundreds of eggs while nesting.
· It’s estimated that as few as 1 in 1,000 marine turtle eggs will survive to adulthood.
· They can migrate long distances.
 |
| Source: NBS Turtles |
References
World Day to Combat Desertification
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, more commonly known as WDCDD is annually celebrated on the 17th of June. It is a United Nations observance. It aim at highlighting ways to prevent desertification and recover from drought. There is an urgent need to curb the desertification process. It places importance on promoting public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification. In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared (General Assembly Resolution A/RES/49/115) June 17 the "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" in order to promote public awareness of the issue, and the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those countries experiencing serious drought and/or desertification, particularly in Africa.
Desertification, according to the UN, “is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations”. “Over 250 million people are directly affected by desertification, and about one billion people in over one hundred countries are at risk”.
Every year it’s celebrated under a different theme. This year the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought looks at the important link between land degradation and migration. Environmental degradation, food insecurity, and poverty are causes of migration and development challenges. “In just 15 years, the number of international migrants worldwide has risen from 173 million in 2000 to 244 million in 2015”. It looks at ways in which local communities can build resilience against current multi-fold development challenges through sustainable land management practices.
For more information on this day, visit: http://www.un.org/en/events/desertificationday/index.shtml
References
WORLD GIRAFFE DAY
World Giraffe Day is annually celebrated on the 21st of June. It is an event that was started by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation to wholeheartedly celebrate the longest-necked animal on the longest day or night (depending on which hemisphere you live) of the year.
It is a worldwide celebration of these gloriously amazing and much-loved animals. It raises awareness about their importance and why we must conserve them. It also is about learning more about the various challenges they are facing.
This year’s theme is Putting people at the centre of giraffe conservation, as chosen by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.
 |
| Source: Express UK |
Giraffe populations across Africa face many challenges, requiring unique approaches to securing their future.
 |
| Distribution of giraffes. Source: Animal Fact Guide |
There are less than 90,000 giraffe remaining in the wild and serious action is needed. It is so vitally important that we secure a prosperous future for all giraffes in Africa.The message is clear: The time to act is right NOW!
Spread the message on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtags: #Savegiraffe #WGD2016.
So, stand tall and show your invaluable support!
 |
| Source: Interesting Africa Facts |
International Plastic Bag Free Day
Today is International Plastic Bag Free Day and is an annual observance held on the 3rd of July. It’s a global initiative, placing an important spotlight on either eliminating or rapidly reducing one’s dependency on single-use plastic bags. Furthermore, it is about making society aware of the over-consumption of plastic bags as well as disposable products, working towards developing more responsible and more environmentally friendly habits. It promotes environmental conservation as it encourages people to reject plastic bags.
All over the worlds group hold events to place a spotlight on the threats plastic bags pose for marine and land ecosystems, and prohibit the production and distribution of single-use plastic bags, to decrease the use of plastic bags and what the alternatives to single-use plastic bags are.
Single-use plastic bags are usually used only one time and has become a symbol of a consumer society. Not only that but these bags are usually found on the coast and in the ocean, which means that it has dire consequences on the marine environment. It’s also responsible, coupled with other litter items, for the deaths of about 100,000 marine mammals every year.
Thankfully over the last couple of years, there has been a considerable growth in raising awareness internationally. As part of this, many countries have already banned plastic bags. On this day retailers are encouraged to not supply plastic shopping bags and consumers are encouraged to not use plastic shopping bags. Instead, reusable bags are promoted.
Did you know?
· On average a plastic bag is used for only 25 minutes
· It takes between 100 and 500 years for a plastic bag to disintegrate
· One million plastic bags are used around the world every minute
· 80% of marine litter is plastic.
Plastic Free July
It’s about refusing single-use plastic during July. This is a very important initiative as it raises awareness of the problems with single-use disposable plastic and the issues surrounding plastic, challenges people to do something about it by providing solutions and alternatives. It’s also about encouraging new environmentally friendly habits.
References
INTRODUCTION
Today, on the 29th of July, we are celebrating a critically important day: International Tiger Day. Tigers, the largest of the cat species, have mystique and charisma and are a symbol of strength and power. Yet, the number of wild tiger is astonishingly low and, in fact, is the lowest it has ever been. This day was founded at the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit in 2010 when it was realised that these magnificent creatures are on the brink of extinction. Tigers are one of the most fascinatingly admired animals with their distinct orange and black stripes, but, unfortunately, are vulnerable to extinction. Sadly, the world has lost 97% of all wild tigers in just over 100 years. Instead of an abundantly 100,000, there is only about 3200 left in the wild today. What is even more shocking is the fact that at this current rate, all tigers living in the wild could be extinct in the next decade. There are only 100 tigers left in Bangladesh's largest mangrove forest. In Indonesia, there remain as few as 400 Sumatran tigers, while both Bali and Javan Tigers are already extinct.
It is celebrated worldwide to successfully convey the message of tiger conservation. This day is annually celebrated to place particular attention on conserving tigers. It strives to raise public awareness and support for tiger conservation issues. The goal is to effectively promote the protection and expansion of the wild tigers’ habitats and to draw attention to declining tiger populations and their ecosystems. It is about highlighting the tigers that remain and halting their decline. Furthermore, it entails promoting a global system for protecting the natural habitats of tigers. Many influential and well-known international organisations are involved in this day, including the WWF, the IFAW, and the Smithsonian Institute.
WHY TIGERS MATTER
Tigers help maintain a healthy balance. As top predators, they help to keep their habitat healthy by preying on other animals – mainly herbivores, for example deer. Without them, there would be too many herbivores, causing overgrazing and degrading habitats. This would disrupt the balance of the ‘ecosystem’ – the living (animals and plants) and non-living (e.g. air and water) components of the environment. Thus tigers are important for the well-being of people (who depend on healthy ecosystems for food, water and many other resources) and for the survival of other wildlife (which relies on balanced ecosystems).
THREATS
After many years of poaching and environment loss, the number of tigers have decreased considerably. The survival of these majestic creatures is threatened because they constantly face unrelenting pressures, including:
Habitat loss
Tigers’ habitat has been destroyed, degraded, and fragmented by human activities. The clearing of forests for agriculture and timber, expansion of cities as well as the building of road networks and other development activities pose serious threats to tiger habitats and have led to tigers losing 93% of their natural habitat and historical range. Deforestation is decreasing not only habitats but prey. Because the human populations continue to expand, there is a greater need for space to farm and live. Furthermore, less can survive in small, scattered islands of habitat leading to a greater risk of inbreeding. Not only that, but these small islands of habitat make them more susceptible to poaching.
Human wildlife conflict
Because there are limited regions where tigers can live and hunt safety, they face more encounters with humans. People and tigers are competing for space which, inevitably, threatens the world’s remaining wild tigers. Because forests shrink and prey get scarce, tigers are forced to hunt domestic livestock. But local communities depend on it for their livelihood and, in retaliation, tigers are killed.
Climate change
A large tiger population is found in the Sundarbans, which is a mangrove forest area shared by India and Bangladesh on the northern coast of the Indian Ocean. This area protects coastal regions from storm surges and wind damage and Bengal tigers occur here. But, rising sea levels, caused by climate change, threaten to wipe out these forests as well as the last remaining habitat of this particular tiger population.
In order to counteract these threats, support from several international organisations is taking place, notably the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the International Union for Conservation (IUCN). They are able to create global legislation, for example, CITES works to control trade in plant and animal species between borders, ensuring trade doesn’t lead to extinction.
This important day can be a roaring success if all of us do our bit for tiger conservation!
REFERENCES
Earth Overshoot Day
Today, August the 8th, is Earth Overshoot Day (EOD) as humanity has exhausted nature’s budget for the year. Since 1970, Earth Overshoot Day has come earlier in the year. This year, though, is a record. We have used as much ecological resources and services (overfishing, overharvesting forests and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than forests can sequester), from nature as our planet can regenerate in the whole year! In order to maintain this deficit, we liquidate stocks of ecological resources and accumulating waste, particularly carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In less than eight months, we used more natural resources than the planet is able to produce in a 12 month period. Thus for the rest of the year, we will be operating in overshoot which means that any consumption from now on signifies an unsustainable burden on the planet.
 |
| Source: Independent UK |
 |
| Source: Footprint Network |
This day is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network. They are an international sustainability organisation that does invaluable work in terms of coordinating research, developing methodological standards, and providing decision-makers with the necessary tools so that the human economy fully operate within our Earth’s ecological limits.
From an economic perspective, EOD signifies the day in which humanity enters an ecological deficit spending. From an ecological perspective, it illustrates the level by which human population overshoots its environment.
Earth Overshoot Day is an estimate, not a precise date. In order to determine the date of Earth Overshoot Day for each year, it is calculated by dividing the planet’s biocapacity (the amount of ecological resources Earth is able to generate that year), by humanity’s Ecological Footprint (humanity’s demand for that year), and multiplying by 366, the number of days in 2016:
(Planet’s Biocapacity / Humanity’s Ecological Footprint) x 366 = Earth Overshoot Day
Calculate your own personal Ecological Footprint and learn what you can do to reduce it with Footprint Network’s Footprint Calculator. The good news, however, is that something can still be done. There is still an opportunity to reduce humanity’s ecological footprint. We must considerably cut carbon emissions! Use the following hashtags: #PledgeforthePlanet, #overshoot, and #EarthOvershootDay2016 to show your support towards a sustainable future!
Below are two videos showing what Earth Overshoot Day involves:
References
World Elephant Day - 2016
So, all animal lovers must also not forget that today is a very special day for our majestic elephants: World Elephant Day. This elephantastic day is annually celebrated on the 12th of August.
World Elephant Day was first celebrated in 2012 in order to bring greater attention to the vital plight of elephant species, including Asian and African elephants. It is an international initiative co-founded by Canadian Patricia Sims and the Elephant Reintroduction Foundation of Thailand. It is now the fifth year that it globally raises awareness. Millions of participants globally show their support.
This special day commemorates our fascinatingly majestic creatures, the world’s largest terrestrial animal. Elephants are highly intelligent, social, and empathetic and have an essential role in their ecosystems. They are revered and respected species, but they are on the brink of extinction. These charismatic animals face various threats such as poaching, habitat loss and space limitation. Given the harsh reality faced by many elephants, it is so vitally important to raise awareness of their plight in order to conserve these majestic animals.
Whichever way you decide to help raise awareness, you will make an invaluable contribution. So please, spread the Ellie love and celebrate this important environmental day!
 |
| Source: Livescience |
World Elephant Day - 2015
World Elephant Day is annually celebrated on the 12 of August. This special day commemorates our fascinatingly majestic creatures, the world’s largest terrestrial animal. This day is specifically celebrated by animal lovers to raise awareness so that elephants are respected and protected, thereby ensuring their future survival. This day helps to spread awareness to stop the ivory trade and to protect their habitat. Elephants are highly intelligent, charismatic, social, and empathetic and have an essential role in their ecosystems. But given the harsh reality faced by many elephants and many threats (including poaching and habitat loss) to their existence and habitat, it is so vitally important to raise awareness of their plight in order to conserve these majestic animals.
More than 65 wildlife organisations around the world spread an important message with regards to this important species and their conservation.
Whichever way you decide to help raise awareness, you will make an invaluable contribution. So please, spread the Ellie love and celebrate this important environmental day.
International Coastal Clean-up Day - 2017
When you think of beaches, you think of endless, pristine, white, sandy beaches and never-ending fun.
But, the reality is that most of our beaches are in a dire state and strewn with marine litter.
So, in order to counteract this, a day specifically for cleaning up beaches has been set out. Today, on the 16th of September, a significant environmental day takes place: It is International Coastal Clean-up Day and is the world's largest volunteer effort for our ocean and waterways and the health thereof. More than 12 million volunteers have collected over 220 million pounds of trash. This is an annual environmental awareness event and it is a driving force to encourage individuals, environmentalists, businesses, governments, organisations, schools, and individuals from around the world to celebrated the day and to go to the nearby beaches and to do their part in helping to limit the aforementioned problem by cleaning up marine debris that was either washed up on shore or left by visitors. More than 700,000 volunteers take a stand against ocean trash by joining the ICC. You can still have fun doing it and is a very productive way to spend time on a beach.
It also has a scientific component to it: Participative people from around the world remove trash from the shores and document what they find. The data is compiled and published in an annual global report on marine debris by the Ocean Conservancy.
Why do we celebrate this day?
The shocking fact remains that every year thousands of tons of garbage ends up in the oceans, composing of 60% plastic material. The problem with plastic is that, because of its durability, it lasts a very long time in the ocean. A worrying fact is that it is in such abundance that there are 46,000 individual pieces of plastic litter for every square mile of ocean. Sadly, plastics are extremely hazardous to marine life. It kills more than a million birds, and over 100,000 seals, turtles, and whales, and a large number of fish in our ocean, too. Marine litter impacts the world negatively on many levels, including harming wildlife, humans, and impacting the livelihood of those who work on the ocean. Economic-wise, it causes economic damage by affecting tourism and recreation as well as the money they bring into those communities that are the ocean shore. Policymakers use the ICC data to raise awareness about marine debris and to ensure that the problem is reduced at the source.
History of International Coastal Clean-up Day
International Coastal Clean-up Day commenced as a result of the work done by Ocean Conservancy, an organisation that primarily works to help protect the oceans from the various challenges it face every year. The Ocean Conservancy is an environmental vehicle, serving as a voice for the ocean, speaking of the issues that aren’t frequently represented through social networking, publicized updates, and challenges. They are trying, as part of their efforts, to work towards a litter free ocean and to empower people to take an active role in the preservation and cleaning up of the ocean, which forms the basis of the conservation of the ocean. They are also well aware of the fact that solving these ocean issues requires bold initiatives and eliminating the sources of the trash that damages the ocean. They also aid in giving out tips and techniques to reduce litter.
How to celebrate the day
There are a myriad of options how you can celebrate this important day. One way, is to participate in a local clean-up event at a nearby beach. You can even just, when you go to the beach, take bags with you to pick up the litter. ICC doesn’t only need to be celebrated one day a year; every time you go to the beach, you can clean it up. In this way you will regularly contribute to help and reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in the ocean. The Ocean Conservancy is an informative and useful resource for tips on how to be more conscientious about your lifestyle and the effect it has on the ocean.
Conclusion
The International Coastal Cleanup has become a beacon of hope, leading and inspiring action in support of our ocean. The fact remains, it is YOUR chance to make an invaluable difference, and inspire other people to do the same! Through education and awareness of such issues will bring forth long term solutions and changes in behaviour. So, join other volunteers who love the ocean and want to protect it. By participating in the ICC, you will, undoubtedly, make a difference.
References
International Coastal Clean-up Day - 2016
There is an ocean full of waste in our oceans!
Unfortunately thousands of tons of garbage end up in our oceans. Most of this debris comes from land, but also garbage either washes up on our shores or beachgoers leave it carelessly behind. It is primarily composed of plastic (60%). Ocean trash is a pressing and serious issue and all people must contribute towards minimising it. Trash in the oceans not only detrimentally harms human, but it also significantly affects our livelihoods as well as harming wildlife. This has taken a serious toll on particularly seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. It can also impact an economy negatively. Plastic debris remains an escalating concern in the marine environment. But it is a preventable problem.
International Coastal Clean-up Day
International Coastal Clean-up Day
International Coastal Cleanup Day helps to minimise particular threats and ensure that our oceans are healthy. In 2016, International Coastal Clean Up is celebrated on the 17th of September. It is annually held on the 3rd Saturday in September and is the largest volunteer event on the planet. This day gives people the chance to make a difference, and encourage other people to also do the same. Each year the Cleanup expands exponentially as more and more people participate in this wonderful cause. As a result of these efforts, beaches are cleaner and healthier.
History
History
Ocean Conservancy initiated Coastal Clean-up Day. It is an organisation that assists in protecting the oceans from the imminent challenges that it faces annually. Their aims are to ensure trash-free oceans, collect information about the debris and to ultimately promote litter prevention efforts. They are truly an active voice for the ocean.
What does this day involves?
What does this day involves?
This day is of particular importance since it encourages all individuals to go to their nearest beach and to pick up the litter, while showing their appreciation for our oceans. Furthermore, it is about preventing debris from causing harm to our oceans, wildlife, and coastal economies. Through this vital way people are able to limit the littering problem and, in turn, ensure that our beaches are kept tidy. People are also able to better understand the various types of waste that enter the ocean and to ultimately prevent it from ending up in our oceans and on our beaches.
After collecting all of the litter, people document everything that they’ve found. Thereafter this critical data is compiled and published in an annual global report on marine debris by the Ocean Conservancy. Consequently, this Ocean Trash Index, which is compiled based on item-by-item and location-by-location data, enables people to give a global indication about marine debris littering coasts. Through this way, people can take note of the pattern of waste items collected during Cleanups, then using this information to independently attempt local solutions to divert solid waste before it enters the marine environment. They also look at the most effective solutions to stop the flow of plastics into our ocean. These solutions comprise mainly of changes in our consumer behaviour and product-specific policy to manage plastic waste at a global level.
Previous participation
After collecting all of the litter, people document everything that they’ve found. Thereafter this critical data is compiled and published in an annual global report on marine debris by the Ocean Conservancy. Consequently, this Ocean Trash Index, which is compiled based on item-by-item and location-by-location data, enables people to give a global indication about marine debris littering coasts. Through this way, people can take note of the pattern of waste items collected during Cleanups, then using this information to independently attempt local solutions to divert solid waste before it enters the marine environment. They also look at the most effective solutions to stop the flow of plastics into our ocean. These solutions comprise mainly of changes in our consumer behaviour and product-specific policy to manage plastic waste at a global level.
Previous participation
In 2015 nearly 800,000 International Coastal Cleanup volunteers exemplified their commitment to clean and healthy oceans as more than 18 million pounds of trash – the equivalent of the weight of over 100 Boeing 737s - was collected. Some of the unusual items that were found include: 97 TV sets, 28 refrigerators, 39 toilets and 54 bicycles (Ocean Conservancy 2015) Approximately 9 million volunteers from Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup have over the last three decades cleaned up our beaches, sometimes finding interesting finds including automobiles and kitchen appliances. Some of the most commonly found items are: cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic bottles and bags, plastic bottle caps, plastic straws, and fishing gear. They have collected nearly 164 million pounds of trash.
· Lost or abandoned fishing gear such as nets, lines, traps and buoys pose the greatest threat to marine wildlife, primarily through entanglement.
· Lost or abandoned fishing gear such as nets, lines, traps and buoys pose the greatest threat to marine wildlife, primarily through entanglement.
· Plastic bags are the second most impactful item to marine wildlife due to the tendency of animals such as sea turtles to mistake them for food.
· Plastic contamination is increasing, and they predict that 99% of all seabird species will be eating plastic by 2050 unless something is done to stem the tide. More than half (52%) of the world’s sea turtles have ingested plastic.
(Source: Ocean Conservancy 2015).
This day is only a drop in the ocean and our oceans need help more than once a year. So, please participate in beach clean-ups all year round!
· Whenever you go to the beach, you can take a garbage bag and bag and an Ocean Conservancy Data Form to collect and document the debris you find.
· Pledge to keep your beach clean.
· Take the Coastal Stewardship Pledge!
· Learn about plastic pollution and what you can do to prevent it.
· Learn about other ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.
Conclusion
It is important to identify the sources of debris and change the behaviours that cause marine debris in the first place (Ocean Conservancy 2016). People must play an active role in the cleaning up of the ocean as this will ultimately ensure that our oceans are thoroughly conserved. We must collectively commit to preventing plastics from entering our ocean. We, and the ocean, need your help to keep the momentum going!
References
Ocean Conservancy. 2015. Annual Report: International Coastal Cleanup – 30th Anniversary.
The International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is annually celebrated on the 16th of September. It was first initiated by the UN General Assembly in 1994 and this day was specifically chosen because it commemorates the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (resolution 49/114).
Importance of this day
The ozone layer, known as an ozone shield, is a layer in Earth's atmosphere (part of the stratosphere), which absorbs most of the Sun's UV radiation. The ozone layer absorbs 97–99% of the Sun's medium-frequency ultraviolet light, which would otherwise damage exposed life forms on Earth. It contains high concentration of trioxygen (commonly known as ozone) (UNEP). Consequently, it aids in preserving life on the planet.
But the ozone layer is depleted by various substances (including aerosols, sterilants and carbon tetrachloride; foams; halons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)) and the concentrations thereof are increasing due to human activities. UNEP notes that “ozone depletion describes two distinct but related phenomena: a steady decline of about 4% per decade in the total volume of ozone in Earth's stratosphere, and a much larger springtime decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth's polar regions, known as the ozone hole”. UNEP further notes that “a variety of biological consequences such as increases in skin cancer, cataracts, damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean's photic zone may result from the increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion”.
The depletion of the ozone layer was scientifically confirmed which prompted the international community to encourage proactive action to protect the ozone layer. The day specifically entails promoting the different activities in accordance with the objectives of the Protocol and its amendments. It advocates activities that create awareness on climate change and ozone depletion topics and the depletion of the Ozone Layer. Moreover, it is about searching for solutions to adequately preserve it. This day is globally celebrated by community groups, individuals, and local organizations by promoting ozone-friendly products, implementing programs on saving the ozone layer, and distributing the UNEP's public awareness posters. On this day educators teach their students about the Ozone layer and promotional items, such as, images of the Sun, sky, or earth's natural environment to represent the ozone's importance in protecting the environment, are used.
Theme
Last year’s theme, marking the 30th anniversary of the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, was “30 years of healing the ozone together”, with the slogan, “Ozone: All there is between you and UV”. It was an important milestone with regards to protecting the ozone layer.
The theme of 2016 is: Ozone and climate: Restored by a world united. Its slogan is: Working towards reducing global-warming HFCs under the Montreal Protocol.
Montreal Protocol
Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths of UV light from passing through the Earth's atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concern. Thus, ozone depletion has become an urgent issue. As a result of this, the Montreal Protocol was initiated.
Its aim is to protect the ozone shield by reducing the use and production of ozone depleting substances, including CFCs, halons, and other ozone-depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethane. It is done by taking measures, on the basis of developments in scientific knowledge and technological information, to control the total global production and consumption of substances that deplete it (United Nations).
The phasing out of controlled uses of ozone depleting substances and the related reductions in both the developed and developing countries, have made a significant impact to help protect the ozone layer not only for the current generations but also for future generations. It has unequivocally contributed to global efforts to limit the harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the earth, thereby protecting human health as well as ecosystems. It has significantly contributed to the mitigation of climate change by averting the emission of more than 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent into the atmosphere. Reducing HFCs can avoid 0.5°C of global warming by the end of the century, while continuing to protect the ozone layer (United Nations).
It is of utmost importance that we protect the ozone layer from harmful substances and you, as an individual, can assist in doing so!
References
World Water Monitoring Day
 |
| Source: How Stuff Works |
Water is an absolute essential of human life, and every form of life requires it to exist. It is one of the most important substances on earth. Water pollution is a pressing environmental problem. It is important to learn how to identify, take care of, and prevent this occurrence from happening. Monitoring provides valuable information such as data on the conditions of water resources and whether these waters are safe and healthy.
World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD)
World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) takes place on September 18 every year. WWMD was initiated by America's Clean Water Foundation in 2003. WWMD is still officially observed on September 18, but since 2009, the testing and reporting period has been extended from March 22 through December 31. In January 2015 the management of World Water Monitoring Day was transferred to Phillipe Cousteau's educational non-profit EarthEcho International from the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the International Water Association (IWA). World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD) has been renamed the "World Water Monitoring Challenge" to promote greater involvement in an extended timeframe, and year-round water quality monitoring. It is an impressive initiative that has made an extraordinary difference.
It is an international global educational outreach program for volunteers that aims to raise public awareness and involvement in globally protecting water resources, the importance of water quality, and water quality monitoring. This is done by empowering citizens to carry out basic monitoring of their local water bodies. People of all ages get an opportunity to monitor the quality of their local water sources. A test kit assists people to sample local water bodies for a set of water quality parameters including temperature, acidity (pH), clarity (turbidity) and dissolved oxygen (DO). Dissolved oxygen and pH are done by putting little tablets into the provided tubes. Turbidity is done by putting the water in a plastic can and observing a black and white sticker at the bottom. Temperature is done with a plastic strip that turns different shades on the numbered degrees. These basic, low cost water test kits can be ordered through the World Water Monitoring Challenge website (www.monitorwater.org). Conducting water tests as part of a school’s programme or community initiative assists to collect valuable data and, moreover, raises awareness among participants about water quality and how their actions can directly and indirectly impact on their local water resources. In this way, an entire community can get involved in making sure everyone has access to clean fresh water.
Thereafter, this information is shared through various resources, including a global water quality database, the World Water Monitoring Challenge Website and with participating communities around the globe.
This day is worth supporting and promoting as it has assisted in keeping our global water resources healthy!
References
World Zero Emissions Day
Zero Emissions Day, more commonly known as ZeDay, annually takes place on the 21st of September and is observed by people in many countries around the world. This day was specifically chosen because the length of days and nights are equal, and the amount of light is fair to those in the Northern and Southern hemispheres and to coincide with the United Nations International Day of Peace. It was first implemented in 2008 (the present-day observance) by a Canadian company, Sealevel, with their primary mission of “giving the planet one day off a year”. It called for a “Global Moratorium on Fossil Fuel Combustion on September 21”.
The main purpose of ZeDay is to give the earth a ‘rest day’. Life’s pace is increasing and we simply don’t slow down anymore. It is imperative that we have a chance to shut down and reboot every once in a while. Thus, the same applies to Mother Nature, too. Its moral is: “You have the power to benefit everyone and everything on our planet”. ZeDay is about creating awareness of the cessation (ending) of burning fossil fuels and spending one day out of the year producing little to no emissions as possible.People can participate by doing the following: For 24 hours, don’t use gas, oil, or coal, and use minimal or no electricity generated by fossil fuel. The real test is to be able to keep up with it for 24 hours. ZeDay doesn’t have to be celebrated on 21 September only – you can do it on any other day, more than one day per year is preferable. ZeDay has a simple mission but with a profound impact. It gives us a glimpse of what a day on Earth would be like without the use of fossil fuels and about answering an important question: What are we doing with our world? It entails reflecting about the sort of world we want to live in and appreciating what it means to have the use of energy. It is about celebrating human innovation wholeheartedly but also about the possibility of sustainable world and a reminder that we can all do our bit to limit our energy consumption in daily life and to raise awareness of finite resources and how we can daily change our actions to conserve it.
Why is reducing the use of fossil fuels imperative?
Fossil fuel produced electricity is the most dominant contributor to air emissions and it has various associated health and climate risks. The concentrations of these emissions in our atmosphere pose several threats to all people due to acid rain, smog. The consequences are increasingly evident in our daily lives.
The amount of energy consumed by modern society is astounding. Most electronic devices need to be charged and powered; this power needs to be generated. But most of this electricity generated globally is still fossil-fuel based, with only a small percentage generated through renewable sources such as water and wind.
Another health risk associated with the burning of fossil fuels is climate change. With an increase in CO2 build up, solar radiation energy is trapped in the earth’s atmosphere and being redirected back to the Earth. Its warming effect is creating consequences on climate and weather patterns.
But, thankfully, the consumption and demand of fossil fuels is changeable and preventable. By making use of alternatives, we will decrease our dependency on fossil fuels, and, simultaneously, significantly reduce its many risks. Renewable energy technologies produce significantly lower emissions than traditional power generation technologies.
If we live wastefully, it means more resources are needed and fossil fuels burned in the manufacturing process. But if sustainable practices are implemented, your carbon footprint will undoubtedly shrink.
But why is ZeDay important?
The growth in global C02 emissions from fossil fuels over the past five years being four times greater than for the preceding 10 years. This means that action of Zero Emissions day has never been more needed than right now.
Four guidelines for ZeDay are proposed:
1. Don’t use or burn oil or gas or coal.
The ZED organisation urges people to go back to the basics by powering down. If you need to travel a long distance, try to go there the day before. It is important to structure your life beforehand so that you can easily transition to a day of not turning things on.
2. Minimize (or eliminate) your use of electricity generated by fossil fuels.
The organisation says that “our fossil fuels are our inheritance and yet we are spending them like there is no tomorrow. We can see a time when there will not be enough anymore”. Contemplate and actualize alternative sources of energy.
3. Don’t put anyone in harm’s way: All essential and emergency services operate normally.
Since fossil fuels power civilization, the ZED moratorium applies to everything nonessential.
4. Most importantly, do your best, have fun, and enjoy the day!
These guidelines will assist in making the day a success. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you make a mistake and forget to turn things off. Just go back to your original intention for the day. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy the day. Mother Nature will sure smile at you!
(Source: Zero Emissions Day Organisation).
More families and communities have voluntarily declared Zero Emissions Days and have participated all year round. By participating in ZeDay, it will not only have a positive impact on people, but also the environment. Thus spread the important word via social media and encourage family and friends to also do their bit for our beautiful planet by, for example, making use of renewable energy technologies or using their cars less! Go to website http://zeroemissionsday.org/ and share it via social media.
Here are several ways to reduce emissions in your own life:
· The best course of action is to invest in green power, such as wind or solar energy.
· You can also conserve electricity by buying energy efficient appliances, turning off the light when you are not in the room, turn off items completely instead of leaving them on standby mode, washing with full loads on low temperatures, using outdoor solar powered lights and using long-lasting LED light bulbs.
· Choose to bike, walk, or take public transportation to work.
· The way you drive does impact the amount of fuel your car needs to run. Plan your errands in one trip and don’t make unnecessary, multiple trips to the same area.
Conclusion
Even though the planet needs more help than on one day of the year, it is still a great reminder of all the ways to reduce emissions. If you even care remotely about the health and wellbeing of Mother Nature, then you will wholeheartedly celebrate this important day on the environmental calendar. It would be universally beneficial for all to participate in this important environmental day!
The ZED organisation is of the belief that “since we are all in this together and realistically all responsible for the welfare of our planet, it's time to co-create our future”. So the message is simple: Give Mother Nature a break on Zero Emissions Day and take some pressure of her. Enjoy the mindfulness and the discipline of not automatically turning on light switches and appliances for one day. We have to collectively take care of our planet. So, do your share; our beautiful Earth is counting on ALL of us!
References
http://zeroemissionsday.org/2008/guide.html
World Rhino Day is annually celebrated on the 22nd of September. It provides an opportunity for governments, animal rights organizations, animal enthusiasts, NGOs, members of the public, and schools to show their support for rhinos. World Rhino Day was initiated WWF-South Africa in 2010. Since then it has grown into an international success.
World Rhino Day
World Rhino Day is annually celebrated on the 22nd of September. It provides an opportunity for governments, animal rights organizations, animal enthusiasts, NGOs, members of the public, and schools to show their support for rhinos. World Rhino Day was initiated WWF-South Africa in 2010. Since then it has grown into an international success.
It is a vitally important day as it brings attention to the plight of this iconic species. It is celebrated with the theme: “Five Rhino Species Forever”, celebrating all five species of rhino: Black, White, Indian (Greater one-horned), Sumatran and Javan rhinos.
World Rhino Day generates awareness of issues regarding their wellbeing and survival. This day specifically highlights why rhinos are important for the environment and for local communities. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to debunk the myths associated with rhino horn as well as to reduce the demand for it.
Certain rhino species are on the brink of extinction while other species have been severely endangered due to several threats including poaching, urbanization and pollution.
Why are Rhinos important?
· Rhinos assist in maintaining a natural balance within their habitat. The Greater one-horned rhino in India and Nepal can germinate the seeds of the Trewia tree with its dung. In Africa, the White rhinos play a vital role in creating and preserving grasslands which many species depend upon. Therefore, they are classified as a keystone species, playing an important role in supporting other animals and their environment.
· Rhinos are an umbrella species, meaning that when people protect rhinos, they are also protecting all the other animals living in their shared habitat including birdlife, fish, insects and other mammals.
· Rhinos are important for eco-tourism as people need them too. In areas where rhinos and humans live alongside each other, they are an asset for eco-tourism and help to regenerate the local economy.
· Rhinos are undeniably part of our natural heritage.
· If rhinos were to become extinct, it would not only be a great loss for humanity but also for the local communities where rhinos are part of their heritage.
Here are a few interesting rhino facts:
 |
| Source: The Prowess |
Connect with World Rhino Day at facebook.com/WorldRhinoDay and follow them on twitter @RhinoDaySept22 by using the hashtag #worldrhinoday2016.
References
https://www.savetherhino.org/get_involved/world_rhino_day_2016
World Animal Day
World Animal Day (unofficially world animal lover day) is a celebratory cause and is annually celebrated on the 4th of October. World Animal Day is intended to benefit animals. The day is about invoking global concern towards the plight of animals and to globally unite animal lovers. WAD is able to influence many people and is a brand that unites the animal welfare movement.
It provides a unique opportunity for everyone who cares about animals to show their enduring support. On this special day, it is about drawing attention to animal issues and making it front page news. This is an imperative catalyst for change. It is about making the world a kinder, more compassionate place. It is about raising important awareness among people about the ethical treatment of animals. The day commemorates our love and respect for animals by highlighting their importance. It is about sensitising communities by making them aware of the needs of animals and how to improve their lives. It provides a central platform to promote animal welfare issues and to facilitate and momentously improves progress being made. All animals are celebrated, no matter what shape or size, from an elephant to a mouse.
HISTORY
WAD commenced as a result of an idea by Heinrich Zimmermann, a German publisher of the magazine Mensch und Hund/Man and Dog. He organized the first World Animal Day on 24 March 1925 in Berlin and moved it to 4 October in 1929. In May 1931 at a congress of the world’s animal protection organizations held in Florence Italy, his proposal to make 4 October World Animal Day universal, was unanimously accepted. World Animal Day was particularly chosen to be on 4 October as it is the day of Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of ecology, including animals. Since 2003, the WAD animal protection movement is sponsored by Naturewatch Foundation.
MISSION
WAD is about globally improving welfare standards by raising the status of animals. It is about uniting the animal welfare movement, mobilising it into an international force in order to make the world a much better place for all animals. WAD is about celebrating ALL animals and people’s relationship with the animal kingdom. It also acknowledges the diverse roles that animals play in our lives and to be grateful for animals as they enrich our lives. If an increased awareness and education are utilised then we are able to create a world where animals are treated with the utmost respect. It is about establishing a world where there is a harmonious co-existence between people and animals. Their ultimate aim is for people to continually participate until WAD reaches and connects animal advocates in all corners of the world.
WHY CELEBRATE WORLD ANIMAL DAY?
The lives of animals are overwhelmingly affected by people and effective animal protection is required. Building the celebration of World Animal Day mobilises people for action now for a better future for animals. With the help of WAD, a fairer and kinder place for living creatures has been established.
Because of WAD people now understands the myriad reasons why we must take care of animals. Being a voice for animals is important because they do not have a way to advocate for their own welfare.
With its #WorldAnimalDay, there has been a significantly lasting contribution to improve animal welfare standards. Its influence continues to grow exceptionally.
HOW IS THIS DAY CELEBRATED?
This day and its associated events are organised under the World Animal Day Umbrella. It is also being publicised on www.worldanimalday.org.uk and advertised using the WAD brand and logo. Fortunately, every year the WAD logo becomes more broadly recognised as a global brand for animals. Everybody can join and be part of this momentously memorable day. The last couple of years, involvement in this particularly important day has grown exceptionally. WAD is celebrated by a myriad of welfare organisations, businesses, individuals, schools, and community groups, participating in different organisation in celebration of this wonderfully important day.
Many inspiring events are annually and globally held. You can participate in events including awareness & educational, shelter open days & pet adoption events; fundraising events such as concerts and sponsored walks through to gala balls; conferences & workshops; school events to teach the younger generation such as animal-related competitions, concerts & film shows; spay& neuter marathons and veterinary treatment camps; radio & TV interviews to raise awareness of animal issues & World Animal Day and its mission; fundraise for a local animal welfare organisation or charity that's doing great work. Increased awareness for adults and children to treat animals in a humane and compassionate way. Also, peaceful protest marches can also be partaken in. Moreover, donate tins of cat and dog food to local shelters or adopt an animal.
You can also raise the status of animals by making use of social media to get this important across, by using the #worldanimalday. You can publish a personal and valuable pledge for the animals on the World Animal Day website.
No matter the extent of your participation, large or small, it will help mobilise people for action for a better future for animals.
The message is clear: Animals matter! Be an animal advocate, every one of us can make a difference. Together we make change happen. So get involved in this great cause and show that you care!
REFERENCES
http://www.national-awareness-days.com/world-animal-day.html
World Teachers' Day
UNESCO declared 5 October World Teachers’ Day. Since 1994, World Teachers' Day (WTD) has been annually held on the 5th of October. This was the first step in celebrating the momentous step made for teachers on 5 October 1966. Here a special intergovernmental conference convened by UNESCO in Paris adopted the UNESCO/ILO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers, in cooperation with the ILO. 5 October is also about celebrating the adoption by the UNESCO General Conference in 1997 of the UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel. Since its adoption, it has been a set of guidelines that are important to promote teachers’ status in the interest of quality education.
Teachers can be seen as a normative indicator of social health. Teachers are not only crucial to the right to education, but they are also key to achieving the targets set out in SDG4.
This day is internationally recognized and specifically commemorates teacher organizations globally. This day is about looking at and addressing the numerous issues concerning teachers. Its critical aim is to mobilize support for teachers as well ensuring that the needs of future generations will continue to be met by teachers. A greater spotlight is placed on raising awareness, understanding, and appreciating the contributions that teachers so selflessly make toward education and development. It is about recognising the role of teachers in society. In essence, it is about showing gratitude and appreciation for teachers and saying thanks for all that they so generously do and for the difference and contributions they make in their classrooms and communities.
WTD is an extension of UNESCO's annual work of promoting teachers which is vital to the healthy functioning of society. More than 100 countries observe WTD. Education International (the global union federation that represents education professionals worldwide) annually launches a public awareness campaign to specifically highlight the contributions of the teaching profession. Education International as well as its 401 member organizations have contributed to the widely dissemination of the event and its recognition.
World Teachers’ Day 2016
World Teachers’ Day 2016 marks the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. Moreover, it is the first WTD to be celebrated within the new Global Education 2030 Agenda that was adopted by the world community in 2015. This year’s theme, “Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status”, symbolises the central principles of the fifty-year-old Recommendation while placing a spotlight on the need to support teachers as reflected in the agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A particular education goal, SDG4, pledges to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”.
The Education 2030 Framework for Action (the roadmap for the new agenda) highlights the fact that teachers are vital for equitable and quality education and must be “adequately trained, recruited and remunerated, motivated and supported within well-resourced, efficient, and effectively governed systems”. However, in order to achieve this goal, it is necessary not only to substantially increase the supply of qualified teachers but to motivate them by valuing their work. By 2030, 3.2 million more teachers will be required to achieve universal primary education and 5.1 million more in order to achieve universal lower secondary education (UNESCO website).
Each and every one can help by celebrating the profession by creating awareness about teacher issues and by celebrating the profession. All over the world there are events that people can participate in.
References
Outdoor Classroom Day
 |
| Source: Outdoor Classroom Day webiste |
Outdoor Classroom Day is an important and inspiring day for children to go outside, learn and play. Outdoor Classroom Day is a campaign that globally celebrates and inspires outdoor learning and play and provides an opportunity to share experiences with other schools. There are approximately 465 000 children that are involved worldwide.
Teachers are encouraged to get as many children as possible outside on Thursday 6th October for at least one lesson in the school day, and to celebrate playtime.
Teachers are encouraged to get as many children as possible outside on Thursday 6th October for at least one lesson in the school day, and to celebrate playtime.
Outdoor Classroom Day extends from the UK’s Empty Classroom Day and is supported by Unilever’s Dirt is Good movement.
 |
| Source: Music Early Childhood Presenter |
By playing and learning outside, children experience a myriad of powerful benefits. Play is important for their healthy development. Children also build lasting memories and an awareness of the environment occurs. Children are able to think independently and get excited about learning. Critical life skills, including resilience, teamwork, leadership, and creativity are taught.
From an environmental perspective, outdoor learning assists teachers and children to help solve the world’s most imminent environmental issues.
 |
| Source: Erie Insurance |
Today, use the hashtag #outdoorclassroomday in a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post.
References
International Mountain Day
The world’s mountains comprise some of the most spectacular landscapes, a myriad of ecosystems, a high diversity of species, and unique human communities. Mountains provide several resources that will increasingly become scarce in the next few decades such as freshwater, energy and food. Mountains provide for the freshwater needs of more than half of humanity. Mountains support about one quarter of world’s terrestrial biological diversity, with nearly half of the world’s biodiversity “hotspots” concentrated in mountains. Covering around 22 percent of the earth’s land surface, mountains play a critical role in moving the world towards sustainable economic growth. They not only provide sustenance and well-being to 915 million mountain people around the world, representing 13 percent of global population (their lives are intricately connected to mountains, and their survival depends on mountain biological diversity), but mountains also indirectly benefit billions more living downstream (UN website).
Nevertheless, mountains are vulnerable due to a number of natural and anthropogenic threats such as seismic hazards, fire, climate change, land cover change and agricultural intensification, and infrastructure development. Furthermore, these pressures essentially degrade mountain environments, which, in turn, impact the provision of ecosystem services and the livelihoods of people who heavily dependent on it. Moreover, mountain ecosystems’ fragility signifies a substantial challenge to sustainable development because the impacts of unsuitable development are more intense, rapid, and difficult to rectify than in other ecosystems. Thus, natural resources management must take efficiently place in order to promote the conservation and the sustainable use of increasingly scarce resources from mountain areas, including water, biodiversity, forests, grasslands, and soils.
International Mountain Day (IMD) was celebrated on 11 December. The International Mountain Day has its origins in 1992, when the adoption of Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 “Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development” at the United Nations (UN) Conference on Environment and Development was a mountain development landmark. IMD was established in 2003 by the United Nations General Assembly. It commenced to raise awareness to all of the things we rely on mountains for and in particular how necessary it is for the health and well-being of the flora and fauna. It is about resolving to conserve mountain biological diversity and to effectively implement mountain biological diversity programmes. By celebrating IMD as well as the rich diversity and identity of the world’s mountain cultures, we recognise the deep connection of communities and individuals to mountains. International Mountain Day is annually observed with a different theme relevant to sustainable mountain development led by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations). The theme for 2016 was: "Mountain Cultures: Celebrating diversity and strengthening identity". Its aim was to highlight Mountain Cultures.
Here is a video providing more information on IMD:
Source: UN
References
