World Environment Day : 5th June 2023
World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, is a global event aimed at promoting awareness about environmental protection and preservation. Its roots can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. Following this conference, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established on June 15, 1972, and proposed the idea of dedicating a special day to the environment. Consequently, the UN General Assembly designated June 5th as World Environment Day (WED), which was first observed in 1973 with the slogan “Only One Earth.”
The theme for World Environment Day 2023 is focused on finding solutions to plastic pollution, under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution, and is hosted by Côte d’Ivoire with support from the Netherlands. This theme highlights the significance of individual actions in combatting plastic pollution, as the steps taken by governments and businesses to address this issue are a direct consequence of such actions.
Plastic pollution has become a pressing global concern. Over 400 million tonnes of plastic is produced annually, with half of it designed for single-use purposes. Shockingly, less than 10% of plastic is recycled, resulting in an estimated 19-23 million tonnes ending up in water bodies. Plastic now heavily burdens landfills, contaminates oceans, and releases toxic fumes when incinerated, making it one of the most critical threats to the planet.
Additionally, microplastics, which are often overlooked, find their way into our food, water, and even the air we breathe. Many plastic products also contain harmful additives that can pose risks to our health.
The Network for Certification and Conservation Forests, advocates for sustainable natural resource management through various sustainability certification standards. These standards have significant potential to contribute in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), international commitments for climate action, biodiversity conservation, and land restoration.
Given the global nature of environmental concerns, protecting the environment necessitates international cooperation. The NCCF collaborates with international and national organizations, bodies, and stakeholders to address environmental challenges.
Let us all commit to adopting eco-friendly practices in order to create a greener and cleaner environment.