Around the world, people celebrated World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2012. World Environment Day is an annual event that aims to be the biggest and most celebrated global environmental day. Its goal: to get people tot ake positive environmental action, no matter who you are or where you live.
Tanzanian youth doing traditional dance to celebrate World Environment Day. (Photo credit: Bird Life International)
In Pakistan, the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) celebrated WED by “reaffirming its commitment to align organizational efforts with environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.” PTCL engaged with employees by using the message, “Every drop is precious. Treat water with respect.” PTCL has been recognized by the national Forum for Environment and Health for its work on sustainability and won the “National Environmental Excellence Award” in 2011. Some activities include planting 300 saplings on headquarter grounds, replacing normal light bulbs with energy efficient LED lights, encouraging a paperless work environment, and using recycled material for its products.
At last year’s WED in Tanzania, villagers in the Uluguru Mountains celebrated with a project that is raising local incomes and protecting the forest. The project is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania and Birdlife UK and involves working with government, civil society, schools, universities and private companies. Due to income disparities amongst Uluguru villagers and a growing population, the local forests are threatened by excessive destruction for timber and fuelwood, and unsustainable farming practices. The event’s theme was, “Plant Trees and Take Care of Them: Protect the Environment of Watersheds in Uluguru Mountains,” and will last until December 2015. The celebration itself was full of dancing and drama and, importantly, identified the most environmentally friendly school in the area, and the best village for environmental conservation.
In Ireland, the community of Ballina celebrates WED every year by rehabilitating Lennox Headland. The event involves planting and mulching trees along the coast of the Pacific Ocean with the ultimate goal of eventually creating a rainforest. Starting in 2003, a different section of the headland is chosen for rehabilitation, prepped, and then planted in a day-long community event. This year’s WED planting event took place on June 1st. Check out the photo galleries to see the native vegetation planting projects in Ballina from 1980-2011 and get ideas for your own community restoration project!
Did you celebrate World Environment Day this year? If not, have you taken part in any environmental projects like a clean up day, an educational class, or a fun nature-related art project?