The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) has called on Ghanaians to leverage World Environment Day as a catalyst for societal transformation.
On Wednesday, June 5, Ghana will join the global community in observing this year’s World Environment Day, themed “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.
The national theme adopted by Ghana is, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience – Journey to a Greener Future” with the slogan, “Our Land, Our Future.”
The celebration aims to raise public awareness and education on emerging environmental issues, serve as a global platform to accelerate, amplify and engage people, communities and governments worldwide, and stimulate action on critical environmental challenges facing the planet.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, May 4, MESTI the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other key stakeholders, would undertake a “What Do You Know Quiz”, exhibitions, tree planting exercises, and public education and awareness creation on sustainable land management practices.
She further stated that they would facilitate dialogues on nature-based solutions suitable for ecosystem restoration, to advance efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (13 & 15), restore degraded landscapes, combat desertification, build effective resilience to drought, and ensure a sustainable future for both the planet and the next generation.
“Let’s therefore use this day as a catalyst for social change as we adopt sustainable land management practices and invest in resilient strategies to protect our planet’s existing natural resources and promote a greener, safer and better future for all,” she added.
BACKGROUND
Since 1975, the United Nations has designated June 5th of every year as World Environment Day. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known for its pioneering efforts as part of commitments to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) in restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification and building resilience to drought, will host the 51st Anniversary of the World Environment Day in 2024, thus advancing efforts to achieve environmental conservation and sustainability.
In light of this year’s theme focusing on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience, it is crucial to remember that the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in March 2019.
This year’s celebration aims to underscore the need for collaboration among Governments, Private sector organisations and individuals worldwide, to increase efforts on Ecosystem Restoration at a mass scale to protect and restore degraded landscapes, tackle desertification and build drought resilience. This is critical for advancing efforts to achieve sustainable development goals (esp. 13 & 15) and ensuring a sustainable future for the planet, species and the next generation.
