environmental calendar
The United Nations Environmental Calendar highlights important dates and events related to environmental sustainability and conservation. It serves as a reminder of key environmental issues and encourages action to protect the planet. These dates, among others, serve as important reminders of our responsibility to protect the environment and promote sustainable practices for the well-being of current and future generations. Some notable dates on the calendar include:
Key Dates in the United Nations Environmental Calendar
february
world wetlands day: february 2
Every year on February 2nd, World Wetlands Day is celebrated to honor the adoption of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty dedicated to the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The convention was signed on February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran, hence its name.
This day serves as a reminder of the crucial role wetlands play in our environment and overall well-being. Wetlands are essential ecosystems that support biodiversity, provide habitats for wildlife, regulate water levels, and offer various ecosystem services like water filtration and flood prevention. The goal of World Wetlands Day is to raise awareness about the significance of these ecosystems and the need to protect them.
march
global recycling day: march 18
Did you know that every March 18th is Global Recycling Day? This special day was first celebrated in 2018 and is all about promoting the importance of recycling. It’s organized by the Global Recycling Foundation to encourage everyone, including individuals, businesses, and governments, to take action and make recycling a priority.
Global Recycling Day is a great opportunity to raise awareness about how recycling benefits the environment, the economy, and society. It reminds us of the importance of creating a circular economy, where we reuse, repurpose, and recycle materials to reduce waste and protect our planet.
international day of forests: march 21
March 21st marks the International Day of Forests, also known as World Forest Day. This special day, established by the United Nations General Assembly, celebrates the incredible importance of forests and trees for our planet’s health and the well-being of all living creatures.
The day is all about spreading awareness of how crucial forests are for sustainable development and environmental conservation. Forests play a key role in providing clean air and water, supporting biodiversity, and even helping combat climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide. Plus, they’re a source of livelihood for millions worldwide.
So, let’s take a moment to appreciate the beauty and benefits of forests and commit to protecting them for future generations to enjoy!
world water day: march 22
Did you know that every March 22nd, we celebrate World Water Day? This special day was created by the United Nations back in 1993 to shine a spotlight on the vital importance of freshwater and to encourage the responsible management of our water resources.
World Water Day is all about increasing awareness of the challenges we face when it comes to water, such as scarcity and pollution. It’s a time to come together and take action to ensure that everyone has access to clean, sustainable water sources.
Let’s make every drop count and protect our precious water for generations to come!”
april
arbor day: april 10
Arbor Day, a yearly event devoted to planting trees and preserving the environment, is celebrated across numerous countries, with the date varying based on the region’s optimal tree-planting season.
Originating in the United States during the 19th century, Arbor Day was first observed in Nebraska on April 10, 1872. It was spearheaded by J. Sterling Morton, a pioneer and advocate for nature, who understood the role of trees in enhancing the environment and encouraging sustainable land practices.
earth day: april 22
Did you know that Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, is a global event dedicated to appreciating and protecting our planet’s environment? This special day, which began in 1970, is now observed in over 193 countries worldwide.
The roots of Earth Day go back to the 1960s, a time when people were becoming increasingly concerned about environmental problems caused by human actions. Senator Gaylord Nelson of Wisconsin took action by organizing the first Earth Day, aiming to create a grassroots movement that would raise awareness about environmental issues and inspire people to take action.
Now, Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for our planet and encourages individuals and communities to make a positive impact on the environment.
may
international day for biological diversity: may 22
The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), celebrated on May 22nd each year, is a special day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity encompasses the incredible variety of life on Earth, including different species, ecosystems, and genetic resources. It plays a crucial role in sustaining life on our planet.
This day serves as a valuable reminder of the significance of biodiversity and the urgent need to conserve and use it sustainably. Biodiversity contributes to the health and balance of Earth’s ecosystems, providing essential services like clean air and water, pollination for crops, climate regulation, and even cultural inspiration.
Celebrating IDB is a way to acknowledge the beauty and value of the natural world around us and to recognize our responsibility to protect and preserve it for future generations.
June
world environment day: June 5
Did you know that every year on June 5th, people around the world celebrate World Environment Day? It’s a special day created by the United Nations to raise awareness and inspire action for the protection of our planet.
The idea for World Environment Day was born during the 1972 Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, and the first official celebration took place in 1974. Since then, it has become a global phenomenon, bringing people together from all walks of life to make a difference for our environment.
world oceans day: June 8
World Oceans Day, celebrated on June 8th each year, is a special reminder of the vital importance of our oceans. This day encourages us to appreciate and protect these magnificent bodies of water, which are essential for our survival. Oceans not only provide us with food and oxygen but also play a crucial role in regulating our climate and supporting a diverse range of marine life.
The idea for World Oceans Day was first proposed in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, it wasn’t until 2008 that the United Nations officially recognized June 8th as World Oceans Day. Since then, this day has become a global celebration, inspiring individuals and organizations worldwide to take action to preserve and safeguard our oceans for future generations.
world day to combat desertification & drought: June 17
The United Nations has marked June 17th as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. This special day aims to raise awareness about the urgent issues of land degradation, desertification, and drought, and their profound impacts on sustainable development. These environmental challenges can result in food and water scarcity, biodiversity loss, migration, and social conflicts in affected areas.
The day also urges individuals to take simple yet impactful actions in their daily lives, such as conserving water, preventing soil erosion, and safeguarding natural resources. By coming together to tackle these challenges, we can strive towards a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.
July
International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems: june 26
Every July 26th, we celebrate the International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems. This special day, designated by the United Nations, reminds us of the vital role mangrove ecosystems play in our world and the urgent need to protect and sustainably manage them.
The International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystems is all about raising awareness of the importance of mangroves and the challenges they face. It’s a call to action for governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to come together and safeguard these crucial habitats. Through sustainable management practices, conservation efforts, and policy initiatives, we can ensure the future of mangroves for generations to come.
september
world cleanup day: September 16
World Cleanup Day is a global movement that brings people together to clean up their local environments. It happens every year on the third Saturday of September. Millions of volunteers, community groups, businesses, and organizations join forces to clean up litter and waste from public spaces, parks, beaches, rivers, and other areas.
The idea for World Cleanup Day started in Estonia in 2008 with a national clean-up campaign called “Let’s Do It!” The movement grew quickly, and in 2018, it became a global initiative known as World Cleanup Day, with events happening in countries worldwide.