Plan your environmental calendar
Compliments of the New Year to you all. As we begin a New Year and season, it is important for us to plan how we are going to contribute to the wellbeing of the environment by planning our environmental calendar.
The United Nations as well as the African Union have set aside environmental days. These days provide a platform for stakeholders to share ideas, experiences, and insights and raise awareness and publicity on various environmental issues.
World Wetlands Day - February 2
This day marks the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Zimbabwe has acceded to the Convention and has seven sites designated as Ramsar sites. Zimbabwe has formed a taskforce to spearhead national action and international co-operation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Let’s all conserve our wetlands. Do not cultivate on the steam bank. Keep infrastructure, housing and all development away from wetlands.
Africa Environment Day - March 3
Set aside by African Union in order to heighten public awareness on topical environmental issues affecting African countries. Zimbabwe uses this day as a platform to discuss topical issues like waste management, sustainable development and green economy through symposiums to allow discussion and sharing of insights, perspectives and experiences. - The 68th Session of the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim March 3 as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild fauna and flora. -
World Wildlife Day March 3 International Forest Day March 21
The day celebrates and raises awareness on the importance of all types of forests. Zimbabwe organises activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns to heighten people’s appreciation of the value of trees. - The day was declared an international day in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly and was first celebrated in 1993. The day is devoted to conservation activities of water resources and its integrated use.
-
World Water Day March 22 World Meteorological March 23
The day highlights the huge contribution that the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services make to the safety and well-being of society.
Earth Hour - March 27
The day focuses on the need to take action against climate change. The key activity undertaken during the hour is turning off lights in order to reduce the carbon foot print. - Earth Day is a global attempt for international co-operation to address such issues as the greenhouse effect,
Earth Day April 22
the hole in the ozone layer, toxic waste, groundwater contamination, and destruction of rainforests, expanding deserts and ocean pollution.
-
National Fire week Second week of May
The week is meant to raise awareness on protecting the ecosystems from veld fires. The country emphasises fire guard construction, establishment and training of firefighting teams and enhances community preparedness to manage veld fires. Do not let your dreams go up in smoke, prevent and put out all veld fires.
International Day for Biological Diversity May 22
- The day was proclaimed in order to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Zimbabwe focuses on access and benefit sharing of genetic resources so that people appreciate the need to conserve biological resources. Stop deforestation, stop veld fires and stop destruction of our biodiversity.
To be continued
Environmental Facts, Tips and Updates are published weekly by the Environmental Management Agency. Send your feedback to; eep@ema.co.zw, like us on Facebook and twitter or visit our website www.ema.co.zw Alternatively, call us on: Tel 04-305543 and Toll-free 08080028; or use our Whatsapp platform 0779565707. We are ready to listen.