Ghana will join the global community to observe World Environment Day on June 5th, with a national theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience – Journey to a Greener Future.”
A press statement signed by the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Mrs Ophelia Mensah Hayford, on Tuesday, announced the plans for the celebration.
The celebratory events are timed with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration from 2021-2030, an initiative aimed at preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems worldwide.
The statement said, “Restoring degraded land, combating the spread of deserts and boosting resilience against drought are vital for safeguarding our environment and achieving sustainable development goals. We must collaborate across government, businesses and communities to make progress.”
According to the statement, planned activities will include a quiz, exhibitions, tree-planting exercises and public education campaigns on sustainable land management practices.
There will also be dialogues exploring nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration.
The 2024 celebration is hosted by Saudi Arabia, recognized for its efforts that are aligned with the UN Decade’s goals of combating desertification and land degradation.
Since 1975, World Environment Day has provided a global platform to increase awareness and spur action on pressing environmental challenges facing the planet.
This year’s global theme “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience” emphasizes the urgency of these interlinked issues.
Ghana aims to use the annual event as a catalyst for positive change and renew commitments to a greener, safer future for all.
Irene Wirekoaa Osei, ISD
