World Environment Day led by the United Nation was first celebrated in the year 1973 dedicated to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. Since then, the event is held annually on Jun 5^thglobally to motivate and educate the population about their responsibility in safeguarding the planet for future generations. The year 2024 theme will focus on “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience”. The global event will be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The aim of this year’s theme is to encourage awareness on the urgent need to restore global ecosystem that has been drastically degraded due to human activities such as deforestation and large-scale pollution resulting in unpredictable climate change. The steady degradation of our global ecosystem threatens the biodiversity and many communities that depend on them for their livelihood which is evident in the massive floods recently in Brazil & Kenya causing thousands of innocent lives.

Land serves as the foundation for life on Earth. It provides us with food, water, shelter and various resources necessary for our well-being. It supports countless ecosystems and habitats, hosting a wide array of plant and animal species. However, human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation and unsustainable land practices have put tremendous pressure on our land resources, leading to soil degradation, biodiversity loss and other negative consequences. To ensure a sustainable future, it is imperative to conserve and protect our land resources. Conservation efforts can take various forms, such as reforestation and afforestation projects, implementing sustainable land management practices and preserving natural habitats. By safeguarding our land, we can mitigate the impacts of climate change, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable development.

Agriculture is closely linked to land use and plays a vital role in global food security. However, conventional agricultural practices often lead to soil erosion, water pollution and deforestation. On World Environment Day 2024, the focus is on promoting sustainable agriculture and responsible land use. This includes practices such as organic farming, agro forestry and precision agriculture, which minimize the environmental footprint while ensuring food production for future generations. Many areas around the world have suffered from land degradation due to human activities, including mining, industrialization and unsustainable farming practices. World Environment Day provides an opportunity to emphasize the importance of land restoration and rehabilitation. Through initiatives such as reclamation projects, soil remediation and land rehabilitation programs. We can restore degraded land and enhance its productivity, biodiversity and resilience

Engaging local communities and respecting indigenous knowledge and practices are essential for sustainable land management. World Environment Day encourages the active involvement of communities in decision making processes and the implementation of sustainable land practices. Indigenous peoples’ traditional knowledge and sustainable land management systems can provide valuable insights and solutions for preserving land resources and promoting sustainable development. While governments and corporations play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues and individual action is equally important. Every person has the power to make a difference through their daily choices and habits. Some practical steps people can be undertaken such as embrace the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle to minimize waste and conserve resources. Opt for reusable products, recycle whenever possible and limit single-use plastics. Decrease your carbon footprint by preserving energy at home and in your everyday activities. Switch to energy efficient appliances, use public transportation and turn off lights and electronics when not in use. By choosing products and services from companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. Support local farmers and businesses that use eco-friendly methods.

Beyond individual actions, communities can significantly impact environmental protection. They can advocate for stricter regulations and policies promoting renewable energy and conservation. Additionally, organising clean-up events tackles waste management while raising awareness.  Finally, communities can educate and inspire by hosting workshops and events focused on sustainability, creating a ripple effect through knowledge sharing and collective action. World Environment Day 2024 with the theme “Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience” reminds us of the critical role environment plays and the urgent need to conserve it for a sustainable future. Even our smallest of decisions like recycling a plastic bottle means one less plastic in a landfill. This “World Environment Day” let’s make a promise to think about our home, the earth more than once a year.