WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

World Environment Day on 5 June holds particular significance this year, as 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. With the theme of “Many Species. One Planet. One Future” we are again invited to reflect on the interdependence of man and nature.

The third edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3) was recently produced by the Convention on Biological Diversity. The report warns that natural systems that support economies and livelihoods across the planet are at risk of rapid degradation and collapse unless there is swift, radical and creative action to conserve and sustainably use the variety of life on earth. The report is based on scientific assessments, national reports submitted by governments and a study on future scenarios for biodiversity, and confirms that the world has failed to meet its target to achieve a significant reduction in the rate of biodiversity loss by 2010.

“The assessment of the state of the world's biodiversity in 2010, as contained in GBO-3...should serve as a wake-up call for humanity. Business as usual is no longer an option if we are to avoid irreversible damage to the life-support systems of our planet “, says Ahmed Djoghlaf, Executive-Secretary of the Convention on Biodiversity Diversity.

In his foreword to GBO-3, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon writes: "To tackle the root causes of biodiversity loss, we must give it higher priority in all areas of decision-making and in all economic sectors…We need a new vision for biological diversity for a healthy planet and a sustainable future for humankind."

The findings of GBO-3 highlight the importance of raising awareness of environmental issues through global campaigns such as World Environment Day. Across the world communities and organizations will be undertaking activities to support a better balance between human societies and the natural world. Rwanda will be the global host of the 2010 World Environment Day.

Rwanda’s combination of environmental richness, including rare and economically-important species such as the mountain gorilla, allied to newly evolving and pioneering green policies is among the reasons why UNEP welcomed its offer to be the global 2010 host.

Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director and UN Under-Secretary-General, said: “WED has become a dynamic and global grass roots expression of humanity’s desire to realize meaningful and positive environmental change. And Rwanda is an African nation that, despite big challenges, is seizing the multiple opportunities possible from Green Economic policies.”

Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda, said: “From preserving our country’s unique biological diversity, to developing modern and sustainable businesses – the environment is central to Rwanda’s vision for prosperity. Protecting our environment ensures a better life for all our citizens and leaves a lasting heritage for future generations. We are honoured to host World Environment Day and look forward to presenting a truly global celebration of the diversity of life on our planet.”

More information can be found on the WED website, including ideas on how your community, school, family, or organization can celebrate World Environment Day and how to register your initiative as a WED activity.