YOUR PLANE T NEEDS YOU

World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

YOU!
your planet needs

UNite to combat
climate change
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, 5 JUNE 2009

w w2 w . u n e p . o r g / w e d / 2 0 0 9 W o r l d E n v i r o n m e n t D a y • 5 J u3 n e 2 0 0 9
World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

World Environment Day • 5 June

World Environment Day was established by the UN General Assembly in 1972 to Interest in World Environment Day grows each year, as evidenced by the number
mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. of countries which lend their support to this important United Nations Day, by the
expanding list of municipalities, businesses and communities that participate, and
Commemorated every year on 5 June, World Environment Day is one of the principal
by hundreds and thousands of individuals who visit UNEP’s World Environment
vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the
Day website.
environment and enhances political attention and action. The day’s agenda is to:
Activities organized to celebrate the Day range from tree-planting, street rallies,
• Give a human face to environmental issues;
bicycle parades, green concerts, essay and poster competitions in schools, clean-up
• Empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable campaigns and recycling drives. The Day also provides opportunities for seminars,
development; workshops and symposia on issues that top the environment agenda.
• Promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing The media is an important stakeholder and plays a critical role in amplifying the
attitudes towards environmental issues; issues, engendering public awareness and interest, and in building pressure for
• Advocate partnership, which will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer action among global leaders on concerns such as global warming.
and more prosperous future. The Day aims to stir political attention and action. In the past, policies on
The theme for World Environment Day 2009 is ‘Your Planet Needs You! Unite to environmental management and economic planning were announced and
Combat Climate Change’. It reflects the urgency for nations to ‘seal the deal’ at the international conventions ratified.
crucial climate convention meeting in Copenhagen some 180 days later in the year. World Environment Day is ‘a people’s day’, which means it is your opportunity to be
It also raises a call for everyone to get involved, rethink actions and ways that result part of the global action to promote the protection of our planet, the sustainable
in wastage and heavy greenhouse gas emissions, and adopt a greener lifestyle. use of our natural resources, and the adoption of a lifestyle that is friendly to the
Each year a different city is chosen as the principal venue for the global celebration environment. Join the call for all peoples of the world to unite and take positive
of World Environment Day. This year’s host is Mexico which affirms the growing action to combat climate change. Be part of the growing voice that calls for political
role of the country in the fight against climate change, including its growing leaders to ‘seal the deal’ in Copenhagen. Remember – ‘Your Planet Needs You!’
participation in the carbon markets.
Mexico is also a leading partner in UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign. The country, YEAR HOST CITY COUNTRY YEAR HOST CITY COUNTRY
with the support of its President and people, has spearheaded the pledging and 2009 Mexico City Mexico 1997 Seoul Republic of Korea
planting of some 25 per cent of the trees under the campaign. Mexican President 2008 Wellington New Zealand 1996 Istanbul Turkey
2007 Tromsø Norway 1995 Pretoria South Africa
Felipe Calderon states that the World Environment Day celebration will “further 2006 Algiers Algeria 1994 London United Kingdom
underline Mexico’s determination to manage natural resources and deal with the 2005 San Francisco USA 1993 Beijing China
2004 Barcelona Spain 1992 Rio de Janeiro Brazil
most demanding challenge of the 21st century – climate change.” 2003 Beirut Lebanon 1991 Stockholm Sweden
2002 Shenzhen China 1990 Mexico City Mexico
This year’s World Environment Day will also highlight the ‘Green New Deal’ – a 2001 Torino/Havana Italy/Cuba 1989 Brussels Belgium
solution to the global financial meltdown and global warming by calling for 2000 Adelaide Australia 1988 Bangkok Thailand
1999 Tokyo Japan 1987 Nairobi Kenya
increased investments in renewable energy sources, ecosystem infrastructures and 1998 Moscow Russian Federation
energy-efficient production processes.

4 5
Cover photo: © The Bigger Picture
World Environment Day 2009
Message of United Nations
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The economic and financial turmoil sweeping
the globe is a true wake-up call, sounding an
alarm about the need to improve upon old
patterns of growth and make a transition to a
new era of greener, cleaner development. The
theme of this year’s World Environment Day –
“Your planet needs you” – is meant to inspire all
of us to do our part.
6 7
Inspiring examples
Finding Green
Opportunities
Amidst Climate
Threat
The Earth faces the grave threat of climate
change. While all countries will suffer, the
poor will bear the brunt of the impact. We do,
however, also have an opportunity to change
course. Crucial climate change talks will take
place in Copenhagen in December. Together,
we must press governments to “Seal the Deal”
for a new climate agreement.
Primary forest in Fjorland park, New Zealand
© Film “HOME” – une coproduction
ELZEVIR FILMS / EUROPACORP
World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

The world also needs a “Green New Deal”
focused on investing in renewable sources
of energy, eco-friendly infrastructure and
energy efficiency. This will not only create
jobs and spur recovery but also help tackle
global warming. If we invest even part of
the substantial new economic stimulus
packages in the green economy, we can turn
today’s crisis into tomorrow’s sustainable
growth. Moreover, countries that make
the transition to a low-carbon society will
reap more than significant environmental
benefits; they will be well-placed to share
their new technology with others.
On this World Environment Day, I encourage
all people to take concrete steps toward
making the planet greener and cleaner. Switch
off the lights. Take public transportation.
Recycle. Plant a tree. Clean up your local
park. Hold corporations responsible for their
environmental practices. And urge your
government representatives to Seal the Deal in
Copenhagen.

But our planet needs more than just action

by governments and corporations; it needs
each of us. Although individual decisions
may seem small in the face of global threats
and trends, when billions of people join
forces in common purpose we can make a
tremendous difference.

Permafrost in Siberia, Russia

© Film “HOME” – une coproduction
ELZEVIR FILMS / EUROPACORP
8 9
World Environment Day 2009

Leading the
Global Green
Economy

Message from Mexico’s Secretary of

Environment and Natural Resources
Juan R. Elvira
The United Nations has granted Mexico the
privilege of hosting the 2009 World Environment
Day. Under the overall theme of “Your Planet
Needs You! Unite to Combat Climate Change”we
have proposed as sub-themes ‘forests, poverty
and climate change’ because we recognize that
conservation and the sustainable use of forest
ecosystems are connected in a virtuous cycle
with public welfare, the abatement of poverty
levels, climate change mitigation, and limiting
vulnerability to the adverse effects of global
warming.

Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and

Natural Resources of Mexico

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© Gallo Images/ AFP
World Environment Day 2009
We also recognize that it is crucial
to achieve sustainable patterns
of production and consumption
in order to diminish the pressures
on ecosystems and to secure
economic growth. In fact, economic
growth can only be achieved and
maintained if it is positively related
to the public’s welfare and to the
conservation of the natural wealth
that sustains it.
The celebration of World
Environment Day takes place
in the context of the greatest
international economic crises
in the last 70 years and during a
key negotiation process where
the engagement of all nations of
the world is necessary in order to
combat climate change; without
doubt, one of the major challenges
facing humanity. Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of Mexico
It is of the highest importance for the govern-
ment’s leadership role, that economic recovery
policies incorporate environmental criteria
and encourage the sustainable use of natural
resources, the efficient use of energy, and the
conservation of ecosystems, just as proposed
by the Green Economy Initiative of the United
Nations Environment Programme.
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In Mexico, we are working to develop a country
of equal opportunities, one that is productive,
efficient, competitive, and at the same time
respectful of its natural assets. We seek the
full public and economic recognition of such
natural assets, which will consider not only the
goods, but also the environmental services the
ecosystems provide, and that will represent the
foundations of economic development and
public well-being.
On the international front, the Mexican Green
Fund proposal calls on all countries to join a
common commitment against the effects of
climate change: All countries can and shall do
something.
We are working to increase the standard of
living of the people of Mexico through the
generation of new development opportunities
based on the sustainable use of natural
resources. Allow me to give you just some
examples. The people and owners of close to
2.3 million hectares of forests and rainforests
in Mexico currently receive support, so that
they can sustainably use this resource through
reforestation, land conservation and restoration
activities, among others. This is part of the
payment for environmental services program
of the Mexican government through which the
owners of forest lands receive payment for the
care and protection of forests.
In the more than 23 million hectares of Natural
Protected Areas – which cover close to 12 per
cent of our territory – we work with and support
local communities to develop alternative,
sustainable and productive activities. These
activities not only contribute to increasing their
family incomes, but to secure the conservation
of the ecosystems they protect.
In Mexico, we are also aware of our role in solv-
ing the global environmental problems we
face, such as climate change. That is why we
are solidly engaged with and committed to the
international community to face this threat. We
are the only Non Annex I country to have sub-
mitted three national communications under
the United National Framework Convention on
Climate Change.
Our National Strategy on Climate Change will
soon be unveiled and several states within
Mexico are working on State Action Plans to
Combat Climate Change.
The recovery of our forest ecosystems is a
national priority. Among other initiatives, a
significant number of Mexicans, from young to
old, participated in the campaign “Let’s Plant
for the Planet”, contributing 25 per cent of the
international goal, by planting close to 530
million trees.
We are also working to reduce our carbon
footprint through a number of different
mitigation actions with the industrial, transport
and staples industries, among others.
On June 5th, we want to celebrate the environ-
ment and to acknowledge that it is only one
earth we have and that our communities and
countries are interconnected through environ-
mental, economic and social interactions.
This year, the global celebration will be hosted
in Mexico. We will share with the whole world
our heritage as a mega-bio-diverse country,
awakening the environmental conscience, with
five ecosystems that show signs of recovery as
witnesses: deserts, forests, rainforests, wetlands
and coasts.
Inspiring
Climateexamples
Change
Our people are the best spokespersons to
communicate this message. The Mexican people
wish to show the world their commitment to
conservation and the protection of natural
wealth.
Each crisis presents new opportunities if we
have the courage to draw on the lessons
learned and to put them into practice, our
differences notwithstanding. The current crisis
has resulted in an unprecedented international
cooperation mobilization. We have realized that
global processes demand global perspectives.
We need to continue designing our problem
solving processes in an inclusive manner that
gives due regard to each and every country
in the world. In sum, we need to promote
multilateral action.
In this 2009 World Environment Day, we wish to
plant a seed in all the inhabitants of this planet.
We hope that this seed engenders a stronger
environmental conscience and a commitment
to conserve and protect our shared natural
treasures, in order to support efforts on the
climate change front, and also to encourage
and participate in a new green economy.
Today, every people on Earth shall take an
action for the environment, one each day. Let
us look into the protection of the environment
as a central element that will allow us to achieve
development and the eradication of poverty
for all the peoples of the world.
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World Environment Day 2009
Message of Achim Steiner,
UN Under-Secretary General and
Executive Director,
United Nations
Environment Programme
I am delighted that Mexico and its people will
be the 2009 global hosts of the annual United
Nations WED celebrations on 5 June under the
theme “Your Planet Needs You! Unite to Combat
Climate Change”.
Mexico is among a group of nations showing
real leadership on the challenges of our age –
14
Global Leaders Must ‘Seal the Deal’
from climate change to bringing environmental
goods and services into the mainstream of
national and international economics.
Mexico has no formal responsibility under the
Kyoto Protocol – the current emission reduction
treaty – but the country has nevertheless
given its clear intent to set a voluntary target
supported by a comprehensive greenhouse
gas-cutting strategy.
This is the kind of leadership that is capable of
resolving long-standing debates and ultimately
unproductive disagreements that have divided
the international community for too long.
Mexico has also recognized the abundant op-
portunities that are emerging from the existing
agreement, and that will flow even faster and
firmer if governments ‘seal the deal’ on new, sci-
entifically-credible arrangements in December.
The country has, for example, developed a
multi-billion dollar export business in solar
panels and is, with the UN and the Global
Environment Facility as partners, embarking on
an ambitious solar water heating industry.
The aim is to reach an eventual target of 23.5
million cubic metres of installed capacity by
2020. China, the world leader in solar water
heaters, has an installed solar water heater
capacity of around 100 million cubic metres
and has created 600,000 green jobs. Thus,
by 2020, Mexico might have the potential to
generate jobs for some 150,000 people in this
sector alone as a result of the new project.
Mexico is now second only to Brazil in this region
in terms of accessing the Clean Development
Mechanism with projects ranging from wind
power to biogas.
Over 1.5 million people are paid in the rural
areas to manage forests and water-sheds as
part of a deliberate policy linking decent jobs
with the environmental, climate and overall
Green Economy agenda.
WED 2009 comes just under 190 days before the
UN climate convention meeting in Denmark—I
would urge everyone across the globe to join
the people of Mexico.
Let us together send the simple request: ‘Seal
the Deal’ in Copenhagen. In doing so world
leaders will be delivering perhaps the most
transformational and far-reaching stimulus
package of them all, now and for the coming
decades.
Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and
Natural Resources of Mexico
World Environment Day 2009
Your Planet Needs You!
Climate change is now widely recognized as the defining challenge of
our time. Addressing climate change is central to the work of the Unit-
ed Nations. Yet everyone has a role to play in reducing the threat that
climate change poses to peace, security, sustainable development and
quality of life.
Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, there are many ways you can
help combat climate change. World Environment Day is the perfect time
to make the commitment and step up your activities by joining a global
movement.
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© The bigger picture
Every voice counts. Show your support by taking practical action,
such as:
Adopting the ‘Unite’ call to action by making it the theme or slogan for
your company or organization’s long-term activities and campaigns on
climate change
Making a statement and creating your own legacy by arranging a
tree planting activity for World Environment Day on 5 June 2009 and
registering your activity on the UNEP WED site
Endorsing and publicizing the campaign by featuring the Unite banner
on your homepage
Spreading the word within your own networks to help get the Unite to
Combat Climate Change message out to as many people as possible, in
every corner of the world;
Registering your activity with UNEP on any new, interesting and creative
campaign ideas that you are developing or that you want to collaborate
with us on!
World Environment
InspiringDay 2007
examples
© The Bigger Picture
“This year, let us unite to combat climate change. Let us join
together to seal a deal in Copenhagen that is ambitious, fair,
and effective. Let us use this unique opportunity to protect
people and the planet, and to power green growth.
“I am committed to doing all I can to realize this vision. The
United Nations needs your support. Your planet and your
children are counting on you. Together, we can make a
difference.”
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 World Environment Day 2009
Let’s “Seal the Deal!” in Copenhagen
On 7-18 December 2009, some 190 governments will meet in
Copenhagen, Denmark to negotiate a comprehensive global
climate agreement for the period after 2012, when the first
commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol expires.
With just six months between World Environment Day 2009 and
the start of this crucial UN climate convention meeting, the time
to act is now.
Make your voice
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heard!
© Still Pictures
Join the Seal the Deal! Campaign and add your voice to the global
chorus calling on world leaders to unite, agree and act to combat
climate change.
Led by the UN, this powerful campaign has one vital aim: To
encourage the governments of the world to agree on a deal that
will protect people and the planet when they meet to negotiate a
new climate change agreement in Copenhagen.
Protect the Planet, Power Green Growth!
The message to world leaders in 2009 is simple but urgent: Seal
the Deal! Agree on ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions before
it’s too late.
Seal the Deal! is about mobilizing millions of individuals,
businesses, community groups and other organizations around
the world in the lead-up to the Copenhagen meeting.
To get involved, you can:
Stamp your right to be heard and to determine your fate on this
planet by attending a Seal the Deal! rally in your town or city
Inspiring examples
© Still Pictures
where you can dip the ‘People’s Seal’ in paint and add your stamp
to a global petition. Or you can sign the petition on-line.
Check out what’s happening in your area during Climate Action
Week from 20-26 September 2009. Or plan your own activity to
support the campaign and share it with us.
Climate change affects every one of us. Unite and be part of the
solution. Help to Seal the Deal!
www.sealthedeal2009.
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 Climate Change

Support the Climate Heroes

A highlight of this year’s World Environment Day is the launch of the
Climate Heroes, which supports individuals who are undertaking
exceptional personal feats, high-profile expeditions, and other acts
of environmental activism to demonstrate their commitment and to
raise awareness for one simple idea: Your planet needs You!

UNEP collaborates with these Climate
Heroes to help inspire and motivate people
to unite to combat climate change. Through
their acts, and the attention they generate,
they will give voice to individuals and
organizations across the globe that care
about the state of our planet and want to
see real change and real commitment.
Ultimately, the Climate Heroes call on each
of us to do what we can: from adopting
the simplest habits like turning off running
water when we are brushing our teeth, to
organizing a public or workplace event for
World Environment Day or taking a stand
and participating in the Seal the Deal! on-
line petition. Through our united efforts, we
can all be Climate Heroes and help make a
difference. Here are some of their inspiring
examples:

Globe: Courtesy NASA

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World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring
Climateexamples
Change

Unite to Combat Climate Change: Pull Together

Roz Savage is an environmental campaigner known for her

Roz Savage
inspirational solo row across the Atlantic Ocean. She will now row
solo across the Pacific Ocean and walk from London to Copenhagen
armed with an environmental mission called Pull Together. This
initiative aims to inspire people to take action on CO2 levels by
walking more and driving less. Calling upon her supporters around
the world to Pull Together, Roz will challenge them to match her
10,000 oar strokes each day with 10,000 steps. All the steps logged
by participants around the world on the site will be aggregated and
expressed by a number of laps around the earth completed during
the challenge. For every 53 people that complete 1,000,000 steps,
an earth lap will be added. Just before her 24 May launch, she will
provide the opening remarks to attendees of Al Gore’s Climate
Project Summit and become a Climate Change Ambassador.
 
This grassroots participation will be channeled towards the
upcoming climate change conference in Copenhagen in December.
In partnership with 350.org, on 24 October -- a designated global day
of action on climate change -- Roz and thousands of supporters will
assemble at Big Ben in London and, over a period of six weeks, march
more than 600 miles to Copenhagen to address the conference
delegates. At this time, Roz will deliver the results of the initiative,
essentially a walking petition, as a symbol of commitment to taking
immediate, aggressive action to reduce global  CO2 levels. Using
photos, videos, blogs and several social media platforms, including
Facebook and Twitter, her mission is to connect and engage people
of all ages around the world, and demonstrate that every action, no

© Shutterstock
matter how small it may seem, does indeed matter.

w w w. r o z s av a g e. c o m
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 World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

Unite to Combat Climate Change: Pull Together

Ride Japan
This father and son team, Charles & Sho Scott, will embark on
a two- month bike ride across the entire mainland of Japan
on connected bikes. The 4,700-kilometer journey will take
them from the northernmost point of Cape Souya to the
southern tip at Cape Sata, through 11 World Heritage Sites.
They will begin promoting the trip in New York City on 5 June
to coincide with a World Environment Day-related activity
to encourage participation for the summer ride. The two
were inspired to use this ride to encourage action on climate
change after watching the BBC’s Planet Earth documentary
and recognizing the critical and immediate need.
They will simultaneously be supporting a call to action for
people to help UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign achieve its goal
of planting seven billion trees – one for every person on the
globe – this year. Currently, three billion have been planted
and five billion pledged. They will also promote the Seal the
Deal! effort and eight-year old Sho will address the UNEP/
© Gallo Images/ Getty Images

TUNZA International Children & Youth Conference in Korea by

video-telegram from a remote location during his expedition
as an inspiring example and youth ambassador.

w w w. j a p a n b i ke r i d e. co m
24 25
World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

Unite to Combat Climate Change: Pull Together

Plastiki Expedition
Inspired by a UNEP report on marine litter, The voyage will sail through a number of
David de Rothschild made it his mission to exciting, challenging and environmentally-
conduct further research on the topic. He sensitive regions, including the ominously
wanted to create a compelling and pioneering named Great Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch, an
adventure that would inspire people to act area six times the size of England where plastic
more responsibly towards our planet. Moved to outweighs plankton by 6 to 1 – essentially,
action, David and a handpicked crew of leading the world’s largest waste dump. Supported
scientists, sailors, adventurers, thought leaders by Adventure Ecology’s network of global

Photo: Curtesy Plastiki Expedition

and artists plan to set sail approximately 10,000 supporters and institutions, Plastiki will use

Photo: Curtesy Plastiki Expedition

nautical miles across the Pacific. The boat, the expedition not only to raise awareness
called Plastiki, is a distinctive, one-of-a-kind 60- on out-of-sight and out-of-mind issues facing
foot (20m) catamaran made out of reclaimed our planet but also to act as the catalyst to
plastic bottles, srPET plastic and recycled activate change by bringing smart solutions
waste products. Their mission: To beat waste by to the forefront. The vessel will be outfitted
thinking smart and showcasing how refuse can with satellite phones and computers ensuring
be used as a resource thus inspiring sustainable regular feedback for the world.
solutions for a better way of living.

w w w.theplastiki.com
26 27
World Environment Day 2009
Project Kaisei
Project Kaisei consists of a team of innovators, ocean lovers, sailors,
scientists, sports enthusiasts and environmentalists who have come
together with a common purpose: to study how to capture plastic
waste in the ocean, detoxify, and recycle it into diesel fuel.
This first research mission, scheduled for the summer of 2009, will
be critical to understanding the logistics that will be needed for a
successful clean-up operation as some of the technology required
for such a feat has never been utilized under oceanic conditions.
Why is this a critical mission? Every year over 60 billion tons of plastic
Photo: Curtesy Project Keisei
are produced, much of it for one-time use and less than 5 per cent of
the world’s plastics are recycled. National Geographic estimates that
over 85 million plastic bottles are used every three minutes. Much of
plastic waste that is not incinerated, which is toxic in its own right, or
land-filled, makes its way to the oceans. As the waste breaks down, it
is mistaken for food, kills hundreds of thousands of birds and marine
life, and is now making its way into our food chain.
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Climateexamples
Inspiring Change
Unite to Combat Climate Change: Pull Together
Currently, there are no proposed solutions to
resolve the issue of plastics in the oceans.  Most
believe it is not possible to clean such a vast
space, and aim for more responsible handling
of waste on land. However, using advanced
technology, Project Kaisei’s objective is to test
catch methods, and demonstrate that at least
some of the Plastic Vortex can be recycled and
cleaned through a first-of-its-kind,  patented
solution. National Geographic will cover Project
Kaisei’s work for a documentary film and Google
Earth will track its progress with imagery and
high tech overlays. www.projectkaisei.org
w w w.unep.org/
Photo: Curtesy Project Keisei
wed2009/climateheroes
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Daily Do-something Tips
www.unep.org/wed09
Easy Ways to Green
Your Routine
World Environment Day is about
taking action to be part of the
solution, and going green is not
as difficult as you might think. We
can all do our part to protect the
planet by using less and acting
more. Here we walk you through
30 easy ways to green your daily
routine, from the moment you
hit snooze on your solar-powered
alarm clock to the point when
you crawl into your eco-washed,
organic cotton sheets.
30
Make your WED commitment
today. Try to incorporate all of
these into your life as a matter of
routine. Get others to do the same.
And get involved!
IN GENERAL:
Plant a tree! Help achieve UNEP’s
Billion Tree Campaign target of
planting seven billion trees – one
for every person on the planet –
by the end of this year. On every
continent in the world trees can
be planted in June, so start your
efforts on WED.
Find homes or charitable
organizations that have use for
things that you no longer need
or want rather than throwing it
away.
DAILY ROUTINE:
MORNING…
Bathroom:
Many of us forget that we can
save water in simple ways like not
letting the tap run while shaving,
washing our faces, or brushing our
teeth.
Insulating your water heater will
help save valuable energy, and you
can go the extra mile by installing
showerheads with a low flow
in your bathrooms to help save
water. You can also put a timer on
your heaters to save power.
Using an electric razor or hand
razor with replaceable blades
instead of disposable razors goes
a long way to cutting back on
waste. And plant a tree.
Use towels for drying your face
and hands instead of tissues that
are used and thrown away. Also,
hang your towels to dry so that
they can be reused several times.
You are, after all, clean when you
use them!
Breakfast:
Juice or yoghurt lovers can
do their bit by buying juice in
concentrates and yoghurt in
reusable containers instead of
single serving packages.
Many of us like to leaf through the
paper as we munch on breakfast,
but consider reading the dailies in
communal spaces like the office
or coffee shops. However, if you
prefer to have your own copy,
make sure you recycle!
When packing your lunch, opt
for reusable containers for food
storage instead of wrapping the
food with aluminum foil or plastic
wrap.
As you leave the house, don’t
forget to switch off all the lights
and appliances at the wall unit
(if you have this feature) and
unplug chargers as they continue
to consume even if they are not
charging; saving energy helps
reduce air pollution.
GETTING TO WORK:
Don’t go anywhere without your
cloth bag so you can just say no to
plastic whenever you shop.
Radical as it may seem, in today’s
“the easier the better” society,
the easiest way to reduce your
carbon footprint is by avoiding
driving altogether. Power down
and Instead try biking, walking,
carpooling, public transport or an
occasional telecommute.
If you have no other choice than
to drive to work, look for the most
fuel-efficient car model for your
next purchase and keep your tyres
inflated to the correct pressure.
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Daily Do-something Tips
www.unep.org/wed09
If you’re one of the lucky few
blessed with clear stretches of
road on your way to work, use
cruise control, as it saves fuel and
also helps you maintain a constant
speed.
If you’re among the majority of
drivers who spend their mornings
stuck in traffic, consider turning
your engine off if you will be idling
for long periods of time. And plant
a tree.
For those who suffer from road
rage, remember that aggressive
driving lowers your mileage, so
if you want to save on fuel and
save the planet while you’re at it,
accelerate gradually – something
to keep in mind the next time that
bad driver cuts you off! Just count
to 10 and say The planet needs
me!
AT WORK:
Do you have a morning hot drink
routine? Using a washable mug
is an environmentally friendly
alternative to non-biodegradable
styrofoam or plastic cups.
Leave a cup and reusable bottle
for water at work to eliminate
buying drinks, which get served
in plastic cups or bottled water.
Eighty per cent of plastic bottles
are recyclable but only 20 per cent
are actually recycled.
When you need a pad for lists
and messages, turn over an old
document and write on the back
of that instead.
If there isn’t an office recycling
system, start one yourself!
Recycling our trash actually
contributes to reducing global
warming emissions. And it is
estimated that 75 per cent of
what is thrown in the trash could
actually be recycled, though
currently only 25 per cent is.
When you must have a paper copy,
make sure you default your printer
option to use both sides. This is an
easy tree-saver!
Most computer accessories like
ink cartridges, CDs and DVDs
are made of materials that could
be reused. Computer cords and
speakers are fairly standardized,
meaning they can be used for a
variety of computer models and
makes.
Lower your office’s carbon footprint
by setting computers, monitors,
printers, copiers, speakers and
other business equipment to their
energy saving feature and turning
them off at the end of the day. And
plant a tree!
Turning off all unnecessary lights,
especially in unused offices and
conference rooms, is an easy way
to save energy.
If you’re in search of something
to personalize your workspace,
look no further than the humble
houseplant. Houseplants are good
for the environment because they
remove quantities of pollutants
present in the air.
AFTER A LONG DAY:
In the summer/warmer months,
consider using an interior fan in
conjunction with an open window
to spread the cooled air more
effectively through your home.
While you’re at it, in winter, lower
your thermostat and put on a
jumper. In summer, increase it and
wear lighter clothes, you will also
save money!
Don’t place lamps or TV sets near
your air-conditioning thermostat
as it senses heat from these
appliances, which can cause the
air-conditioner to run longer than
necessary.
When cooking dinner, match the
size of the pan to the size of the
heating element to lower energy
wastage.
When you are feeling at your
laziest, don’t throw clean clothes
in the laundry basket to avoid
hanging them up! Wear jeans
more than once.
When you wash, use only eco-
friendly products in your home. It’s
best for you and the environment!
And did we mention plant a tree!
World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

I N S P I R I N G
E X A M P L E S

World Environment Day can be celebrated in many ways. The following are a
selection of inspiring examples of how World Environment Day was celebrated in
2004 with the theme: Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?; in 2005 with the
theme: Green Cities: Plan for the Planet!; in 2006 Deserts and Desertification: Don’t
Desert Drylands! and in 2007 Melting ice -a hot topic?

© The Bigger Picture

34 35
World Environment Day 2009
AFRICA
ALGERIA
Algiers
In 2006, with the theme deserts and desertification,
the choice of Algeria as the host of the main
international World Environment Day celebrations,
was most appropriate.
One of the many events was a workshop in Ghardaia
- a 2,000-year-old city in the Sahara desert. The
workshop brought together experts who produced
a call to action on the fight against desertification,
which, in turn, led to the drafting of a charter on the
world’s deserts.
Algeria
In Algiers, the UNEP publication Global Desert
Egypt Outlook was launched. The report highlights the
fragility of desert environments and the pressure
they face from forces such as climate change and
human activity. UNEP also used the occasion to
launch a publication on tourism and the deserts.
The President of Algeria graced the main event
where he spoke on the Day’s theme and presented
prizes to the winners of UNEP’s International
Children’s Painting Competition and to the Algerian
journalists who wrote the best articles on the WED
theme. In the City centre the public celebrated the
Day with a parade, marching bands, flower girls
and a hot air balloon which carried the WED slogan
‘Don’t Desert Drylands!’
36
BURUNDI
Bujumbura
In 2004, the Ministry of Environment organized
week-long festivities to celebrate World
Environment Day throughout the country. From 4
to 11 June, the people of Burundi were sensitized
to the need to protect their country’s natural
resources, while decision-makers were urged to
consider the environment when planning for
development and post-war reconstruction. The
activities held during Environment Week included
a competition among youth environmental clubs,
workshops, clean-up campaigns and the naming
of the Environmental Journalist of the Year. They
also addressed deforestation, wildfires and land
degradation.
CAMEROON
Kumbo
To commemorate World Environment Day 2008,
the Kumbo Development and Orientation Centre
introduced the ‘Green Award’ to acknowledge
students who actively participate in environmental
activities in the district. This year, seven young green
laureates received the prizes.
EGYPT
Alexandria
In 2008, the Wadi Environmental Science Centre
(WESC), the British Council Egypt and the
Bibliotheca Alexandrina raised awareness of the
negative environmental habits that have become
highly embedded in the fabric of Egyptian society
and proposed simple solutions for better, more
environmental and healthier communities.
ETHIOPIA
Addis Ababa
In 2006, Ethiopia maintained its tradition of
celebrating World Environment Day at the national
level. The event was liberally dotted with white
T-shirts and caps emblazoned with the WED logo
and the names of the sponsors, Coca-Cola, National
Motors Company and UNEP, to name a few. At
the venue, school children sang and participated
in skits highlighting the negative effects of
desertification and the importance of halting this
growing phenomenon. Following this, participants
were invited to plant indigenous trees in the school
compound where the celebration took place. In
the afternoon there was a WED ceremony at the
National Palace, home of H.E. President Girma
Woldegiorgis.
KENYA
Homa Bay
To mark World Environment Day 2008, Homa Hills
Community Development Organization engaged
the surrounding communities, schools, and
environmental conservation groups in planting
over 50,000 trees on a nearby hill top which has
suffered from serious encroachment.
Egerton
In 2007, Egerton University organized an event to
help make ‘Kenya Green’. The aim was to plant trees
Inspiring examples
around Mau forest, an area that is severely affected
by human activities leading to massive degradation.
The event included sensitization of the local
people and officials to the need to conserve the
forest. A clean-up effort was carried out whereby
forest officers and experts in forest management
addressed the participants.
Nairobi
For World Environment Day 2006, the Network for
the Youth in Combating Desertification, a group
which has been actively involved in international
conventions such as the United Nations Convention
to Combat Desertification - Conference of the Par-
ties 7 (UNCCD-COP 7), the Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD) and the United Nations Framework Kenya
Convention on Climate Change - Conference of the
Parties 12 (UNFCCC-COP 12), organized a big event. Kenya
The main activities of the day was a convoy compris-
ing youth from community groups in Kenya, school
based environmental clubs and NGOs, among oth-
ers. The convoy toured the streets of Nairobi before
stopping at Uhuru Park where a youth advisor to
UNEP recognized various young people who have
been in the forefront of combating desertification
in Kenya. The convoy carried banners and placards
with conservation messages. The youth wore T-
shirts and caps bearing the message, ‘Environmen-
tal Soundness is our Key Business’.
37
World Environment Day 2009
LIBERIA
Monrovia
The Environment Theme Group of Liberia, under the
direction of the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) and the support of UNEP, UNDP and UNMIL,
led the 2005 celebrations in the capital Monrovia
with the theme: Green Cities – Plan for the Planet!
A Liberian National Police band led a march of
approximately 150 World Environment Day banner-
wielding EPA staff and students through the streets
of the capital. The march culminated at City Hall
with the delivery of remarks by the EPA, the UN,
academia and NGOs. UNHCR adopted the theme,
‘Green Your Camps: Improve Natural Resource
Management’, whereby major stakeholders planted
Mauritius trees in a transit camp.
Madagascar
MADAGASCAR
Ambatondrazaka
Madagascar hosted the regional celebrations
for World Environment Day 2007. This was in
recognition of this country’s commendable efforts
in environmental management and particularly
in preserving its unique, abundant and endemic
biodiversity. The choice of Madagascar was also
consistent with the theme for this year, ‘Melting Ice
– a Hot Topic?’ as islands are among the countries
that would suffer most from the impacts of
climate change. UNEP supported the organization
of weeklong activities, such as exhibitions,
environmental walk, speeches and conferences on
climate change, and street parades.
38
MAURITIUS
Port Louis
To emphasize the Mauritius Ministry of
Environment’s focus on environmental stewardship,
the Ministry launched an environment mascot
design competition in May 2007.
A mascot named kudme, which in the local
language means ‘let’s work together hand in
hand’ won the contest. The mascot symbolizes
cooperation and collaboration for the protection of
the environment.
Kudme will be used in all sensitization programs as
well as in various communications by NGOs and
other organizations.
MOROCCO
Ifrane
To mark World Environment Day 2008, the Centre
de l’environnement, Aui Ceird, held an interactive
lecture on the impact of carbon dioxide on climate
change and calculated the carbon footprint
of participants. It also organized a visit of the
community to the integrated project: Ecovillage
of the CEIRD (solar/wind systems, bio-organic
agriculture, wetlands and biodiversity, cedar and
oak trees forest conservation areas). There was also
a Peace tree-planting in the CEIRD.
MOZAMBIQUE
Maputo
Environment Minister Luciano de Castro celebrated
World Environment Day 2005 by inaugurating a
landfill for the disposal of industrial waste at Mavoco
in Boane District – 20 km from Maputo. The facility
covers 50 hectares, and six will be used in the initial
stage. The landfill is owned by the state, through
the National Environment Fund (FUNAB), but it was
paid for by the aluminium smeltery MOZAL. The
landfill can process 3,500 tonnes of industrial waste
a month. The disposal of waste from industries in
Maputo, Matola and Boane is thus solved for at least
the next five years.
NAMIBIA
Windhoek
Environment and Tourism Deputy Minister Leon
Jooste announced at the World Environment Day
2005 celebrations that his Ministry, the City of
Windhoek and the Namibia Chamber of Commerce
and Industry had initiated an environmental
management planning programme for the
capital. He also announced that the Ministry was
finalizing the Pollution and Waste Management
Bill and associated regulations. These laws would
make environmental assessment mandatory in all
developments, including construction projects in
towns.
NIGERIA
Abia State
To commemorate World Environment Day 2008,
the Green Citizens Club, Abia State University
initiated a project to compost organic waste in
the campus instead of setting waste on fire as was
the practice. They organized source separation of
campus wastes, using clippings from hedges and
Inspiring examples
rooting them instead of drying or burning. They
also planted trees.
SOMALIA
Hargeisa
The Environment Protection Organization (EPO)
organized protection campaigns on the occasion
of World Environment Day 2007. The campaigns
promoted EPO’s motto: Stop the war; war destroys
the environment. The campaigns sought to stop
soil erosion and the cutting of trees, and advocated
for mass environmental education.
SOUTH AFRICA
Cape Town
To commemorate World Environment Day 2006, Nigeria
the City of Cape Town organized its 8th Youth
Environmental School (YES) programme with the Nigeria
theme, ‘Local Solutions for Global Challenges’.
The programme was hosted at 72 satellite venues
across the city. A total of 60 organizations with
87 participants presented 73 different activities
with more than 30,000 students from 140 schools
benefitting from the observance. On 10 June,
YES hosted an eco-schools workshop for some
150 teachers and service providers. The vision of
Cape Town’s YES is to form partnerships towards
conserving, protecting, nurturing and caring for the
environment through education. It aims to invoke
in young people a sense of pride and responsibility
that promotes environmentally sustainable
lifestyles, behaviour and actions.
39
World Environment Day 2009
TANZANIA
Iringa
In 2008, the Friends of Ruaha Society brought
together the entire community to participate in a
drawing competition, singing, and dancing among
other activities.
TUNISIA
Hammamet
To celebrate World Environment Day 2007, Magic
Life Africana Imperial organized a beach clean-up
with school kids from its partner school and staff.
The programme involved training the children and
the inauguration of a new environmental corner.
Tanzania ZIMBABWE
Harare
Zimbabwe Arundel Environment Club celebrated World
Environment Day 2008 from 2 to 5 June with
a range of activities such as a debate on
climate change, a special chapel service, a
green ribbon day and an interactive talk.
40
ASIA AND THE PACIFIC
AUSTRALIA
Adelaide
Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) got into
the World Environment Day action early with a
corporate breakfast at the Adelaide Zoo on 4 June
2008.
The aim was to help Australian businesses make
a difference to the environment through two
programme options – Action for Climate Change
which helps companies reduce their carbon
footprint; and Wild Futures which enables them to
actively protect and repair places that are critical for
the survival of some of Australia’s most threatened
species.
EAST TIMOR
Oecusse
Since 2001, Oz GREEN has been celebrating World
Environment Day in Oecusse East Timor with
school and community programmes. The events
have in the past involved over 200 members of
the local community and the activities included
public speaking, quizzes, water testing and a poster
competition based on the World Environment Day
theme. For 2007, sporting and vocal competitions
were added to the agenda, plus a student congress
on 5 June where young people discussed their
environmental concerns and designed action plans
to help address these.
Sydney
On the occasion of World Environment Day 2007,
Clean Up the World, a non-profit, non-government,
apolitical organization that unites communities with
a common focus to clean up the world, invited its
member organizations around the globe to conduct
environmental activities with a focus on climate
change. Activities such as cleaning up local parks
and waterways, planting trees, conducting walk-to-
school or work days and organizing environmental
education exercises were undertaken.
Clean Up the World, held in conjunction with the
United Nations Environment Programme, mobilizes
an estimated 35 million volunteers from more than
120 countries annually making it one of the largest
community-based environmental campaigns in the
world.
BANGLADESH
Rajshahi
The Department of Botany at the University of
Rajshahi organized a discussion about World
Environment Day 2006 and the desertification in
northern Bangladesh and its causes: unplanned
expansion of agriculture, deforestation and lack of
conservation. The forum also covered actions that
can be done at an individual, local and national
level to address these concerns.
BHUTAN
On World Environment Day 2008, a massive clean-up
campaign took place in Bhutan involving students,
district staff, the business community and local
Inspiring examples
authorities. The aim was to clean the entire town
by disposing the waste collected in a designated
landfill where it would not be burned.
CHINA
Beijing
Beijing Jia Ao Real Estate Development Co. Ltd.
organized a photography competition for the office
tenants on the occasion of WED 2006. The theme
of the photography competition was ‘Deserts and
Desertification - Don’t Desert Drylands!’.
Shenzhen, Guangdong
Hitachi Global Storage Technologies hosted in 2005
a celebration entitled “Green City, Green Home”, at
Shenzhen Red Forest Eco-Park. Activities included a Bhutan
clean-up of the park from the waste left by tourists,
an environmental quiz, and a photo exhibition. India
INDIA
Ahmedabad
The Gujarat Council of Science City (GCSC)
organized several activities for school
children, teachers and the general public to
mark the celebration of World Environment
Day 2007. Students and their teachers were
invited to the Science City to join various
activities that helped them to understand
the science of climate change and its impact.
About 300 science teachers of primary and
secondary schools participated in a workshop
on ‘Climate Change: a Concern for the Future’.
Students from Class 1 to Class 12 participated
41
World Environment Day 2009
in various activities, including poster painting and
Green Quiz Competitions.
Guntur
Vikasa Dhatri released an e-book on the subject
‘Towards a Low Carbon Economy’in Telugu language
that has been made available for free download.
Vikasa Dhatri also organized a youth orientation on
climate change for WED 2008.
Hyderabad
‘Take a photo!’, the contest organized by the Institute
of Chartered Financial Analysts of India University
to mark World Environment Day 2007, gathered
hundreds of entries, accompanied by a slogan in
India relevance to environmental issues. The photos were
exhibited and winning entries were announced on
Indonesia 5-6 June.
Mumbai
World Wide Fund for Nature- India (Mumbai Branch)
celebrated World Environment Day 2007 with
several events:
- A 16-day course on Identification of Common
trees. The aim was to raise awareness of common
trees from India and the ecological role they play.
Emphasis was on global warming and melting ice
in polar regions, which are detrimental to coastal
cities and towns
- A forest clean-up, in association with the Forest
Department of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. School
children and college students participated.
42
INDONESIA
Riau
Third grade students from Sekolah Mutiara Harapan
were tasked to prepare brochures with tips on how
to save water and electricity for WED 2008. Fourth
Grade and 5th Grade students were monitoring
their homes to determine daily and weekly usage of
water and electricity. They did this for a few weeks
to determine a baseline of usage. Students and their
parents implemented some “savings” initiatives, and
continued to monitor usage. Students presented
reports to show the effects of saving within their
households. They started the same programme
on their “blocks”. Brochures were passed out,
monitoring is continuing, and the student whose
“block” saves the most was recognized.
IRAN
Tehran
In 2005, the United Nations Information Center, in
cooperation with the NGO Green Front of Iran and
Mellel (Nations) Cultural Centre, held a ceremony
and panel discussion on green cities. Some 70
participants attended the event. UNDP As an
additional feature, a poster and picture exhibition
was held at the Cultural Centre.
KYRGYZSTAN
Bishkek
The United Nations Development Programme
Country Office in Kyrgyzstan and Information
Network CARNet used a new Internet-based
method to promote ecological issues on the
occasion of World Environment Day 2006. On 5
June, an exhibit of environmental caricatures and
paintings by the leading ecology expert in Central
Asia and professor of geographic science, Dr. Emil
Djaparovich Shukurov, was launched at the UN
House. Due to the great interest shown in this
exhibit, CARNet network and portal www.caresd.
net organized an Internet version of the exhibit,
giving a wider audience an opportunity to see
these unique works. This initiative was undertaken
at the same time as the exhibit opened. Cartoons
presented at the exhibit highlighted environmental
issues, as well as the interlinkages between donor
organizations, NGOs and state bodies.
MALAYSIA
Sandakan
The Rainforest Discovery Centre of Sabah Forestry
Department organized a four - day student camp
from the 2 - 5 June 2007. There were 36 students,
aged 16 – 18, and six teachers participating in
the World Environment Day Student Camp on
Climate Change. The locations were at a rain forest,
mangrove forest and The Orangutan Rehabilitation
Centre in Sepilok. The main focus of the camp was
on ways in which human beings contribute towards
climate change and what can be done to reduce the
impact of this environmental crisis.
MICRONESIA
Palikir
To celebrate World Environment Day 2008, the
President’s Council on Environment and Sustainable
Inspiring examples
Development hosted its Fifth National Environment
Day Speech Contest with selected high school
students from the nation’s four states. The theme
was “Climate Change - what does it mean to our
small islands?”
MONGOLIA
Ulaanbaatar
In 2005, the Mongolian Nature and Environment
Consortium established a community-based tree
nursery in Uliastain. The nurseries were placed
in areas that will be able to provide sustainable
seedlings for the next 10-20 years and with the
aim of greening the Uliastain area in the next five
years. The Mongolian Nature and Environment
Consortium provided technical and professional Malaysia
support to community members.
New Zealand
NEPAL
Kathmandu
The South Asia Young Scientists and Practitioners
held a meeting in June 2008 on Climate Change
and Disaster Impact Reduction Disaster and
Development Centre (DDC), Northumbria
University. The seminar was attended by climatic
disaster risk reduction scientists and practitioners
from Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Turkey, Nepal,
India, Japan and the United Kingdom.
NEW ZEALAND
Wellington
In honour of the World Environment Day 2008
celebrations, the Natural World Museum in
43
World Environment Day 2009
partnership with UNEP presented an exhibit
‘Earth in the Balance’ at the Te Papa Museum.
This contemporary exhibit featured works by
27 artists from 20 countries. It was designed to
generate awareness of global climate change, with
an emphasis on moving towards a low-carbon
economy. The exhibit highlighted issues while also
inspiring a positive change in people’s attitudes and
actions towards the environment.
Wellington
The New Zealand Minister for the Environment
presented Green Ribbon Awards in recognition
of the outstanding contributions of individuals,
organizations and businesses to sustaining,
Pakistan protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s
environment. 2008 marks the 18th year the awards
Manila have run. Award recipients were recognized at a
special ceremony at the Wellington Town Hall on 3
June.
PAKISTAN
Multan
To celebrate WED 2005, the National Urban Poverty
Alleviation Programme, a joint project of UNDP and
the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, organized an
event entitled “Green Development Forum: Plan
for the City” at the Multan Arts Council Hall. On this
occasion, the environmental actions undertaken in
Multan were presented to the citizens.
44
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Southern Highlands Province and Gulf Province
To promote World Environment Day 2006, the
WWF Kikori Programme organized: awareness
patrols to villages, market areas and schools; tree
planting at areas around Lake Kutubu that have
sparse vegetation; and a theatre performance by
a local group based on the theme ‘Deserts and
Desertification’.
PHILIPPINES
Manila
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the United
States Agency for International Development
(USAID) in partnership with the governments
of Australia, Japan, Norway, and the United
Kingdom, and the Asia Pacific Partnership for
Clean Development and Climate (APP) hosted the
Asia Clean Energy Forum in June 2008. The event
offered a platform for exchanging experiences and
forging new partnerships to act on clean energy
opportunities in Asia. It brought together a diverse
group of stakeholders that included policy makers,
finance professionals, civil society members, and
private sector experts.
SOUTH KOREA
Seoul
South Korean designer, Lee Kyoungjae, and his
label Eco-dress for Earth participated in World
Environment Day 2007 by holding an exhibit that
showcased Eco-Wedding Dresses. The dresses are
made from 100% bio-degradable natural corn starch
and can be degraded by micro-organisms within 4
weeks and, in turn, become natural nutrients.
SRI LANKA
Colombo
In 2005, the Centre for Environmental Justice
-- a team of environmental activists in Sri Lanka
-- organized workshops and seminars in tsunami-
affected areas to enhance understanding of the
importance of green belts in coastal areas. It also
conducted a replanting programme on the coastal
belt.
Galle, Southern Province
In 2004, Rainforest Rescue International launched
an awareness programme for 10 selected schools in
Galle and Matara districts. The initiative was part of
a national programme coordinated by the Ministry
of Environment and Natural Resources with the
participation of the relevant Municipal Councils of
the two districts, which are the main coastal towns
in the country. The main event took place at the
Town Hall on 5 June and was followed by a tree
planting. A beach clean-up was organized by the
Matara Municipal Council, the University of Ruhuna,
and various environmental organizations. The film
‘Biodiversity and the Sea’, screened at the main bus
station, attracted more than 1,000 participants.
TAHITI
In 2004, the Ministry of the Environment of
French Polynesia organized radio public service
announcements, a film screening and a poster
Inspiring examples
competition. Environmental associations and young
people from the federation for non-denominational
charities participated in the unveiling of billboards
aimed at building awareness about the need to
protect Panenoo Valley.
The programme ‘Ambassadors for the Environment’,
launched on the ocean-liner Paul Gauguin, ran from
June to August, and used the knowledge of trainers
from Jean-Yves Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society
to educate children on the need to protect the rich
resources of the ocean. The “Saga Vanille” campaign,
geared towards less advantaged children, was also
associated with the programme. Open-days were
also organized at various diving clubs around the
islands to raise awareness amongst vacationers Sri Lanka
of the need to protect marine and lagoon
ecosystems. Vietnam
VIETNAM
Ho Chi Minh City
To celebrate World Environment Day 2006, the
International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) together
with the Ministry of Agriculture, and the Voice of Ho
Chi Minh have produced an environmental radio
soap opera for rural Vietnam that was launched
in Hanoi by the Minister of Agriculture. This was
followed by a site launch in Can Tho city. The drama
series is broadcasted on the Voice of Ho Chi Minh
twice a week for a year. It incorporates environmental
issues using education-entertainment methods.
This project is supported by the World Bank
Development Marketplace Award 2005.
45
World Environment Day 2009
EUROPE
ARMENIA
Yerevan
The Association for Sustainable Human
Development/UNEP National Committee
of Armenia celebrated World Environment
Day 2006 at the UN office in the capital. The
day was organized by the United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP), United
Nations Department of Public Information,
the Ministry of Nature Protection and the
Association/UNEP National Committee.
Representatives of all sectors of the society,
including the mass media, were present at
the event, which included the screening of
a movie on illegal logging entitled ‘From
Need to Greed’. The event was followed by a
discussion.
AUSTRIA
Graz
The Hospital of the City of Graz (LKH)
celebrated World Environment Day for the
first time in 2007. Visitors were invited to
walk down a virtual path of the Sun, where
several attractions on the use of solar energy
were displayed. They were able to see a
solar thermal power for the indoor pool for
children’s rehabilitation and a solar voltaic to
charge a battery of accumulators for electric
powered motorbikes that will replace cars
for documents transportation within the
Unted Kingdom 46
area. The public was also invited to try a solar
powered ‘ear’ chair telling those who sit in
it legends about the sun from all over the
world, as well as to visit a bookshop focused
on the sun and solar energy and an art room
with children’s solar graphics and paintings.
The attractions also included two tents
where children were able to experiment
with solar generated voltage, while parents
listened to a solar power consultant and,
every two hours, a speech by professors from
the nearby university about the topic of the
day – The Sun.
BELGIUM
Brussels
In 2004, Green Week, organized by the
European Commission (EC) and the Director-
General (DG) of the Environment, took place
on 1-4 June. The EC and the DG announced
the launch of the new “Clean Marine Award”,
which was presented for the first time.
The awards, in keeping with the theme
seas and oceans, were announced in the
European Commission’s Communication
on a European Union strategy to reduce
atmospheric emissions from seagoing ships.
The objective is to give positive publicity
to environmentally responsible shipping,
specifically low-emission initiatives, and to
disseminate best practice. The Commission
plans to celebrate these ceremonies on a
biannual basis, through high profile events.
BULGARIA
Sliven
To mark World Environment Day 2006, SOS
Health, a Bulgarian NGO, organized a number
of activities that involved children and youth
from different schools and the Friends of
the Environment Centre. These activities
comprised making posters, painting,
photography, web design and drawing
exhibitions, as well as essay, poem, slogan,
greeting card and collage competitions.
CYPRUS
Nicosia
In 2006, UNDP’s initiative on the island,
Action for Cooperation and Trust (ACT),
participated in an environmental stakeholder
fair entitled Ecoforum 2006. The Fair featured
a series of lectures on desertification and on
the environmental principles of the Global
Compact, an exhibit of NGO environmental
projects supported by UNDP-ACT and
workshops for environmental businesses and
NGOs. In parallel, they provided small grants
for four-month environmental projects, such
as the Olive Tree Rescue project and the
Management of Artificial Wetlands project.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Prague
For the first time in Prague, a large-scale
environmental event EKOFESTIVAL was
organized to celebrate World Environment
Inspiring examples
Day 2007. The festival was co-organized by
Green Circle, a member of the UNEP National
Committee, and the Czech Environmental
Information Agency, under the theme
‘sustainable consumption’. It brought
together around 20 environmental groups
which provided information and services
related to the theme, ‘Environmental
Labelling, Fair Trade and Organic Products’.
FINLAND YOU!
your planet needs
Lahti
To commemorate World Environment Day UNite to combat climate change
WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY, 5 JUNE 2009
2007 Päijät-Häme Ornithological Association
guided a bird-watching trip in the night of 5
June. The trip started at 10 pm and returned
at around 2 am. During the day there was a
presentation on environmental information
for small and medium size enterprises in the
city of Heinola organized by the Vanamo
project. Lahti City’s environmental balance
sheet 2006 was also presented.
FRANCE
Grenoble
On the occasion of World Environment Day
2007, 800 employees from three of the Alcan
sites in France organized an event with the
main theme of ‘Water’. There was also a game
with 20 questions and a conference about
water stakes. After the event each employee
got a water saver to place on to taps, this
was part of a promotion pitch by the Water
Museum in Pont en Royans.
47
World Environment Day 2009
Paris
UNEP’s Division of Technology, Industry and
Economics in Paris organized a number of
activities for WED 2005, including:
- The posting of a WED banner on a leading
newspaper’s website. The French Ministry for
Ecology posted the WED logo and link on their
website. They also showed the Ozzy Ozone video
and a Transport Ad on 2 June at the Ministry,
which was open to the public. The showing was
part of the events organized for the 3rd edition
of the ‘Semaine du développement durable’.
- Rennes University broadcast a special radio
programme.
- On 5 June, the Mairie de Paris ‘advertised’ WED
and carried the slogan on billboards throughout
Paris.
- RFI broadcasted a special WED programme live
from San Francisco. Special programmes in Arabic
were broadcast on Radio-Orient and Radio Monte
Carlo Moyen-Orient. The WED logo also featured
in the magazine for youth ‘Ca m’intéresse’.
GEORGIA
Tbilisi
In 2005, the association Green Way launched a
project entitled “Earth Festival” which included a
Forum on the Day; the establishment of a “Green
Fund”; the launch of a Small Grant Competition;
and activities to benefit charities. The Forum
involved environmental NGO representatives,
legislative and executive bodies, the business
Greece sector, donors and the diplomatic corps. During
48
the Forum, invitees were given an opportunity to
promote their activities, highlight the problems that
they faced and illustrate possible solutions.
GERMANY
Hamburg
In 2004, the United World Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
launched on its web site a seven-minute video-clip. The
orchestra played the second movement Jeux de Vagues
of Claude Debussy’s La mer, which was synchronized
with images of seas and oceans.
GREECE
Serres
PRAXIS, a non governmental organization, participated
in World Environment Day 2008 celebrations by
carrying out a public awareness programme on actions
that students and farmers in the Kerkini area could
undertake to protect the environment. They also
carried out a tree planting activity in the wider area of
the Kerkini Wetland
ITALY
Rome
To promote World Environment Day 2006, New Age
Productions organized an event titled“MUSICAMBIENTE”
(4th Edition) which included:
- A conference on the WED theme, with the participation
of members of the Italian Minister of Environment,
Regione Lazio, Rome Town Council and environmental
organizations
- An open door concert with international artist Chiara
Civello.
NORWAY
Stavanger
In 2006, environmentalists joined forces with
entertainers and set up a family day at the
amusement park Kongeparken (The King’s Park),
nearby Stavanger. There was a show, exhibits and a
variety of activities concerning desertification, clean
drinking water, recycling and other environmental
issues. The event was co-organized by the Young
Agenda 21 foundation, Kongeparken and the
Norwegian UNEP Committee.
Tromso
The city of Tromso hosted the main celebrations
of World Environment Day 2007. The city has the
world’s northernmost university and the Norwegian
Polar Institute, both of which are key players in the
research arena. Several events were organized
during the first week of June, and they included:
street celebrations, international conference,
publications and a youth film festival.
POLAND
Zakopane
In 2008, students from Gimnazjum Secondary
School, working on the environmental project
Act-Eco, held an environmental seminar with the
participation of the Town Mayor and local officials.
Among the events planned for the day were: tree
planting; a lecture on global warming by Dr. Michal
Offierski, a member of several Polish Antarctic
Inspiring examples
Expeditions; ‘Let’s Help Our Environment’ school
poster competition finale; and an exhibit of photos
and videos about local environmental problems.
ROMANIA
Constanta
School Constantin Brancusi Medgidia celebrated
World Environment Day 2007 with many activities
culminating on 5 June. Themed ‘What can I do for
our earth?, the activities which took place between
February and June included:
- A Kid, A Tree: children planted 30 lime-trees in
Medgidias parks
- The Earth, An Energy Source: an essay session
about pollution
- Energy Is Our Future: 200-word reports with a pic- Poland
ture about energy saving in houses
- Turn On: posters representing power saving Romania
- Reducing energy consumption in buildings, how
plastics help: a talk by Dr John Feldman, Member
of the Board of Executive Directors, BASF, Germany
and Vice President, Plastics Europe, Brussels, Euro-
pean Schoolnet
- An Ecological School: children planted flowers in
school gardens
- Trash Recycling: presentations on ecological
themes.
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World Environment Day 2009
SLOVAKIA
Bratislava
The city of Bratislava hosted the Ekotopfilm
International Festival of Sustainable Development
Films in June 2008. The Festival gathered experts
and environmentalists to discuss solutions to
sustainable development issues not only in the
Slovak Republic but also globally. It has a 34-year
history, membership in Euronate, and a broad
international cooperation with more than 5,000
partners in more than 68 countries.
SPAIN
Grupo VIPS designed a special paper tablemat
dedicated to the World Environment Day 2008
Greece theme. The 200,500 tablemats were used from 2
June to 8 June in all the 97 VIPS cafeterias around
Unted Kingdom Spain. The artwork reflected UNEP’s campaign “Kick
the Habit – Towards a low carbon economy”.
SWITZERLAND
Zurich
On the occasion of WED 2005, the city of Zurich
organized a series of activities on 3 and 4 June.
Participants learned more about 20 environment
and health topics, including: air pollution, noise
protection, renewable energy, city animals, city
safaris, and city cleaning.
TURKEY
Antalya
To mark World Environment Day 2008, Antalya
Karatay Lisesi ran an amateur art and poetry
50
competition to raise awareness on the issue of the
day. Students of all ages were encouraged to enter
a piece of their artwork (poster, painting, collage,
poem, and drawing) to show their understanding
of how individuals, schools or communities may
contribute to a low carbon economy. In the school
garden there were games and activities as well as a
concert by the school’s band which uses recycled
materials as musical instruments.
UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND
NORTHERN IRELAND
Braintree
Braintree District Council marked World Environment
Day 2007 by organizing a large exhibit on how to
live sustainably, reduce carbon footprints, and
improve energy and water efficiency. Other themes
explored by the participating artists included
renewable energy, sustainable transport, bio-fuels,
cycling, recycling and waste minimization. There
were also local food stalls, school workshops on
waste reduction and recycling, Weapons of Sound,
a group using musical instruments from waste
materials, and community recycling networks.
Buckinghamshire
On World Environment Day 2008, the Low Carbon
Economy Limited celebrated the launch of their
website, a central resource for the low carbon
economy that connects people and businesses
with low carbon information, products, services,
jobs, and business opportunities.
London
The CarbonNeutral Company ran various
initiatives among its customers, business
relations and in the media for WED 2008. One
of the campaigns was ‘Cut out a Kilo of CO2’
which encouraged companies and individuals
to save CO2 emissions through a number of
ways. Everyone who registered what they did
received a certificate to commemorate their
involvement.
Somerset
To celebrate World Environment Day 2008,
the Somerset County Council encouraged
residents of the five major towns around
the county to cut their carbon emissions by
recycling, walking, cycling and car pooling.
They also held the following events within
their council: measuring carbon footprints
and setting up a tented area where staff could
see how long it would take to get to work via
other modes of transport, using static bikes
and walking machines. They planted a tree to
commemorate the 500,000th passenger on
their park.
Inspiring examples
LATIN AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
St. John’s
In 2007, the government of Antigua
and Barbuda hosted their first World
Environment Day ceremony in the
country’s only botanical garden and
organized an inter-school street parade.
Presently there are 13 schools on this twin
island state which run the Environmental
Cadet Programme. Students from these
schools marched with placards written
with environmental tips through the
streets of St. John’s.
ARGENTINA
Chamical
The main World Environment Day 2006
activity was held in Chamical, La Rioja,
Argentina, and was chaired by the Governor
of the Province and the Mayor of Chamical,
as well as the Minister of Environment and
Sustainable Development of Argentina.
Around 1,300 attended the ceremony,
where an environmental exhibit was also
organized with the participation of NGOs,
schools and governmental entities. After
the event, the authorities visited two
schools that developed outstanding works
on environmental education.
51
World Environment Day 2009
BELIZE
Belmopan
In 2007,The Ministry of Natural Resources & the Environment, along with
its inter-sectoral and non-governmental partners, hosted environmental
education activities that highlight the need to ensure environmental health
while enabling national development. These activities which led up to World
Environment Day included a national symposium on impacts of climate
change on Belize, and the launch of environmental education multimedia
packages for students and teachers.
One of the primary activities was the On-the-Spot Painting Competition,
which attracted some 420 arts students countrywide. The students were
asked to draw or paint on the theme: Belizeans Changing Behaviors to Adapt
to Climate Change. Winners of the competition received prizes ranging
from a computer and printer for their school to a bicycle and environmental
educational packages. Additionally, the competition culminated in the
display of all paintings at the House of Culture in Belize City, Orange Walk
Town and Benque Viejo Town, commencing on 5 June.
BRAZIL
Joinville - SC
Whirlpool S.A. Appliances, subsidiary to Whirlpool Corp. celebrated World
Environment Day 2007 with workshops focusing on the company’s initiative
for sustainable development: Sustainability Trek. Other activities included a
children’s drawing competition and tree planting ceremony.
CHILE
Talcahuano
Thomas Jefferson School, a private high school, marked World Environment
Day 2007 with a presentation of videos on the theme, ‘Melting Ice – A Hot
Topic’; a runway show with costumes made by students from recycled
materials; a musical presentation by different rock bands; and a display of
posters created to promote care for the environment.
52
COSTA RICA
Las Delicias
The Sea Breeze Mountain and the children of
the Costa Rica Blue zone planted 1,000 trees for
World Environment Day 2008. Education is a key
component of sustainable development and the
Sea Breeze Mountain eco-residential community is
proud to have contributed to this effort.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
San Domingo
In support of World Environment Day 2008,
FIADASEC held conferences, courses, hikes,
plantings, and exhibitions in its associates’ home
countries on the theme: ‘Leave the habit, eliminate
the use of coal’, and become active agents of
sustainable and equitable development.
ECUADOR
Quito
La Selva Jungle Lodge organized a bird list count on
5 June 2008. Guests were split into two groups and
were to identify as many species of birds as they
could. Although the bird experience was already
a priceless gift, the group that accomplished
the highest bird list was given an award for their
efforts.
GUYANA
Ruimveldt
Banks DIH Limited sponsored two projects to
commemorate World Environment Day 2006. The
Inspiring examples
first was a WED Essay competition for the Annai
Secondary School students in an indigenous
community that is located over 200 miles from
the country’s capital Georgetown. The second
project was the third annual World Environment
Day secondary schools’ banner competition. A
contingent of the Company’s staff participated in
a ‘local Green Walk’. The company also donated a
number of garbage bins to the Botanical Gardens.
These bins were painted and designed by the
children of Banks’ employees.
HAITI
In 2004, the global theme ‘Wanted! Seas and
Oceans: Dead or Alive?’ was transformed to ‘SOS!
Let’s Save our Mountains, Coasts and Seas’. Activities
were held in the large coastal cities such as Port-
au-Prince, Gonaïves, Saint-Marc, Jacmel, Cayes
and Jérémie, and included: a press conference
to launch Environment Week (organized by the
Ministries of Environment, Public Health, Public
Works, Agriculture and Planning in collaboration
with Civil Society, the City Hall of the Metropolis,
and environmental associations); statements by
the Prime Minister and the mayors of the cities
concerned; development of educational materials
distributed to members of the country’s coastal
associations; clean-ups of important canals, drains
and sewage openings in the metropolitan area
and the bigger cities in the country; an awareness
building campaign; a parade through all the cities
targeted followed by the cleaning of beaches and
forests; hoisting of banners at all major intersections
53
World Environment Day 2009
in the capital and provincial cities; broadcasting of
awareness-building public service announcements
in the capital and other targeted cities; launch of
two nationwide competitions: one to decide on
three zones where botanical centres would be set
up and another to select an environment anthem.
JAMAICA
Kingston
The Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) promoted
Jamaica Carpool Day on Friday 3 June 2005, under
the theme Cities On The Move. JET asked all drivers to
show their support for a greener city by carpooling
to work, thus helping to reduce air pollution and
traffic congestion in the cities. Supporters of a
Mexico greener city shared their carpooling experiences by
e-mailing JET.
MEXICO
Cuajimalpa
Mexico On the occasion of World Environment Day 2008,
the Bilbao School held a tree planting activity.
The pupils also participated in an energy saving
campaign that involved removal of three fluorescent
lights from their respective homes in exchange for
energy saving bulbs.
Atizapan de Zaragoza
Tecnologico De Monterrey celebrated World
Environment Day 2007 with 550 school children
from 164 primary and secondary schools of
Atizapan along with the Municipal Government of
Atizapan Zaragoza. Prizes were awarded for the best
54
environmental painting, music theme and poetry.
The function was presided over by Anna Lindstedt,
Ambassador of Sweden in Mexico, along with the
Municipal President of Atizapan Zaragoza.
Tecate
Over 4,000 people joined in the festivities at
the Fundaciinns on 5 June 2008 which aimed to
educate and inspire the citizens of Tecate to respect
and celebrate the environment. Fun-filled activities
included: visiting zoos (including marine life),
insect exhibitions, desert mushroom exhibitions,
car oil disposal workshops, regional watershed
education, face painting, dramatic storytelling, and
live theatre. Festival participants were treated to
delicious traditional Mexican foods, regional music
and dance.
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua celebrates Environment and Natural
Resources Week by National Law, and it is carried
out every year during the first week of June. In
2006, activities took place from 3-9 June with the
opening ceremony taking place in the Ministry
of Environment and Natural Resources. A video-
conference was organized to address the conflict
of dry lands in Central America. An exhibit for
businessmen that work with recycled, organic
and cleaner production was presented with the
National Institute of Small and Medium Business.
A cycling competition for environmental quality
protection was organized and various universities
held conferences on the environment.
Inspiring examples
PANAMA PERU
Panama City Huancavelica
To celebrate World Environment Day 2007, Alianza In 2005, the Regional Department
Pro Ciudad organized a Walk for Our City family walk of Health of Huancavelica organized
through the neighbourhoods of Panama City. The a poster competition with the
city was suffering from disorderly constructions of participation of educational
high-rise buildings as part of an overwhelming real institutions for pre-primary and
estate boom that was destroying its character and primary schools.
green spaces, including urban forests in the nearby
Panama Canal area. The area was among the World TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Monuments Fund’s 100 most threatened areas. Mayaro
Alianza Pro Ciudad is a group of citizens aiming to The members of Mayaro
make Panama City green and clean. Environmental Wave carried out a
beach clean-up and sand sculpturing
PARAGUAY event in commemoration of World
Asuncion Environment Day 2008.
In 2006, the Ministry of Environment and the
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),
through Project Wild Paraguay, presented on 27
June a dance performance entitled Y amai (Water
for life, in Guarani). Y amai is a collective creation
from the National Ballet and the non-governmental
organization, Survival Earth Friends. The
performance was produced as part of the campaign
Water for Life and the Day’s theme. A photographic
exhibit on National Parks, such as Rio Negro, Paso
Bravo, San Rafael and Medanos del Chaco was also
organized.
Trinidad and Tobago
55
World Environment Day 2009
NORTH AMERICA
CANADA
For more than 30 years, Canadian Environment Week has been held the first
week of June each year to coincide with World Environment Day.
In 2004, the commuter challenge was organized as a friendly competition
between Canadian communities to encourage as many people as possible
to use sustainable and active modes of transport. People committed to walk,
jog, cycle, in-line skate, take the bus, carpool or telework during Environment
Week (May 30 - June 5, 2004).
Kirkland
In 2007, many Alcan Global Pharmaceutical Packaging plants organized special
activities and events. The activities ranged from tree planting, local area clean-
up, informative gathering, and educational sheets to a recycling contest.
Montreal
Valorisateurs Ecologiques held a Focus on Trees, photo and text contest in June
2008. This contest encouraged citizens to spend some time focusing on the
trees found in their urban surroundings. It also emphasized on sensitization of
the general public to the importance of trees in combating climate change and
helping to mitigate carbon emissions. At the Vernissage, which took place on
5 June, presentations on renewable energy sources and other “green-lifestyle”
choices were made. The contest was open to two categories: general public,
and elementary and high school participants.
New Brunswick
The New Brunswick Climate Change Hub and the Cape Jourimain Nature
Centre hosted ‘Our Climate - Our Change’, on 4 and 5 June 2005. The event
coincided with Canadian Environment Week and Clean Air Day. The public
was invited to take part in a weekend of informative, interactive and fun-filled
activities on Climate Change, held at the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre, an
environmental education and eco-tourism facility that offers programs about
56
Inspiring examples
natural history, human history, green technologies, and energy efficiency. The
Falls Brook Centre’s Climate Change Bus, a traveling exhibit on climate change
and energy efficiency, which has its own onboard wind turbine and solar
panels, was at the Centre for the weekend. Interactive exhibits from Science
East, as well as various environmental presentations, film screenings, and a
mini-trade show on energy efficiency were offered.
Ottawa
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) launched the
Ice and Snow publication at the Offices of the International Joint Commission
in 2007. Participants included representatives from the International
Development Research Centre, the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, the
Defense Science Advisory Board, the Ministry of Public Safety, the Department
of Foreign Affairs, the Canadian Centre for Antarctic research, and the Canadian
Polar Commission. Presentations were also made on indigenous knowledge
and ice formation and on permafrost research in the Arctic. Partners agreed
to disseminate the publication and its messages to educators and policy
networks.
Saint John
To mark World Environment Day 2008, the Canadian green centre launched a
reverse vending machine for aluminium cans and plastic bottles with a focus
on “green community green living”. There were workshop sessions, one game
booth and a large-scale exhibit. More than 21,000 people attended.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Alaska
In keeping with the theme ‘Melting Ice - A Hot Topic’, Barrow, Alaska was
named the 2007 North American host for World Environment Day. On 5
June, UNEP gathered the holders of both community-based and science-
based knowledge to explore the impacts of climate change, and how arctic
communities can adapti to this phenomenon. The Town Hall meeting offered a
unique opportunity to various members of the Inupiat community, including
57
World Environment Day 2009
an elder, a hunter and a fisherman, to share their observations on how climate
change has affected their daily lives. Community members in the audience
also shared their own observations. In keeping with the tradition of being
a people’s event, World Environment Day in Barrow also included a colorful
demonstration of native Inupiat dances and the annual Eskimo blanket toss,
which marks the beginning of the Nalukataq Spring Festival.
Boulder
In 2006, Grove/Atlantic, Inc. organized a reading at the Boulder Bookstore,
given by renowned scientist and bestselling author Tim Flannery. Dr. Flannery
discussed his new book, The Weather Makers: How Man is Changing the Climate
and What It Means for Life on Earth. Participants learned what they can do to do
reduce their emissions and stop global warming.
Chicago
The Chicago Botanic Garden was the North American host for World
Environment Day 2008. At the Garden, events highlighted resources and
initiatives that promoted low carbon economies and lifestyles, such as
improved energy efficiency, alternative energy sources, forest conservation
and eco-friendly consumption.
Throughout the day on June 5, the Chicago Botanic Garden featured a
“Knowledge and Action” marketplace where non-profit, academic, student,
government, cultural, and environmental organizations demonstrated the
many ways that individuals, businesses, and governmental bodies could help
reduce their carbon footprint.
Visitors to the Fruit and Vegetable Garden received the Melrose Pepper, which
is an easy-to-grow, carbon-absorbing plant.
The Garden unveiled UNEP’s North American International Children’s Painting
Competition exhibit at an awards ceremony sponsored by Bayer Corporation.
Kindergarten through fifth grade students from Chicago area schools also met
58
Inspiring examples
Chicago native and hometown hero, Dr. Mae C. Jemison, a scientist, educator,
and the nation’s first African-American female astronaut.
An afternoon plenary session brought together local, regional, national, and
international experts on global warming to discuss ways to reduce individual
carbon footprint. Speakers included Dr. Ashok Khosla, former director of
UNEP; Amy Fraenkel, Director of UNEP’s Regional Office for North America;
Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Commissioner of the City of Chicago, Department
of the Environment; and Mary Gade, Region 5 US EPA administrator.
New York
World Environment Day 2008 was observed at the United Nations
Headquarters in a variety of ways:
On the morning of 5 June, the Secretary-General participated in the launch
at Times Square of the US version of the “Together” campaign -- an initiative
of the Climate Group dedicated to bringing together the average consumer
with big businesses, major NGOs and local authorities to help solve climate
change. In his remarks, Ban Ki-moon noted that UNEP had launched the UN
guide to climate neutrality ‘Kick the Habit’ earlier that day.
Among other VIPs were NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg and CEOs from several
US banks and retail outlets. Copies of Kick the Habit were distributed to 75
media members at a Together.com luncheon at NASDAQ.
The evening before, the New Zealand Mission and the UNEP New York Office
(NYO) co-hosted a reception/cultural event at the Mission, with numerous
Ambassadors in attendance. This was followed on the 5th by a panel
discussion on this year’s theme co-organized by the UN Department of Public
Information (DPI ) and NYO, involving the New Zealand Ambassador, and
representatives from Environmental Defense Fund, National Geographic and
NYO.
59
World Environment Day 2009
New York
To raise awareness of the quality and
environmental benefits of organic coffee
production, leading organic coffee
companies under the Organic Coffee
Collaboration hosted Media Breakfast in
New York City on 5 June 2007. Seven leading
brands of environmentally sustainable
organic coffees were sampled.
The benefits of organic coffee highlighted
include:
1. Coffee bushes build biologically diverse
forests including native shade trees which
attract birds and wildlife and absorb carbon
dioxide, a primary cause of global warming
2. Replenishing and maintaining soil fertility
and helping to reduce soil erosion
60
3. Use of natural pest management and
composting.
Providence, Rhode Island
The Ocean Project (TOP) is a relatively new
and unprecedented public awareness
initiative among more than 520 aquariums,
zoos, science, technology and natural
history museums, as well as conservation
organizations and government agencies. The
aim is to significantly increase the success of
ocean conservation by creating in people a
lasting, measurable, top-of-mind awareness
of the importance, value and sensitivity of
the oceans. TOP launched this initiative on
the occasion of World Environment Day
2004 and World Ocean Day.
Riverside, California
The Ecomodels, real life action figures who
practice and promote a positive
lifestyle, shared sustainability
related artwork and comic strips
printed on recycled promotional
products, on the occasion of
World Environment Day 2005.
The Ecomodels also promoted
the use of friendly cosmetics and
household products. In addition,
they volunteered for WED by
assisting in picking up trash, setting
up, and getting the word out in the
week of the celebration.
Virginia
Portovert Magazine, a new, sustainable
publication about eco-friendly weddings,
raised environmental awareness on 5 June
2007 with a campaign for World Environment
Day. The campaign linked the word WED
with the concept of people taking actions
to stop global warming on and after their
wedding day.
Washington
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance joined the
Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
(GAIA) and Eco-Cycle (based in Boulder,
Colorado) to release a report dubbed ‘Stop
Trashing the Climate’, on the occasion of
WED 2008. The report documents the link
between climate change and unsustainable
patterns of consumption and wasting,
outlines policies needed to effect change,
and offers a roadmap for how to significantly
reduce GHG emissions within a short period.
The report concludes that a zero waste
approach is one of the fastest, cheapest,
and most effective strategies for combating
climate change.
Inspiring examples
WEST ASIA individuals carrying the globe, is made KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
almost entirely of scrap steel except for the Jeddah
IRAQ continents, which are made out of recycled To celebrate World Environment Day 2006,
Sulaimania aluminium cans. The Hussaini Drawing about 60 school students aged 10 to 12
On the occasion of World Environment Society for Islamic Arts was behind the planted trees at one of the parks in the
Day 2008, a big festival organized with the project and received support from the city of Jeddah with the help of Glaxo staff
support of the Green Kurdistan Association Manama Municipal Council and Municipality. and volunteers. The participants started by
was held at Park Azadi, in the center of The Atlas Construction and Transportation cleaning the park, then they placed banners
Sulaimania. Company made the sculpture for free on and environmental awareness posters in the
behalf of the Society. park. They concluded the event by planting
ISRAEL five Bazromia trees with different names:
Igbesa Jordan
Gateway Polytechnic Igbesa organized in
2007 a seminar and a paper presentation on
the topic: Melting Ice - A Hot Topic. The event
concluded with the planting of trees.
JORDAN
Aqaba
The Royal Marine Conservation Society of
Jordan (JREDS) carried out a clean- up of the
Southern beach. The event was held on 5 – 7
June 2007 and involved about 10 different
groups in the community, including schools,
youth clubs and diving shops. An estimated
200 people took part.
KINGDOM OF BAHRAIN
Manama
In 2005, a new 500-kilogramme steel
monument was erected at the King Faisal
Corniche in Manama on 3 June. The 18-
foot symbolic structure, depicting eight
61
World Environment Day 2009
Deserts and Desertification - Don’t Desert
Dry Lands; Embedding Culture of Care; Green
Cities -Plant for the Planet; Foundations for
the Future; and Water, Two Billion People are
Dying for It.
KUWAIT
Ahmadi
In 2008, the Health, Safety, & Environment
(Technical Services) Team, Kuwait Oil
Company (a subsidiary of KPC), invited
colleagues to perform simple activities that
contributed to reducing CO2 emissions.
Activities included calculations that
demonstrated the amount of CO2 reduced
on that day for each activity per person.
Organizers hoped that once participants
realize the benefits to the environment, these
62
little acts would develop into daily habits.
The organization proposed the following:
- Reducing the lighting levels at
home, or using one less bulb;
- Turning up the central air
conditioning by 1°C;
- Switching off computers and
TVs instead of leaving them on
standby;
- Car pooling to work or when going
out in the evening;
- Planting a tree, or purchasing
indoor plants;
- Spending 1 minute less in the
shower; and
- Turning down the heating setting
of the washing machine.
LEBANON
Beirut
In 2007, the Youth Environment Parliament
(YEP), together with the Environment &
Development magazine, held a public
screening of a UNEP documentary on
climate change and another film prepared
by the students. The event also saw a display
of award-winning paintings and drawings
in a nation-wide contest organized by a
magazine called, ‘Me and the Environment’.
A message from UNEP’s regional director
Habib El-Habr on climate change was
read to the participants. An exhibit called
‘Impact of War on the Environment’ was also
inaugurated.
OMAN
Sohar
On the occasion of World Environment
Day 2008, the National Mining Company
educated the population of Sohar on the
importance of waste management and
encouraged recycling on a large scale.
OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
Bethlehem
The Environmental Education Centre (EEC)
has been celebrating World Environment
Day since 1992. In 2004, EEC celebrated
this occasion with the Bethlehem Peace
Centre (BPC). EEC and BPC had an open
day on 5 June with lots of environmental
and recreational activities. Their target was
students from 12 schools in the Bethlehem
area. The students were chosen from the
environmental clubs EEC and BPC established
in their schools. The programme began with
a presentation about biodiversity, followed
by group discussions on local and global
environmental problems.
Hebron
To commemorate World Environment
Day 2008, the Palestinian Centre for
Communication and Developmental
Studies:
- developed six kindergartens in Hebron
villages by providing them with indoor and
outdoor games, and stationery materials;
- carried out a capacity building and
improvement course for the teachers at the
mentioned kindergartens;
- held six open days of fun and entertainment
under the theme saving the environment;
- built small gardens for the children and
named them by their names;
- made each child responsible for watering
and looking after his/her garden; and
- organized painting workshops on nature,
followed by an exhibit of the children
artwork.
QATAR
Doha
In 2008, the International Academy for
Intercultural Development (IAID) with the
support of Faber Castell, Germany, Friends
of the Environment Centre (FEC), Qatar and
QAPCO held the following events:
- A painting workshop for short
listed students of various schools
and educational organizations of
Qatar;
- A press conference attended by
environmentalists, artists and
sponsors supporting the World
Environment Day Celebrations in
Qatar.
- A free seminar on WED;
- A painting competition for all
age groups and an exhibit of the
winning paintings
Inspiring examples
Doha
The International Academy for Intercultural
Development celebrated World Environment
Day 2007 by organizing a painting
competition. The event was held on 1 and
2 June and had participants from various
schools and other educational institutions
in Qatar. The winners were announced in the
local newspapers on 5 June.
SYRIA
Homs
The Syrian Red Crescent Organization Homs
Branch invited photographers from around
the world, amateur or professional, to
participate in its 2005 World Environment Dubai
Day Photo Gallery, which was exhibited in The Emirates Diving Association in
the Museum of Azzehrawi Palace on 5-9 collaboration with the Ministry of
June. Environment, HSBC Middle East, Tadweer,
Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, and Jumeira celebrated
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES World Environment Day 2006 with the
Abu Dhabi following events:
Abu Dhabi Gas Liquefaction Company Ltd- - Special diving excursion to the
ADGAS marked World Environment Day 2008 Dibba Marine Protect Area-UAE
by implementing Paperless Day. Employees East Coast participated in by more
committed to repeat the campaign and than 25 staff from HSBC Bank and
progressively lead ADGAS to a significantly Tadweer (Recycling Company);
paperless environment in the future. The - Radio show to mark the day from
activity demonstrated the company’s the East Coast- Dubai EYE 103.8
support to the environmental programmes FM, Siobhan Live;
of the UAE Government and Environmental - Green sail illumination at the Burj
Agency. Al Arab for 1 hour on 5 June.
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World Environment Day 2009 Inspiring examples

Courtesy of the Ministry of Environment and

Natural Resources of Mexico

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