Theme: Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience
Introduction
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, serves as a global platform for raising awareness and promoting action for the protection of the environment. This year, the international celebrations will be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the critical theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
The theme aligns with the urgent call for action to restore degraded landscapes, protecting essential ecosystem services. Land restoration is a pivotal aspect of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
In Uganda, this year’s theme, “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience,” emphasizes the critical need to restore land for climate resilience, human well-being, wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable socio-economic transformation. The theme also aligns with the Government’s Ten-Year Plan of Action for Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources in Uganda (2021-2031), the National Vision 2024, and the National Development Plan.
The primary objective of the 2024 celebrations is to raise awareness about the importance of restoring degraded ecosystems. The aim is to inspire stakeholders at various levels to take meaningful actions towards the restoration of ecosystems.
The World Environment Day celebrations
The national level World Environment Day celebrations took place in Sironko District, showcasing commitment by the government and other stakeholders’ commitment to environmental conservation and restoration on the grand platform of World Environment Day 2024. It marked significant step toward by the government and agencies a greener and more sustainable future for Uganda and the world.
In Kabale district a series of activities were carried out including tree planting campaigns, clean-up initiatives, waste management, media engagements, school children participation, translation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into local languages, and a Town Hall meeting, that happened at Victorious Guest House.
Missions Beyond Frontiers (MBF) Partnership with Kabale Municipal Council in the World Environment Day celebrations.
The MBF worked hand in hand with the district council and engaged with the schools, church society and the district officials in environment protection. Trees were planted as a way of environment conservation.
