changeadminToday, as we write this article, the global community is celebrating World Ocean Day, recognised by the United Nations in 2008, to encourage citizens to protect the ocean and manage its resources sustainably.
Similarly, World Environment Day, which just passed a couple of days ago, saw individuals, organisations, and government agencies worldwide share their concerns, solutions, facts, and knowledge on environmental issues.
Like World Environment Day and World Ocean Day, there are many other special days dedicated to nature, animals and the environment.
These environment-related days create awareness, such as pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss, or climate change, that may otherwise be ignored in daily life.
These days also remind us of the beauty and importance of nature and animals, how they enrich life, support human survival, and deserve protection in their own right.
Further, awareness of environmental issues is essential to harmonise patterns of individual behaviour with the requirements of environmental conservation.
In this context, let us list out some of the important environment-related days.
Change Started plays an active role in creating environmental awareness and sensitising citizens to what’s at stake and what can be done. You can follow us on social media handles such as Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube
World Wetlands Day
February 2
This day marks the date of adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971. This day raises public awareness about the importance and value of wetlands.
Wetlands, which can include swamps, marshes, lakes, lagoons, mangroves, coral reefs, bogs, fens, and peatlands, are a critical part of our natural environment.
Wetlands provide an important range of environmental, social and economic services. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impact of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality.
Watch this video to learn about wetlands and also about the Ramsar Convention.
World Wildlife Day
March 3
This day is celebrated to raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants. The date marks the day of adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973.
World Wildlife Day plays an important role in ensuring that international trade does not threaten the species’ survival.
World Sparrow Day
March 20
This day is designated to raise awareness about the house sparrow and other common birds in urban environments, and threats to their populations.
The house sparrow was once the most common bird in the world. However, in the past few years, this bird has been on the decline over much of its natural range, both in urban and rural habitats.
The decline of the house sparrow is an indicator of the continuous degradation of the environment around us. It is also a warning bell that alerts us to possible detrimental effects on our health and well-being.
International Day of Forests
March 21
This day is held annually on 21st March to raise awareness about the importance of forests to people and their vital role in poverty eradication, environmental sustainability and food security.
Forests are the most biologically diverse ecosystems on land, home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects.
Yet despite these priceless ecological, economic, social and health benefits, global deforestation continues at an alarming rate, 13 million hectares of forest are destroyed annually. Deforestation accounts for 12 to 20 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
The International Day of Forests underscores the importance of education at all levels in achieving sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
Healthy forests mean healthy, resilient communities and prosperous economies.
We have created a video on the importance of the rainforest.
World Water Day
March 22
World Water Day is celebrated on 22nd March throughout the world to create awareness towards the importance of water in various fields of life, including the environment, health, agriculture, etc.
Freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day.
Water is an essential building block of life.
However, environmental damage, together with climate change, is driving water-related crises worldwide. Floods, drought and water pollution are all made worse by degraded vegetation, soil, rivers and lakes.
World Fish Migration Day
April 21
This day is for a global celebration to create awareness of the importance of free-flowing rivers and migratory fish.
Migratory fishes are fishes that swim short or long distances daily, yearly or annually, as a way to complete their life cycle. Some migratory fish migrate up and down rivers, others between rivers and oceans, and others across the oceans.
Many migratory fish species are critically endangered or threatened. The main causes are man-made barriers which disrupt the natural flow of rivers and prevent their usual migratory routes. Many fish need to migrate to reproduce, feed and complete their life cycles.
Migratory fish are a crucial link in the food chain and play an important role in creating healthy and productive river systems. Furthermore, they provide an important food supply and livelihood for millions of people around the world. They are ecologically, culturally, economically, and recreationally important.
Earth Day
April 22
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. The event is held worldwide to celebrate support for the protection of the environment.
Earth Day brings attention to a large number of issues, such as: pollution of the ocean, debris left over on land, climate change, conservation of the Earth’s ecosystems, energy conservation, soil corruption, corrosion, overpopulation, nuclear issues, depletion of the ozone layer, depletion of Earth’s natural resources, introduction of wastes and toxicants into the wilderness and the seas, and the deforestation of rain forests.
International Day for Biological Diversity
May 22
The United Nations proclaimed May 22nd as ‘The International Day for Biological Diversity’ to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
The day was proclaimed with an aim to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992.
The Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument that has been ratified by 196 nations.
The convention calls for the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources.
World Turtle Day
May 23
“World Turtle Day” is an annual event that has been taking place since 2000.
The day for these marine animals was founded by American Tortoise Rescue. The purpose of World Turtle Day is to educate people about the things that they can do to protect the habitats of turtles and tortoises.
It is also a celebration of the joy that these reptiles bring to so many people daily. This is an important step in raising awareness among the future generation about the threats that turtles and tortoises face.
World Environment Day
June 5
This day encourages worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. Since it began in 1974, the event has grown to become a global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated in over 100 countries.
Each World Environment Day is organised around a theme that draws attention towards a particularly pressing environmental concern.
Also, a country is designated to host the official celebrations of World Environment Day. The focus on the host country helps highlight the environmental challenges it faces and supports worldwide efforts to address them.
World Oceans Day
June 8
“World Oceans Day” is celebrated to remind everyone about the major role that oceans play in everyday life.
They are the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe.
World Oceans Day was proposed by Canada’s International Centre for Ocean Development (ICOD) and the Ocean Institute of Canada at the Earth Summit 1992 in Brazil. In 2008, it was officially recognised by the United Nations.
The purpose of the day is to inform the public about the impact of human action on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilise and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.
They are a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.
World Oceans Day is a day to celebrate together the beauty, the wealth and the promise of the ocean.
World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
June 17
This is another important environment-related day that is observed every year to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
Desertification is the degradation of land in arid, semi-arid and dry sub-humid areas. It is caused primarily by human activities and climatic variations.
Desertification does not refer to the expansion of existing deserts. It occurs because dryland ecosystems, which cover over one-third of the world’s land area, are extremely vulnerable to overexploitation and inappropriate land use.
The day is an opportunity to remind everyone that land degradation neutrality is achievable through problem-solving, strong community involvement and co-operation at all levels.
International Mangrove Day
July 26
The “International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem”, adopted by the General Conference of UNESCO in 2015, is celebrated each year on 26 July.
This day aims to raise awareness on the importance of mangrove ecosystems as “a unique, special and vulnerable ecosystem” and to promote solutions for their sustainable management, conservation and uses.
Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. These extraordinary ecosystems contribute to the well-being, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. They support a rich biodiversity and provide a valuable nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans.
Mangroves also act as a form of natural coastal defence against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. Their soils are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering vast amounts of carbon.
International Tiger Day
July 29
Every year, July 29 is celebrated as the “International Tiger Day” to raise awareness about the endangered big cats.
Poaching, prey depletion and loss of habitat continue to be major threats to their survival.
This day was created when thirteen countries came together in 2009 and pledged to double the world’s Tiger population by 2022.
Here are some facts about Tigers. Read here
World Lion Day
August 10
World Lion Day is celebrated on August 10th, which aims to raise awareness of the ‘king of the jungle’.
Lion numbers have dramatically declined and need immediate attention.
As per the IUCN Red List, the lion is under the Vulnerable category.
World Elephant Day
August 12
This day is celebrated worldwide on August 12 and is dedicated to the preservation and protection of elephants.
The goal of “World Elephant Day” is to create awareness about the plight of elephants and to share knowledge and positive solutions for their better care and management of captive and wild elephants.
African elephants are listed as “vulnerable” and Asian elephants as “endangered” in the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
As per the available population estimates, there are about 400,000 African elephants and 40,000 Asian elephants.
This day brings to the attention of various stakeholders in support of various conservation policies to help protect elephants.
This includes improving enforcement policies to prevent illegal poaching and trade in ivory, conserving elephant habitats, providing better treatment for captive elephants and reintroducing captive elephants into sanctuaries.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (World Ozone Day)
September 16
The United Nations’ International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on the 16th September every year.
Commemorating the 1987 signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, this day promotes activities that create awareness on issues related to climate change and ozone depletion.
The ozone layer, a fragile shield of gas, protects the Earth from the harmful portion of the rays of the sun, thus helping preserve life on the planet.
The phase out of controlled uses of ozone-depleting substances and related reductions have not only helped protect the ozone layer for the present and future generations, but have also contributed significantly to global efforts to address climate change.
World Rhino Day
September 22
September 22nd has been celebrated annually as World Rhino Day to generate awareness on issues regarding the well-being of rhinoceroses.
In recent years, rhinos have been threatened by poaching, urbanisation and pollution, which have left certain rhino species on the brink of extinction while leaving other species severely endangered.
There are five species of rhino – white and black rhinos in Africa, and the greater one-horned, Javan and Sumatran rhino species in Asia.
World Migratory Bird Day
October 12
This day is celebrated each year to highlight the need for the conservation of migratory birds and their habitats.
The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (also known as CMS or Bonn Convention after the city in which it was signed) aims to conserve terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species throughout their range.
It has a global outreach and is an effective tool to help raise global awareness on the threats faced by migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to conserve them.
World Soil Day
December 5
This day flags the importance of soil as a critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to human well-being.
“World Soil Day” is a means to bring attention to the importance of healthy soil and advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
Soil has great potential to filter and buffer contaminants, degrading and attenuating the negative effects of pollutants.
Most of the pollutants originate from human activities, such as unsustainable farming practices, industrial activities and mining, untreated urban waste and other non-environmental friendly practices.
International Mountain Day
December 11
“International Mountain Day” has its roots in 1992, when Chapter 13 of Agenda 21 “, Managing Fragile Ecosystems: Sustainable Mountain Development”, was adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development.
This is considered a milestone in the history of mountain development.
The increasing awareness about the importance of mountains led the UN General Assembly to declare 2002 as the UN International Year of Mountains. On this occasion, the UN General Assembly has designated 11 December, from 2003 onwards, as “International Mountain Day”.
Almost one billion people live in mountain areas, and over half the human population depends on mountains for water, food and clean energy.
Yet mountains are under threat from climate change, land degradation, overexploitation and natural disasters, with potentially far-reaching and devastating consequences, both for mountain communities and the rest of the world.
Wrapping Up
Environment-related days make sense because they raise awareness about critical environmental issues, promote global cooperation, and inspire individual and collective action to protect the planet.
By dedicating specific days, such as Ocean Day or World Environment Day, we can remind people of environmental issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, or pollution. These observances educate the public, influence policy, and sensitise people to their role in creating a sustainable future.
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