Ghana is taking a prominent role in the global celebration of World Environment Day (WED) on June 5, 2024.
The theme this year is “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” and Ghana’s focus aligns perfectly with this global effort.
Their national slogan, “Our Land, Our Future,” emphasizes their commitment to restoring degraded landscapes and building resilience against environmental challenges.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations in 1975, is a yearly event designed to raise awareness and inspire action on pressing environmental issues.
This year marks the 51st anniversary, with Saudi Arabia as the host country. Saudi Arabia is recognized for its significant contributions to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) issued a statement highlighting their national theme’s alignment with the global focus.
This reflects their dedication to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
MESTI, collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), plans to launch several key activities to mark WED. These include:
- A “What Do You Know Quiz” to raise public awareness about environmental issues.
- Exhibitions showcasing sustainable practices.
- Tree-planting exercises aimed at restoring local ecosystems.
- Public education campaigns promoting sustainable land management.
These activities aim to facilitate discussions on nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land). These initiatives are crucial for combating desertification, building drought resilience, and ensuring a sustainable future for future generations.
Ghana’s focus on land restoration and desertification control significantly contributes to the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. By promoting drought resilience and sustainable practices, Ghana is not only addressing its own environmental challenges but also contributing to the global movement for ecosystem restoration.
World Environment Day 2024 serves as a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide to step up their efforts in restoring degraded landscapes and building environmental resilience.
For Ghana, this means adopting sustainable land management and investing in resilient strategies to protect their natural resources.
Ophelia Mensah Hayford, the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, emphasized this point: “Let’s use this day as a catalyst for social change. Let’s adopt sustainable land management practices and invest in resilient strategies to protect our planet’s existing natural resources. Let’s promote a greener, safer, and better future for all.”
