This is how we observed the World Environment Day in Angola

Accelerating the restoration of land, resilience to drought, and desertification

The World Environment Day is the most well-known day in the realm of environmental and climate action.

Celebrated since 1974, on June 5th, it involves governments, businesses, celebrities, and citizens coming together to concentrate efforts regarding environmental issues. 

This year's theme is accelerating the restoration of land, resilience to drought, and desertification. This celebration is crucial as we currently face crises such as climate change, nature destruction, biodiversity loss, pollution, and waste problems.

Interview with children who witnessed harsh climate change and deforestation in their community

The tree fell. Explain what happened here, how it fell, what did you see? 

I saw it, when the tree fell. It fell because of the strong wind that occurred last Friday, this tree remained fallen for a while here so people decided to just cut down the other trees that were next to it as well.

But do you know that cutting down trees is harmful?

Yes, we knew.

Have you learned this at school?

Yes.

Well, today is World Environment Day, this day serves to raise awareness about environmental preservation, we shouldn't cut down trees because they give us oxygen, we should preserve all these forests.

You shouldn't stay silent when you see people cutting down trees, polluting the environment and the air, and engaging in other harmful practices to nature.

Yes, okay.

You should advocate for environmental protection because children have a very transformative power.

Okay, let's do that.

Nature restoration is essential to increase livelihoods, reduce poverty, and enhance resilience to extreme weather conditions. Additionally, it promotes carbon storage and slows down climate change. Restoring at least 15% of the land can prevent up to 60% of threatened species extinctions. 

Last year, much of the world felt the impacts not only of heat but also of storms, floods, and drought. The restoration of nature is therefore crucial regarding the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, which constitutes a call for the protection and revitalization of ecosystems worldwide, essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The year 2024 marks the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification. Despite the challenges, there is still hope! Countries can restore millions of hectares. With this in mind, hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in December, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aims to boost global action towards meeting the goals of restoring vast portions of the Earth, capable of effectively slowing down climate change, protecting nature, and enhancing the livelihoods and food security of millions of people worldwide.

Despite challenges, there is still hope. Countries can restore millions of hectares. With this day and by hosting the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in December, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the aim is to boost global action towards meeting restoration goals, effectively slowing down climate change, protecting nature, and enhancing livelihoods and food security for millions worldwide.