22 April ,2012
Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet Earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet.
The proclamation of 22 April as International Mother Earth Day is an acknowledgement that the Earth and its ecosystems provide its inhabitants with life and sustenance. It also recognizes a collective responsibility, as called for in the 1992 Rio Declaration, to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of present and future generations of humanity.
This year in June, world leaders will gather at the Rio+20 sustainable development conference, to discus on two main themes: how to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out of poverty; and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development.
Please find below and attached ;
- A message of the United Nations Secretary-General, and
- A Press Release from UNHABITAT on commemoration of the Earth Day, 2012 through a tree plantation and waste reduction campaign...
Message of the United Nations Secretary-General
" Hard but Necessary Choices Ahead; Outcome at'Rio+20' Conference Must Be Both Practical, Transformational...
"The annual observance of International Mother Earth Day honours our one and only planet, and the place of human beings in it. It is also meant as a call to action against human disregard for nature's life-supporting resources and ecosystems.
In fewer than two months, the world will gather in Rio de Janeiro for the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. The first Earth Summit in 1992 gave us important legally-binding conventions, the far-reaching Agenda 21 blueprint, and the conceptual breakthrough of sustainable development. Rio+20 offers us a timely chance for a similar change in course — for a much-needed paradigm shift and a recommitment to implementation.
In the next 20 years, the world will need at least 50 per cent more food, 45 per cent more energy, 30 per cent more water, and many millions of new jobs. Our challenge at Rio+20 and beyond is to take a holistic, integrated approach to these linked challenges — driving at the interrelations such that solutions to one problem translate into progress on all.
Hard but necessary choices lie ahead. We need an outcome that is simultaneously practical and transformational. We must use Rio+20 to promote better respect for nature and to cultivate an environment — natural and social — in which all children feel safe and all people can prosper. Mother Earth belongs to us all; Rio+20 is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that all of us must seize."
PRESS RELEASE
UN-Habitat and Serena Hotels join hands on Earth Day, 2012
April 22nd, 2012 --- Islamabad. UN-Habitat partnered with Islamabad Serena Hotel to celebrate Earth Day 2012 through a tree plantation and waste reduction campaign with UN-Habitat facilitated Environment Clubs in urban schools. The main objective of this campaign was to increase awareness and appreciation of the earth's natural environment among the students participating, their teachers as well as their parents.
One hundred Bottle-brush and Jacaranda saplings donated by Islamabad Serena Hotel were planted by the Environment Club children in selected schools during the past two days. The Earth Day activities concluded with a waste reduction campaign in the Fatima Jinnah Park, where more than 150 students participated. These activities have helped in educating students about environmental issues so that they understand the importance of civic responsibility and are inspired to act on behalf of the planet. The 2-day (20-21 April, 2012) campaign for Earth Day celebrations in schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad concludes the year-long 150,000 trees plantation drive of UN-Habitat in 18 flood affected districts of Pakistan.
UN-Habitat, is involved in promoting Sustainable Urbanization and improving access to Basic Services for the urban poor in Pakistan as a basic human right. Local Community Based Organizations are mobilized to involve local citizens in the formulation and implementation of Community Action Plans for sustainable solutions. The main implementing strategy has been community involvement, which enables people to take charge of their environment and health.
Our situation increasingly demands a transition towards a green economy that does not accelerate climate change or destroy the planet in order to profit. Development of renewable energy and clean technology sectors must be prioritized to begin the shift to a post-carbon economy. The worlds of finance, business and policy need to routinely place an accurate, measurable value on the services that nature provides our world in order to protect those assets and prevent them from being destroyed.
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Tariq Khattak, Islamabad, Pakistan.
GSM = 0300-9599007 and 0333-9599007
Email: Tariqgulkhattak@gmail.com
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