Raising Awareness on World Conservation Day
World Conservation Day is observed on July, 28 with the objective of saving the rapidly degrading environment. It raises awareness about the importance of healthy environment and focuses on the need of preserving our natural resources. It encourages sustainable living among the people. This day hold an immense importance to highlight human’s exploitation of natural resources, rapid industrialization, deforestation and increasing encroachments into natural habitats that have disrupted the ecological balance.
Themes of Conservation
Biodiversity Preservation: Conserving flora and fauna will help retain the biological diversity of species. Both species and habitat should be considered.
Sustainable Practices: Sustainable practices in resource extraction, industries, agriculture and other sectors will contribute to a healthy environment. Resource management, waste reduction and eco-friendly technology use can enhance sustainability.
Role of community: Active participation of all stakeholders are necessary. Inclusive approach in conservation is beneficial.
Climate Change: Addressing climate changes need effort to reduce deforestation, emission of carbon dioxide conventional source of energy. Conservation will have a positive impact on the rising temperature.
Traditional Knowledge: The immense traditional and ecological knowledge from local communities are needed for conservation practice.
Importance of Conservation
The significance of conservation can be comprehended by some of the highlighted consequences of natural degradation described below.
India is ranked fifth most vulnerable country to climate change impacts. -RBI annual report- Rapid Meltdown: Glaciers across the globe is melting at a faster rate.
- Glacier shrank by 1 meter a year (World Meteorological Organization)
- Increasing Temperature: – Heatwave has become a common phenomena. Humanity is struggling to keep temperature below 1.5 degree Celsius. If we want this goal, we have to achieve an uphill task of halve emission till 2030 and net zero by 2050.
- Disaster: Historically conflicts and violence has been biggest trigger for replacement. Now disaster has replaced it.
- Encroachments on forests result in frequent human and animal interaction. This leads to spreading of infectious diseases.
How to contribute
- Environmental Campaigns: Become a volunteer with an environment campaigns aimed at conserving environment.
- Educational Programme: Seminars, workshops, rallies etc.
- Clean up Drives: Cleaning roads, park, rivers, beaches and public places from litter.
- Tree Planting: Planting tree educational institutions.
- Street Plays: Organizing street plays, sensitizing about environment.
- Sustainable Practice in Daily Lives: Try to limit use of plastics. Use fiber bags instead of plastics.
- Education: Educate yourself and people around you. Draw their attention towards ongoing environmental related issues.
The prominent role of conservation has increased manifold amid the ruthless attack on nature. The exact origin of this day is not documented but its importance increases as human’s attack on earth extends. The reason behind the ongoing sixth mass extinction is expected to come from the human side for the first time. The five previous mass extinct was primarily natural. Thus the conservation efforts should come from the human side.
World Conservation Day provide a common platform for the countries to unite and foster cooperation for conservation efforts.
Government has the pivotal task, but it needs every stakeholder’s attention including us. We should become a responsible citizen and engaged citizens. Every single step of conservation from our side will eventually contribute in the larger effort of combating climate change.
Written by: Aijaz Hussain
