World Nature Conservation Day(WNCD) is annually observed across the globe on July 28 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and natural resources.
- This day serves as a reminder of the need for sustainable practices in protecting our planet’s ecosystems from the damaging effects of pollution, deforestation, and climate change.
2024 Theme:
i.The theme of WCND 2024 is ‘Connecting People and Plants, Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation’.
ii.This theme highlights the importance of conservation efforts in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring natural resource sustainability.
Significance:
i.This day underscores the importance of biodiversity and the need to combat issues like deforestation, pollution, and climate change.
ii.It is crucial to prioritise nature conservation in order to protect our natural resources and reduce adverse effects on the planet.
Background:
i.During the 1972 United Nations (UN) Conference on the Human Environment, WNCD was officially created in Stockholm, Sweden.
Some Environmental Conventions & Protocols:
i.Bonn Convention: The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the Bonn Convention, is an environmental treaty of the United Nations that provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of migratory animals and their habitats.
- It was adopted in 1979 and came into force on 1 November 1983.
ii.The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): It is the first global agreement to cover all aspects of biological diversity.
- It was adopted during the Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
iii.Stockholm Convention: It is a global treaty that aims to protect human health and the environment from the effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
- It was adopted in 2001 in Geneva, Switzerland and entered into force on May 17, 2004.
iv.Montreal Protocol: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol) is a multilateral environmental agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone depleting substances (ODS).
- It was adopted on 16th September 1987.
v.Paris Agreement : It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.
- It was adopted by 196 Parties at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, France on 12 December 2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016.
Note: Swachh Bharath Abhiyaan (SBA) or Clean India Mission (2014), Project Tiger (1973), Mangroves For the Future (MFF) ( 2006) are some initiatives that India has undertaken to conserve nature.
About the United Nations (UN):
Secretary-General – António Guterres
Headquarters – New York City, United States of America (USA)
Established – 24 October 1945
