World Environment Day 1999

The social, economic and political developments of the last few decades had significant impact on the environment. Every human activity is governed by market forces. Advances in new technologies and innovations are governed by the profit motive. Natural resources are exploited in quantities hitherto unknown. It is not only the depletion of resources that is worrying environmentalists, but also the pollution of the environment in the process of production, distribution and consumption. During the past four or five decades the human population also increased by more than double causing a serious pressure on the environment.

Environmental problems and the collusion course that man has taken with the environment was long known by scientists and environmentalists. As the crisis deepens ecologists, concerned individuals and organizations raised the alarm. This led to the 1972 Stockholm Conference on “The Human Environment” and the subsequent birth of the “United Nations Environment Programme” (UNEP).

One of the initial actions taken to safeguard the well-being of the environment was the introduction of June 5 to be observed as World Environment Day (WED). Since 1972 the WED has been observed every year on June 5 through out the world with a range of activities. The celebrations are supposedly based on the theme sent by UNEP, but each country could observe the day by concentrating on the theme of its choice, depending on specific local conditions.

Here in Ethiopia, the celebrations have been centered around school environment clubs, with students and school children in the forefront with their songs, floats, banners, short plays, etc.. all urging us to take care for, the environment. Although, given the current state of the Ethiopian environment, everyday should be considered as environment day, June 5 stands high above all days, with regard to the Environment.

Both the rural and urban areas of Ethiopia are facing serious environmental problems, such as land degradation, soil erosion, deforestation, pollution, poverty, etc.. These problems directly or indirectly affect all sections of our society. The celebration of WED every year on June 5 is one of the means of showing concern for the well-being of our environment, and a better quality of life for all. This makes it a duty of all to celebrate the day with the concern of today, and a vision of a better tomorrow.

This year’s celebrations should not be left to students and school children alone as in the past. There must be a marked departure from previous WED events. The celebrations should extend to factories and production enterprises, urban neighborhoods, rural villages, government offices, religious institutions, etc..

Besides, the role that the private sector will play in safeguarding the environment is being understood. The share of this sector in the Ethiopian economy is growing. Celebrating the WED without the full participation and support of the private sector will soon be unthinkable. It is hoped that a new strategy to involve as many sections of the society as possible at the 1999 WED events will be designed during the brainstorming session.