We can define the environment as a complex of physical, chemical and biotic factors that act on an organism or an ecological community and, ultimately, determine its form and survival. Actions on the care and conservation of the environment depend directly on politics , to the extent that governments, through international organizations, can agree on future objectives to stop the processes that are endangering the habitability of our country. planet, and that they are accelerating the disappearance of species.
The year 1972 marked a turning point in the development of international environmental policy, with the first major conference on environmental issues, known as the Conference on the Human Environment, or Stockholm Conference. Later that year, on December 15, the General Assembly passed a resolution designating June 5 as World Environment Day, and urging governments and organizations of the United Nations system to on that day all years of activities worldwide “reaffirming its concern for the preservation and enhancement of the environment, with a view to deepening environmental awareness.”
The United Nations recognizes that the protection and health of the environment is an important issue that affects not only the planet’s biodiversity, but also the well-being of peoples and economic development throughout the world. “The celebration of this day gives us the opportunity to broaden the bases for an enlightened opinion and responsible behavior on the part of individuals, companies and communities in the preservation and improvement of the environment.”
The decade of ecosystem restoration begins
This year, UNESCO inaugurates what has been called ‘the decade of ecosystem restoration’, which forms the theme of World Environment Day 2021. With this message, UNESCO aims to raise awareness of the urgency of restoring damaged ecosystems and “Reconcile the human being with the biodiversity of the planet”.
The objective of ecosystem restoration should focus on “preventing, halting and reversing the degradation of ecosystems on all continents and oceans,” they explain. These measures would help end poverty, combat climate change and even prevent a mass extinction (the sixth on our planet that, according to many scientists, has already begun for many species, such as insects).
In addition, UNESCO makes an important mention of the amplification of youth and the diversity of world views, social practices, cultural expressions, languages and knowledge systems of the communities that are respectful of living beings.
