| Environmental Calendar for 2010 | ||||
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The United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and people all over the world are working to safeguard irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss. “Biodiversity is the variety of living organisms on the planet.It is the interaction between these living organisms and between these organisms and their non-living environment that make up the ecosystems of the world, without which our lives would not be possible. It is through these ecosystems that we have air to breathe, food to eat, medicines, fuel and many other benefits. These benefits are known as ‘ecosystem services’. It has been recognised that human activity is largely responsible for an unprecedented rate of biodiversity loss, and it was therefore agreed at the 6th meeting of the Conference of parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in April 2002, to achieve by 2010 a significant reduction in the current rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national levels as a contribution to poverty alleviation and to the benefit of all life on earth” ~ John Wesson, North West Conservancy Association. Environmental Calendar: March21 March: World Forestry Day This day aims to promote awareness of how forests are managed, and the sustainable use of forests. The many benefits of forests are highlighted - catchment protection, habitat, recreation, scientific study, and as source for products, including timber and honey. 22 March: World Water Day UN-Water has chosen ''Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities" as theme for World Water Day 2010. The overall goal of the World Water Day on 22 March 2010 campaign is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity. 22-28 March: National Water Week Water week promotes awareness of water conservation and efficient use of this scarce natural resource. 23 March: World Meteorological Day 27 March: Earth Hour The objective is to get communities involved in the simple act of turning off the lights, to make a difference to global warming. |
