— As Anambra Marks 2024 W.E.D
Chidiebele Obika | I-Witness News
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Engr Felix Odimegwu has called on the residents of the state to embrace sustainable environmental practices, show stewardship and live in harmony with nature as the state observed the commemoration of 2024 World Environment Day.
Dr Odimegwu made the call through his address to Ndi Anambra yesterday, June 5, 2024 at Awka. Said he, ” To mark this year’s World Environment Day, Anambra State is launching the Anambra Tree Planting Day on June 10th. Key locations will see the planting of two trees per house/building. Recently, the Federal Government planted 3,000 oil palms over 5 hectares of erosion-prone sites in Nibo Awka.
” In Anambra State, environmental challenges, particularly erosion, are a significant threat. With 160 of the 179 communities affected by erosion, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Soludo since 2022, has taken decisive action. Over 2 million Malaysia hybrid coconut and oil palm seedlings are distributed and planted annually across the 21 local government areas. The “One House, Two Trees” campaign mandates that every land developer/home builder dedicates 35% of their land to green areas, including gardens and tree cover.
He called on people to join local environmental initiatives, participate in clean-up campaigns, attend educational seminars or collaborate with like-minded individuals to raise awareness about environmental issues and implement sustainable solutions for the betterment of all.
June 5th marks the annual celebration of World Environment Day, established by the United Nations to focus global attention on pressing environmental challenges and encourage proactive steps towards environmental conservation.
According to the Commissioner, World Environment Day originated from an important event in Stockholm, Sweden on June 5, 1972, where the United Nations Environment Program was announced. Since then, it has received positive responses from over 150 countries and the The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration”, focusing on land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience. Saudi Arabia hosts this year’s events, emphasizing the importance of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030).
