World Nature Conservation Day 2023

Conservation and preservation are fairly similar terms, yet while they both aim to safeguard the environment, they go about it in different ways. Environmental Conservation aims to allow humans to utilize nature in a sustainable way, such as for hunting, logging, or mining, whereas preservation aims to safeguard nature from human use. Protecting and conserving our natural resources is integral to our very existence and let’s honour that sentiment on World Nature Conservation Day by acknowledging its importance and how we can contribute towards nature’s preservation!

World Nature Conservation Day

🌿Celebrating Patrolling Heroes! Ahead of #WorldConservationDay, we honor #TadobaAndhariTigerReserve's fearless forest guards, safeguarding wildlife from poachers and illegal activities through relentless patrolling. Their dedication fosters harmony between humans and nature. pic.twitter.com/WQUBTgIQvf

— Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (@mytadoba) July 25, 2023

Every year on July 28, Nature Conservation Day is observed to emphasize that a healthy environment is a foundation for a stable and healthy society. Air, minerals, plants, land, water, and animals are among Earth’s natural resources, and the need to preserve these elements is essential.

Name of Day (Event)	World Nature Conservation Day (WNCD)
Also Called	विश्व प्रकृति संरक्षण दिवस
Name of Organisation	United Nations General Assembly
Observed by	UN Members
Awareness Programs	Climate Change Campaigns
Observed on	July 28
Celebration Location	All-Around World

History of the World Nature Conservation Day

World Nature Conservation Day is a new holiday, having been instituted in 2018. To increase awareness about the need for conservation and sustainable use of natural resources, the United Nations General Assembly declared 28th July as World Nature Conservation Day.

• The United Nations acknowledges major environmental concerns such as climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• World Nature Conservation Day encourages people all around the world to safeguard the environment and promote environmentally friendly practices.
• The holiday was first recognised in 2018 and is observed every year on July 28th.
• On this day, individuals, organisations, and governments can join forces to commit to steps that will protect the world for future generations.
• World Nature Conservation Day highlights a growing global awareness of the need for environmental protection.
• The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the state of the globe and take steps to decrease our environmental impact.

Also Read: How to Become an Environmentalist?

World Nature Conservation Day: Theme 2023

The theme for World Nature Conservation Day 2023 is “Forests and Livelihoods: Sustaining People and Planet.” While both preservation and conservation attempt to protect the environment, they approach this goal in quite different ways. 

Conservation, as opposed to preservation, advocates for the sustainable use of nature by humans for activities such as mining, logging, and hunting. Nature provides us with all of the necessities for our daily needs. 

As a result of population increase and human negligence, we began to over-exploit our resources. If this continues, there will be no resources available for future generations.

Significance of the World Conservation Day

World Nature Conservation Day is a major day that raises awareness about the need for conservation and environmental protection. The day serves as a reminder of the critical importance of taking action to protect the world for future generations.

• The significance of World Nature Conservation Day stems from the planet’s critical environmental issues, which include climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
• These challenges endanger the health and well-being of both humans and wildlife.
• It is a day to reflect on our environmental effects and take steps to reduce that impact.
• Individuals, organisations, and governments can band together to commit to activities that will protect the environment for future generations.
• The day raises awareness about the need for sustainable practices and encourages individuals to adopt environmentally friendly behaviours.
• It is a day to recognise the importance of nature in our lives and to enjoy its beauty.
• World Wildlife Conservation Day promotes the conservation of wildlife and environmental protection.

Relevant Read: World Population Day 2023: Reflecting on Our Impact and Responsibility

Indian Government Initiatives

World Nature Conservation Day is observed on 28 July every year across the globe to raise awareness about protecting natural resources.#WorldNatureConservationDay pic.twitter.com/rV4hODjMxL

— Newsd (@GetNewsd) July 28, 2019

Below are some of the steps/programs initiated by the government of India to conserve natural resources:

• National Wetland Conservation Program
• Mangroves for the Future
• Nagar Vahan Udyan Scheme
• Project Tiger
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan
• Crocodile Conservation Project
• UNDP Sea Turtle Project
• Project Elephant

The following are important acts passed by the Indian government to protect the environment and biodiversity:

• Fisheries Act 1897
• Indian Forests Act 1927
• Mining And Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957
• Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 1960
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972
• Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974
• Forest Conservation Act 1980
• Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981
• Environment Protection Act 1986
• Biological Diversity Act 2002
• Wetland Conservation and management rules 2010

Timeline of Events

Here is the timeline of events of World Nature Conservation Day:

The Establishment of Nature’s Conservation Body (Oct 5, 1948)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature is founded in Fontainebleau, a tiny town in France.

A Law to Protect Threatened Species (1973)

The Endangered Species Act was enacted to promote the preservation of habitats on which threatened and endangered species rely for survival.

Gray Wolves Return (1995-1996)

Thirty-one grey wolves from western Canada are reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park 40 years after humans wiped them out.

A Buzzing Victory (2018)

The European Union prohibits the use of three neonicotinoids (a type of pesticide) in the open air.

How Can We Contribute to World Conservation Day?

You don’t need to take out a loan or approach a money lender or investment. Simple everyday actions are one method to protect nature. You may make a huge impact in your house by taking modest but important actions with your family.

Below, we discuss some of the ways you can contribute to this World Conservation Day:

Reusable Straws and Water Bottles 

Invest in recyclable alternatives such as bamboo, metal, BPA-free, glass, stainless steel, or copper instead of the ocean’s worst enemy, plastic straws. You may also try recycling the paper you have laying around the house. When you need to take notes, use one side of your newspaper. Instead of using paper tissues, use hand towels.

Start a Long Term Diet 

What does a meal have to do with environmental protection? They do, however, leave a significant carbon impact if they are not supplied in environmentally sustainable methods. Switch to seasonal and local plant-based items at home to start a new diet. Giving up animal-based meals is one of the most effective ways to reduce carbon emissions.

Avoid Single-Use Plastic

It may also be environmentally good to phase out single-use plastic containers. Substitute reusable glass and stainless steel for less environmentally friendly options. Instead of using plastic bags for supermarket shopping, use cloth or paper bags.

Switch to Energy Efficient Appliances

Whenever possible, invest in energy-saving appliances. Switching to LED light bulbs is a good place to start. They use less energy and, more significantly, lower your power cost over time.

Start Composting

Composting is a simple and effective technique to minimize the amount of trash that goes to the landfill while simultaneously improving your backyard garden. Almost any kitchen waste, such as vegetable scraps, eggshells, and tea bags, can be used.

Build a Bird Feeder

The closest thing you can get your hands on to a bird feeder is a milk carton. It’s an activity that kids at home would gladly assist with. The bird feeder may be hung from a tree in your yard or on your balcony.

Some Facts About Conservation

• Extinction is taking place on a massive basis- One million plant and animal species are on the verge of extinction.

• More reserves are required– Natural reserves cover only 12.5% of the Earth’s landmass.

• Invasive species are expensive– Invasive species cost the United Kingdom, the United States, India, South Africa, Brazil, and Australia a total of $316 billion each year.

• The size of wildlife populations has drastically decreased- According to the World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report 2020, global population sizes of birds, amphibians, fish, mammals, and reptiles decreased by 68% on average between 1970 and 2016.

• Freshwater species are disappearing the most rapidly– Freshwater animal population declines are disproportionately quicker than others, plummeting by an average of 84% between 1970 and 2018.

Also Read: World Environment Day: Theme, History, Importance

World Nature Conservation Day Quotes 

• Conservation is a major moral issue since it entails the patriotic obligation of safeguarding the nation’s safety and survival.
• The Earth will not continue to provide a crop unless faithful care is maintained. We cannot claim to love the land and then take efforts to ruin it for future generations to use.
• The Earth will not continue to provide a crop unless faithful care is maintained. We cannot claim to love the land and then take efforts to ruin it for future generations to use.

Also Read: Slogans on World Environmental Day

FAQs

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