By Evelyn Katasi
In a momentous turn of events, Sironko District in Eastern Uganda has been chosen to host the prestigious 2024 National Celebrations for World Environment Day (WED). The decision was solidified following a significant visit by a team from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), who engaged in a pre-visit meeting with local government officials to discuss the preparations and requirements for this grand event.
World Environment Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972, serves as a global platform for raising awareness and promoting action for the protection of the environment. This year, the international celebrations will be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a focus on the critical theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
The theme aligns with the urgent call for action to restore degraded landscapes, protecting essential ecosystem services. Land restoration is a pivotal aspect of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), contributing significantly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.
While the global celebrations are typically organized by the United Nations Environment Program, Uganda has entrusted the National Environment Management Authority with spearheading the event on behalf of the government. Previous celebrations have taken place in various locations, including Kampala, Luweero, Masindi, Moroto, Mbale, Ibanda, Gulu, Rakai, and Kaliro.
This year’s national theme, “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience,” emphasizes the critical need to restore land for climate resilience, human well-being, wealth creation, job opportunities, and sustainable socio-economic transformation. The theme also aligns with the Government’s Ten-Year Plan of Action for Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources in Uganda (2021-2031), the National Vision 2024, and the National Development Plan.
The primary objective of the 2024 celebrations is to raise awareness about the importance of restoring degraded ecosystems. The aim is to inspire stakeholders at various levels to take meaningful actions towards the restoration of ecosystems. To achieve this, a series of activities have been planned, including tree planting campaigns, clean-up initiatives, media engagements, school club participation, translation of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials into local languages, and a Town Hall meeting.
As a direct outcome of the pre-visit meeting, a planning committee has been established at the district level to coordinate and plan for the successful execution of World Environment Day celebrations in Sironko. Additionally, a national organizing committee will soon be constituted to oversee and coordinate the event at the national level.
The stage is set, and Sironko District is ready to take center stage, showcasing its commitment to environmental conservation and restoration on the grand platform of World Environment Day 2024. The countdown to this momentous celebration has begun, marking a significant step toward a greener and more sustainable future for Uganda and the world.