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World Environment Day 2009
World Environment Day is observed annually in more than 100 countries, and is one of the most popular days on the United Nations calendar. It is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on national environmental issues. Every year, a different host city is nominated, allowing various countries to showcase the positive things being done nationally, regionally and internationally to promote sustainable practices and reduce the impacts of climate change.
Every year, on June 5, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), heads of state, prime ministers, ministers, VIPs and organisations from around the world join forces to mark the event and to promote environmental awareness. A different host city is nominated each year from around the world.
Last year, New Zealand played host to World Environment Day 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Ministry for the Environment was the lead government agency coordinating the event alongside UNEP. While Wellington was the host city, World Environment Day was celebrated actively throughout New Zealand to promote the 2008 ‘Kick the Carbon Habit’ theme.
The interest that councils, business, communities, interest groups and schools displayed in World Environment Day 2008 highlights New Zealand’s increasing focus on the importance of the environment and stimulating eco-friendly actions. For more information about New Zealand events during World Environment Day 2008, visit www.sustainability.govt.nz/wed.
This year, World Environment Day 2009 is being hosted by Mexico with the theme "Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change".
For more information on what Mexico is doing to celebrate World Environment Day 2009, as well as other ideas on how to celebrate the internationally recognised event and register events globally, go to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) World Environment Day website (http://www.unep.org/wed/2009/english).
Various regions throughout New Zealand have organised their own events and activities to celebrate World Environment Day this year. The table below outlines some of these.
World environment day 2009 events around New Zealand
| Region | Event | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland | A group of 50 young environmentalists is hosting an Auckland event called FREEZE, FOCUS and ACT on the 5th, 6th and 7th of June. This event is targetting young people from 15 years -30 years. | Jo Newman Education for Sustainability Coordinator/Sustainability Projects Manager EcoMatters Environment Trust (09) 826 4276 jo@ecomatters.org.nz |
| Waitakere | Around 200 people involved in environmental issues will be launching a new environmental education resource for schools. | Wally Thomas Director Public Affairs Waitakere City Council (09) 839 0400 Wally.Thomas@waitakere.govt.nz |
| Bay of Plenty | Two kindergartens and a primary school in Papamoa are reviewing the environmental practices of their local Woolworths. The project is being driven by Papamoa Coast Kindergarten and children, parents and teachers will be invited to give feedback to the supermarket on their environmental practices. | Andrea Mills Education Officer Environment Bay of Plenty 0800 368 288 Extn: 8152 Andrea.Mills@envbop.govt.nz |
| Gisborne | The Council is hosting an evening with people who are working in Tairawhiti to combat climate change. The presenters are all local people, addressing climate change impacts on the Gisborne district, revegetation, sustainable farming practices and transition cities. The event takes place at Lawson Field Theatre from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. | Toni Lexmond Community Relations Adviser Gisborne District Council (06) 867 2049 ext 5804 toni@gdc.govt.nz |
| Hawke’s Bay | The annual Karamu Planting Day is scheduled for Saturday the 6th June, 10am – 2pm. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and the Karamu Enhancement Group (KEG) will be planting flaxes, shrubs and grasses down by the bank of the Karamu near Havelock North. | Anita Murrell Community Engagement Coordinator Hawke’s Bay Regional Council (06) 833 8085 anita@hbrc.govt.nz |
| Wellington | Arbor Day at Battle Hill (tree planting) 10.00am -12.30pm Carpark, Battle Hill Forest Park Paekakariki Hill Road Pauatahanui |
Nerisa Fa’aumu Greater Wellington Regional Council (04) 802 0327 nerisa.fa’aumu@gw.govt.nz |
| Dunedin | The Dunedin City Council is launching its Workplace Travel Plan for World Environment Day. They will also showcasing how the Council encourages sustainable action within the community. |
Charlotte Flaherty Transportation Operations Dunedin City Council (03) 477 4000 charlotte.flaherty@dcc.govt.nz |
