World Environment Day, celebrated every year on 5 June, is a global occasion that highlights the need to protect and preserve our natural environment. Recognised in more than 150 countries, it is the largest international platform for raising awareness and encouraging action for the environment.
Each year, people around the world, governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals come together to share knowledge, inspire change, and promote solutions that support a healthier planet. It is a moment to reflect on our impact on the Earth and to commit to more sustainable ways of living and working.
At INCiTiS-FOOD, we are proud to join the global celebration of World Environment Day, working toward solutions that benefit both people and the planet. Join us in celebration and read on to explore the origins of the day, why it continues to matter, and how our work supports a more sustainable future.
History of World Environment Day
World Environment Day was established in 1972 during the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden. This conference marked the first major international effort to recognise environmental issues as a global priority. Later that year, the UN General Assembly officially designated 5 June as World Environment Day, and the first celebration took place in 1973 under the theme “Only One Earth.”
Since then, this day has evolved into a powerful call to action, encouraging governments, communities, youth, and businesses to engage in activities ranging from local clean-ups and tree planting to international policy advocacy.
World Environment Day: Recognising Its Importance
Every aspect of human life depends on the environment — from the air we breathe to the food we eat. Yet, the environment faces increasing pressure from pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. These challenges are especially pressing in urban and peri-urban areas, where growing populations and changing land use are straining natural resources and threatening food security, health, and livelihoods.
World Environment Day serves as a vital reminder that these issues are deeply interconnected. Addressing them calls for collaboration across sectors, disciplines, and borders. The day brings global attention to environmental challenges and encourages both local and international communities to reflect and step up efforts toward sustainability.
INCiTiS-FOOD: Advancing Food Systems for a More Sustainable Environment
At INCiTiS-FOOD, we focus on rethinking how food is produced in cities and towns across Africa. Our project introduces circular technologies, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and insect farming. Designed to function with minimal constraints on land and water, as well as financial inputs, these solutions:
- Reduce waste and recycle resources
- Operate with minimal land and chemical inputs
- Enhance local food and nutritional security
- Offer an efficient, low-impact approach to food production
By reducing reliance on chemical inputs and safeguarding resources, INCiTiS-FOOD helps build more sustainable and resilient food systems in African towns and cities.
A Shared Responsibility
World Environment Day serves as a reminder that sustainability is a shared responsibility. Whether through research, innovation, policy, or everyday actions, we can all contribute to a healthier planet.
At INCiTiS-FOOD, we remain committed to supporting African cities and towns in building food systems that work for people and the planet.
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