The hashtag #water2me reflects conversations about what water means to people around the world. Water is undoubtedly central and important to us all, however it means different things to different people. On World Water Day question how water is important in your home and family life, and for your livelihood, cultural practices, wellbeing and local […]
World Meteorological Day marks the establishment in 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) (though it had been around since 1873). The 2021 theme is The Ocean, our climate and weather. The Ocean covers 70% of the Earth’s surface, provides vital resources, is the major driver of the world’s weather and climate […]
Desertification and Drought Day (previously known as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought) is to combat desertification and to achieve land degradation neutrality through problem-solving, strong community involvement and cooperation. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development includes the intent to protect the planet from degradation, including through sustainable consumption and production, sustainably managing its natural […]
In use since about 1755, the word habitat derives from the Latin habitāre, to inhabit, from habēre, to have or to hold. Human habitats are places where people live and where they can find all things that they need to survive. World Habitat Day is to reflect on the basic right of all humans to […]
Women and girls play a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of rural households and communities, improving rural livelihoods and overall wellbeing. Accounting for a substantial proportion of the agricultural labour force, including informal work, females perform the bulk of unpaid care and domestic work within families and households in rural areas and make significant […]
Global Handwashing Day is to acknowledge the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. It is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times. Handwashing with soap contributes to better health, nutrition, […]
Damage to the environment through war includes the pollution of water wells, the torching of crops, deforestation, soil poisoning and the killing of animals. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) reports that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources ( […]
First celebrated in 2002, World Science Day for Peace and Development is to highlight the significant role of science in society and to: strengthen public awareness of the role of science for peaceful and sustainable societies; promote national and international solidarity for shared science between countries; renew national and international commitment for the use of […]
4.2 billion people -- over half the world's population -- lack safe sanitation. 3 billion people -- 40% of the world's population -- live without basic handwashing facilities with soap and water available at home. 800 children die each day from diarrhoeal diseases (such as cholera and typhoid) due to poor hygiene, poor sanitation or […]
Home to 15% of the world´s population, mountains host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots and provide freshwater to half of humanity. Of the 20 plant species that supply 80% of the world's food, six originated and have been diversified in mountains: maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes, and apples. Climate change and overexploitation (unsustainable […]