The World Environment Day (WED) is annually celebrated around the world every 5th of June. This celebration started in 1972 and since then the United Nations has leveraged on this event to promote environmental awareness and urge political action. Through this event, the UN Environment Programme is able to impart one’s personal involvement in environmental issues by making everyone realize their responsibility and their ability to become agents for change in support of sustainable and equitable environment. This celebration is also known for positive environmental action. WED is likewise a day for people all over the world to be united in ensuring a greener, cleaner, and brighter outlook not only for themselves but also for future generations.

The theme for this year is Forest: Nature at your Service. This theme is in conjunction with the UN Environments Programme’s aim to bring awareness that 1.6 billion people across the world are dependent on forests for their basic needs and livelihood. Forests are also home to more than half of the animals, insects, and other species worldwide. Unfortunately, global deforestation is increasing at a very disturbing rate which is at 13 million hectares per year. This area of destroyed forests is as big as Portugal and this alarming information should move everyone to make efforts to save our environment.

Here in the Philippines, different animal sanctuaries will celebrate WED in a variety of ways. You can visit Davao Crocodile Park in Pasay City and Manila Ocean Park in Manila for bird shows and animal interactions.