World Nature Conservation Day 2022: Things To Do This Year

“Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” 

– Mahatma Gandhi

Isn’t the above quote by the Father of Our Nation amazing and alarming at the same time? It’s clear that natural resources are available in a quantity sufficient to fulfill a man’s needs but not his greed or desires.

To reflect on the same, World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated every year on July 28. The occasion aims to create awareness about the need to conserve and preserve the environment and natural resources to maintain a healthy society.

Saving plants and animals that are on the verge of extinction is one of the primary goals of World Nature Conservation Day. The event also puts an emphasis on keeping the various components of nature, including flora and fauna, energy resources, soil, water, and air, intact.

This occasion is an attempt to recognize that a healthy and well-functioning environment is critical for sustaining a stable, productive human society. In addition, World Nature Conservation Day highlights the need to preserve the environment for future generations. We, therefore, have the added responsibility of keeping the planet healthy for those coming after us to enjoy.

In recent times, the need to keep the environment healthy has become more evident in view of the relentless overexploitation of resources by humans, which has led to an increase in abnormal weather patterns all over the world.

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History of World Nature Conservation Day

During the last century, human activities have had a devastating impact on natural vegetation and other resources. Rapid industrialization and cutting down of forest cover to make space for the ever-growing population are some of the major reasons behind climate change and other environmental problems.

Even though there has been an increase in public awareness about environmental conservation in the past few years, there is still a long way to go before positive steps start showing results. Recently, the need to conserve the environment has become more evident. The overexploitation of resources has not only led to unusual weather patterns but also the destruction of wildlife habitats, extinction of species, and the loss of biodiversity. Unfortunately, this is the norm the world over.

“Conservation means the wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of mankind.” 

– Gifford Pinchot, the first head of the United States Forest Service 

Biodiversity is crucial for a flourishing natural world as well as supporting livelihoods, economies, food security, and the well-being of humans. Organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) play a very important role in achieving this objective.

The IUCN is presently the world’s largest and most diverse environmental network. In the first 10 years of its formation, the organization focused on examining how human activities affected nature. Alongside this, it also promoted the use of environmental impact assessments, and the same have been widely adopted across industries. In the 1960s and 70s, most of the IUCN’s work was focused on the protection of species and their habitats. In 1964, the organization founded the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is currently the world’s most comprehensive data source, highlighting the risk of global extinction of species.

The IUCN even introduced ‘nature-based solutions’ in the 2000s. These are actions that conserve nature and, at the same time, address global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and poverty alleviation.

Difference between conservation and preservation

People often get confused between conservation and preservation. While both are similar in nature, they strive to accomplish the task of protecting the environment in different ways. Conservation promotes the sustainable use of nature by humans for activities such as hunting, logging, or mining. On the other hand, preservation means protecting natural resources from excessive human use.

Importance of World Nature Conservation Day

• A reminder to stay mindful

Sometimes, we, as humans, become unconsciously reckless in our interactions with the environment. This day is a reminder for all of us to treat Mother Nature with respect.

• Protecting the environment

Our planet has suffered so much destruction due to the multiple activities carried out by human beings. On World Nature Conservation Day, we should take the pledge to protect our environment from further harm.

• An opportunity to make a real impact

At times, conservation can feel like a hypothetical concept. World Nature Conservation Day helps us put things into perspective and make small but positive changes. 

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How to Observe World Nature Conservation Day

• Cut down on plastic use

Plastic is cheap and very convenient to use, but it causes many environmental hazards. Plastic products are non-biodegradable and pollute our surroundings. Therefore, we should switch to products made of degradable and natural components instead (e.g., paper, cotton).

• Keep a check on e-waste

As technology keeps evolving, there’s an increasing urge among people to buy new electronic items without thinking about where the old ones end up. Most of the e-waste produced is not properly disposed of. We should aim to reduce e-waste and look for recycling options before buying new electronic products.

• Save water

One of the biggest consequences of climate change has been the ever-decreasing level of safe drinking water. Simple steps like turning off taps when not in use can save thousands of gallons of water a year.

• Recycle-Reuse-Reduce

Recycling and reusing daily items can help immensely in cutting down waste output. Simple and effective steps like adopting reusable containers and water bottles instead of using disposable alternatives can help reduce the waste we produce.

• Planting trees and growing vegetables

This is probably one of the best ways to observe World Nature Conservation Day. After all, planting trees will help in keeping the planet green and healthy. Also, growing vegetables in our own backyard will ensure that we get to eat organic food, free from any chemicals and pesticides.

Crowdfunding to Save Nature

If you are an environmentalist or simply a nature lover wanting to raise funds to save our environment, then visit ImpactGuru and start a fundraiser right now. The organization not only helps raise funds for patients suffering from critical illnesses but also for social activities like protection of animals, nature, and more.

Wish to know about crowdfunding in India and ImpactGuru? Visit here.