New Zealand is proud to be hosting World Environment Day 2008 in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Ministry for the Environment is the lead government agency coordinating the event for the New Zealand Government, alongside UNEP.
The theme for World Environment Day 2008 is climate change with a focus on moving towards a low-carbon economy and lifestyle. “Kick the Habit” (the ‘carbon’ habit) is the international slogan for the event.
The theme will also include the role of forest conservation and sustainable forestry in achieving domestic and global climate change goals.
World Environment Day is observed annually in more than 100 countries, and is one of the most popular days on the United Nations calendar. World Environment Day is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote action on environment issues through public engagement.
In New Zealand, World Environment Day will be celebrated nationally through a wide range of community and regional events and activities – encouraged and supported by the Ministry for the Environment. In addition, the Ministry on behalf of UNEP, will coordinate three key international events in the capital city of Wellington.
These include:
To find out about other events planned for New Zealand, and where to go for more information, see below.
The Green Ribbon Awards will be a focal point for celebrations in Wellington on 3 June. Awarded annually by the Minister for the Environment, the Awards recognise the outstanding contribution New Zealanders are making to sustaining, protecting and enhancing New Zealand’s environment.
A Leadership in Climate Change Solutions symposium is being planned during the World Environment Day week by the Hillary Institute, a New Zealand-based international organisation established in recognition of the achievements and leadership of Sir Edmund Hillary. Its aim is to foster exceptional mid-leadership worldwide.
The Institute of Policy Studies, in collaboration with the New Zealand Climate Change Research Institute, at Victoria University of Wellington, is planning a series of business and academic seminars on the challenges and opportunities presented by climate change in Auckland and Wellington to mark World Environment Day 2008.
Also, Achim Steiner, Executive Director of UNEP and Under Secretary General of the United Nations, will visit New Zealand to participate in the key World Environment Day 2008 events.
The World Environment Day project team at the Ministry for the Environment would be interested in knowing what events/activities you are planning for World Environment Day. You can email us on WED@mfe.govt.nz.
To find out what is happening internationally on World Environment Day and about previous World Environment Days, visit the United Nations Environment Programme website www.unep.org/wed/2008/english/Around_the_World/index.asp
For more information visit our website: http://www.world.environment.govt.nz/
