The theme of this year’s World Environment Day, ‘Connecting People to Nature’, encourages everyone around the world to step outside and spend some time experiencing the beauty and inestimable value of the Earth we share.
World Environment Day is the biggest annual event for positive environmental action, held every 5 June, for the last 45 years.
This year’s theme invites people to think about how we are part of nature and how intimately we depend on it. It challenges us to find fun and exciting ways to experience and cherish this vital relationship.
This message goes beyond just one day. By connecting with nature on a regular basis, people are more likely to care about protecting a natural world that they feel part of and feel the benefits of that connection.
'From your backyard to your favorite national park, nature is closer than you think. It’s time to get out and enjoy it.' - WED website.
Planet Ark's research over the last five years has documented the decline in our natural spaces, shrinking back yards and the negative impacts this has not only on the environment but also on people. The 2016 research report - Adding Trees - A Prescription for Health, Happiness and Fulfilment, found that nature helps make people happier, healthier, brighter, calmer and closer to each other and their communities.
'With people spending more and more time tethered to screens and devices, there’s never been a greater need to add nature to our lives.' the report says.
It’s a message echoed by Planet Ark’s National Tree Day, which invites communities around Australia to connect with nature by planting native trees and plants in their local area.
National Tree Day – Sunday July 30 - provides Australians with the opportunity to take action in the spirit of the WED theme, to get outside, connect with nature in their communities and to plant trees.
Debbie Agnew, National Tree Day Manager, says that joining the much-loved nature campaign is a great way to experience the many benefits of spending time in nature.
“In this digital age, Planet Ark is encouraging everyone to take 10 outside and connect with nature. Participating in a National Tree Day activity in your community, workplace, school or backyard is a great way to reconnect,” she says.
Positive Actions
- Planet Ark invites Australians from all walks of life to connect with nature by participating in National Tree Day – Sunday July 30 or Schools Tree Day – Friday July 28. Mark the date in the diary and visit the Tree Day website to find out how to register to coordinate a tree planting event in the community or find out how to participate in an existing event.
- Check out the World Environment Day websites for ideas on how to get involved and spend time in nature.
Sources
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Positive Environment News has been compiled using publicly available information. Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.