On June 5th UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the World Environment Day (WED).

The World Environment Day has been designated by the UN General Assembly to highlight the protection of the environment and raise awareness on the problems facing our environment such as air pollution, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sea-level increase, food security, among others.

The World Environment Day 2021 is dedicated to “Ecosystem Restoration” and will kick off the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Ecosystem restoration can take many forms: growing trees, greening cities, rewilding gardens, changing diets or cleaning up rivers and coasts.

According to the Geneva Environment Network, between now and 2030, the restoration of 3.5 million square kilometers of degraded terrestrial and marine ecosystems – an area about the size of India and France combined – could generate USD 9 trillion in ecosystem services. Restoration could also remove 13 to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

UNESCO Global Geoparks are exceptional territories hosting outstanding geological heritage sites of international significance, rare ecosystems and significant cultural heritage sites. They are working towards the sustainable development of their territories through various activities dedicated to geoconservation, ecosystem restoration, geotourism and education for sustainability.

UNESCO Global Geoparks celebrate the World Environment Day and invite all to take action for a better and greener environment, change our habits, sensitize our visitors, educate our children and local communities and work towards ecosystem restoration.