World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5th, was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment (5–16 June 1972), that had resulted from discussions on the integration of human interactions and the environment. One year later, in 1973 the first WED was held with the theme “Only One Earth”. For almost five decades, World Environment Day has been raising awareness, supporting action, and driving changes for the environment. It has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues as marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development and wildlife crime. This year the day is being celebrated with the theme ” Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience” coinciding with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). The celebration of this globally important day was done by conducting different programs as follow:

Drama Competition

Drama Competition on the theme “Journey to a Greener Future (हरित भविष्यको यात्रा)” was held on 3 June, 2024 to aware as well as celebrate the globally important day with FOZ school students. The competition aimed to aware the FOZ-students about environmental conservation and restoration. A total of 18 schools competed in the program. The winners of the competition are Bright Future Secondary School, Satdobato (First), Jesse’s International School (Second), Bijeshowri Gyan Mandir Sainik Ma. Vidyalaya. (Third) and St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School (Consolation).

Main Day Event: Program & Prize Distribution

The World Environment Day, 2024 was celebrated under the slogan “Our Land Our Future” saw a presence of elected leaders, policy makers, students, educators, and nature enthusiasts. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Honorable Minister of Forests and Environment Mr. Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, and chaired by the NTNC Chairperson Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli in presence of Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan and Chairperson of President Chure Terai-Madhesh Conservation Development Board Dr. Kiran Paudyal, Acting Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Environment Mr. Pradip Kumar Koirala as Special Guest, Director General of Department of National Park and Wildlife Conservation Dr. Sindhu Prasad Dhungana, first Director General of DNPWC Mr. Bishwa Nath Upreti, and guests from other conservation organizations, FOZ teachers’ committee and Lalitpur Metropolitan City, along with the Acting Member Secretary of NTNC Dr. Naresh Subedi, who made the welcome address. The celebration included a total of 219 participants from different organizations.

During the event, winners of different categories of competitions organized by the Central Zoo for the FY 2023-2024 were awarded with recognitions. A special performance from the winner of the inter-school drama competition final was among the day’s highlights. On the occasion, Prabhu SJB Rana and Raji Rajya Laxmi Rana Trust contributed NRs 1 million to support the chimpanzee pair under the Central Zoo’s ‘Adopt-an-Animal’ program.

Chief guest Hon. Minister Mr. Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi praised NTNC’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of fostering conservation awareness and public involvement. Mayor of Lalitpur Mr. Chiribabu Maharjan expressed his continuous support to the Central Zoo, highlighting its role in public education and its social and cultural significance. MoFE Acting Secreatry Mr. Pradip Kumar Koirala emphasized the collective role of all stakeholders in promoting environmental issues, acknowledging NTNC’s efforts in promoting partnerships, and public engagement. Chairperson of NTNC Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli addressed the current scientific research on the natural world and the impact of climate change on species evolution, noting the need for all stakeholders to address environmental challenges and work towards solutions for
the future.