The Environment is undergoing a lot of changes that are typically not pleasing and it is our responsibility to make sure that we do something about it. Even the smallest steps matter as our Environment is at great risk, and so are we.
World Environmental Day is celebrated annually on the 5th of June. The celebration reflects the global recognition of the importance of protecting the environment for present and future generations. Led by the UNEP, the 2023 World Environmental Day celebration was hosted by Cote D’Ivoire in partnership with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management of the Netherlands, and the global theme focused on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
According to the UNEP Executive Director, Inger Anderson, stated, “How the world produces, consumes and disposes of plastics has created a disaster. But it is a disaster we can end by turning off the tap on plastic pollution. On this year’s WED celebrations, I call on everybody to the global movement and help us beat plastic pollution, once and for all.”
National event
In Kenya, the National event was commemorated at Nakuru National Park, Nakuru County. It was graced by the Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry CS, Hon. Soipan Tuya. It was as well conducted in all 47 Counties by County Directors of Environment with other Stakeholders.
Local event
In Kisii County, the event was elevated by representatives from the County government, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), The Rainforest Alliance Kenya, The Kenya Red Cross, and the Initiative for Sustainable Community Development (ISCoD) Organisation.
The Kisii County Director, of NEMA, Simon Tanui, discouraged the improper disposal of plastic bags by business people which poses a danger to the environment.
The activities geared towards the WED celebrations included;
•Tree planting exercise
•Clean-up activity.
ISCoD NGO Involvement
Preventing water pollution and conserving water are important to ensure a continuing abundance of water that is safe to use for ourselves and future generations. The Initiative for Sustainable Community Development (ISCoD) in advocating for water conservation joined in the WED celebrations through a tree planting exercise and a clean-up activity.
The Organization together with other stakeholders such as the KEPRO, Kenya Red Cross, The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) ,Institutions such as The Kisii University, Kereri Girls High school and Elimu Academy and the County Government ensured the success of these events as they played a vital role in creating awareness and providing resources such as manpower, funding and expertise.
A PLANT DAY KEEPS POLLUTION AWAY
The tree planting exercise was done at Nyanturago Wetlands on the 29th of May. It was of essence to the Organizations’ advocacy on water conservation as trees are active participants in the delicate balance of our water sources with their ability to transpire, aid in urban water management being key allies the fight against water scarcity.
The team managed to plant 8,000 indigenous tree seedlings as part of the efforts towards achieving 30% tree cover (15 billion trees) across the country by the year 2030.
MAKE A MOVE AND SAVE OUR WATER BODIES
A clean-up activity at Nyakomisaro River was more of an awareness to the people to protect our rivers. Under the campaign #Beatplasticpollution#, the team realized our rivers are also suffering due to the growing scourge of plastic pollution. Nyakomisaro river for instance, was heavily polluted by plastics and direct disposal of raw sewage. The waste collected from the river was about 50 bags, a high percentage of the collected waste being plastics.
Water pollution risks our health, threatens food scarcity and livelihoods and further adverse impacts when they end up in lakes and oceans.
Cleaner rivers allow nature to bounce back as the nutrients they carry feed our forests, wetlands and other terrestrial habitats and fresh water species. Our health is also at low risk.
The buildup activities were a bit challenging especially the clean-up activity, as the hands-on approach did not meet the desired outcome. Use of heavy machinery to collect wastes from water sources would have been more effective.
Plastic pollution remains a pressing issue that poses significant threats to our ecosystem and health. However, with collective efforts and individual actions, we can make a difference and mitigate the devastating effects of plastic pollution.
Article by: Khadigoli Naom, Ruth Okioi, Peter Kiprono
