World Environment Day on June 5:

Your planet needs you!

by Asha SENEVIRATHNE

World Environment Day celebrations will be held on June 5 this year. The theme for this year focuses on climate change and the broader consequences of environmental change. The slogan for that is `Your planet needs you! Unite to combat climate change'.

Combating climate change and preserving the eco-system services that underpin our economies is an issue for everyone.

Every individual's efforts no matter how small - can contribute to the sustainable development of our economies and communities around the world.

World Environment Day is one of the most important events on the environmental calendar. It is celebrated every year on June 5 in more than 100 countries. The international celebrations of World Environment Day will be held in Mexico.

There are special programs organised for World Environment Day by the Ministry of Environment listed below:

Natural 2009 National Environment Exhibition at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo on June 4 - 6.

Opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place at 9 a.m. on June 4.

The Central Environment Authority has organised an Environment Photo Exhibition at the National Art Gallery from June 4 - 6.

Environment Film Exhibition and a workshop will be held at the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo from 9 a.m. on June 4.

A bio-diversity workshop for environment of media personnel will be held a the Mahaweli Centre, Colombo on June 4 at 2 p.m.

Inaugural celebration of the World National day of Environment occasion will be officially addressed by the Prime Minister on June 5 at 10 a.m. at the Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo. The prize-giving ceremony for the Haritha Sammana and Environment Photographic Competition winners will receive prizes and certificates.

Islandwide schools World Environment Day special programme will be held on June 5.Environment talks to celebrate this event have been organised for every person district wise to participate in protecting the environment.