March, 6th, 2024; The National Organizing Committee for World Environment Day (WED)
2024 has today been constituted during a meeting with partners held at Hotel Africana in
Kampala.
World Environment Day (WED) is commemorated annually on June 5th. WED is the United
Nation’s principal vehicle to encourage worldwide awareness and action for the environment.
This year, Uganda is set to commemorate WED under theme “Land Restoration for Climate
Resilience.”
Speaking during the meeting the Senior Manager of Environment Planning and Coordination
Mr. Francis Ogwal informed participants that international Day for Biodiversity that is
celebrated on May 22; will be commemorated under the theme Land Restoration for Climate
Resilience; and therefore there is a plan to have joint commemorative activities with WED
2024.
The NEMA Executive Director, Dr. Barirega Akankwasah thanked the partners for making
time for the meeting and emphasised that successful environment management is only
possible through collaboration and partnerships. “We must jointly tackle the three
environmental crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Actively taking part
in WED will enable Uganda as a country make a significant contribution in addressing the
environmental challenges we are facing not only globally, but also regionally, nationally and
on a local scale,” Dr. Barirega Said
The national theme underscores the urgent need to restore degraded landscapes to enhance
adaptation to climate change, promote human well-being, create economic opportunities, and
drive sustainable development. By focusing on land restoration, Uganda aims to align its
efforts with key national strategies, including the Government Ten Year Plan of Action for
Restoration of the Environment and Natural Resources (2021-2031), the National Vision
2024, and the third National Development Plan.
The National Organizing Committee (NOC) comprises a diverse array of stakeholders
including representatives from government bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),
academia, and the private sector. While NEMA will undertake the overall coordination
function, the NOC, through the various sub committees will spearhead the implementation of
various activities in the build up to WED 2024, including awareness raising, resource
mobilisation, collaboration, restoration etc.
This years national WED commemoration will take place in Sironko district in eastern
Uganda. Sironko is one of the nine districts in the Mt. Elgon sub-region. The region is known
for its rich biodiversity and natural landscapes. However, the region has suffered extensive
environmental calamities as a result of degradation including, storms, floods, landslides,
contamination of water sources, destruction of habitats etc.
All the activities planned for WED 2024 aim to highlight the importance of land restoration
for climate resilience in rural communities and promote sustainable development practices
tailored to local contexts of the sub-region.
The National Organising Committee (NOC) for World Environment Day 2024 will adopt a
multifaceted strategy to fulfill its objectives. Firstly, it will conduct comprehensive awareness
campaigns across diverse communication platforms, including traditional media, social
media, and community outreach programs. Through targeted messaging and educational
materials, the NOC will endeavour to engage and empower individuals and communities,
urging proactive steps towards environmental stewardship, particularly in land restoration for
climate resilience.
Secondly, the NOC will engage in policy advocacy, collaborating with governmental bodies
and policymakers to champion the implementation of regulations supporting land restoration
efforts. By advocating for sustainable land management practices and conservation policies,
the NOC will strive to create an enabling environment conducive to ecosystem restoration
and enhanced climate resilience.
The NOC will also prioritize community engagement, recognizing the pivotal role of local
communities in land restoration endeavours. Through facilitation of community-led
initiatives and participatory decision-making processes, the NOC will empower communities
to take ownership of land restoration projects. This approach will foster a sense of collective
responsibility and promotes sustainable land management practices at the grassroot level.
Furthermore, the NOC will actively foster partnership building with a diverse array of
stakeholders, including governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia,
businesses, and international organizations. By leveraging the expertise, resources, and
networks of its partners, the NOC will amplify WED 2024 impact and foster collaboration
towards shared environmental objectives, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach
to environmental sustainability.
As Uganda prepares to celebrate World Environment Day 2024, everyone is called upon to
embrace the theme “Land Restoration for Climate Resilience” and recommit themselves
towards having a clean and healthy environment in Uganda.