and major environmental announcements
1 June 2007
The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT) in partnership
with its stakeholders, provinces and Indalo Yethu, the South African
Environmental Campaign activated on 22 May in Mogale City will hold a series of
activities on the week of 4 to 8 June including the global highlight of World
Environment Day.
World Environment Day, which will be commemorated globally on Tuesday, 5
June 2007, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972
making it the 35th Anniversary to mark the opening of the Stockholm Conference
on the Human Environment. This groundbreaking conference gave rise to the
United Nations Environment Programme, which has provided a crucial platform for
the expression of environmental concerns internationally.
Celebrations will take place under the pertinent national theme for
Environmental Affairs and Tourism, under two overarching Themes of "Climate
Change - Today's Actions - Shaping Tomorrow's Environment" and "Strengthening
the Partnership for Shared Growth Through Environment and Tourism."
"National Environment Week has become an annual feature on the South African
calendar, this year's event is attached greater importance as it also marks the
20th anniversary of the report "Our Common Future" from the World Commission on
Environment and Development, led by former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem
Brundtland; this is what became the "Bruntland Report" redefining the notion of
sustainable development - a philosophy that continues to guide our overarching
programmes to meet the needs of our people," said Pam Yako Director General for
DEAT.
A number of activities will take place leading to National Environment Week,
with the highlights being the delivery of the 2007 National Council of
Provinces and National Assembly DEAT Budget Speech by Minister, Mr Marthinus
Van Schalkwyk and Deputy Minister, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi, on 5 and 7 June
2007.
"Once again we will utilise the platform provided by our Budget Votes, to
highlight our challenges and progress we have made in the sector. We will on 5
June announce major programmes to further raise the bar on environmental issues
and to provide a roadmap for accelerated transformation and growth in the
sector," said Yako.
National Environment Week will conclude on 8 June 2007 with the observation
of World Oceans Day, where once again issues related to marine and coastal
management, protection and sustainable use will be highlighted.
National Environment Week - visit the DEAT and Indalo Yethu websites at
http://www.deat.gov.za and http://www.indaloyethu.co.za.
Enquiries:
Mr Mava Scott
Cell: 082 411 9821
Mr Blessing Manale
Cell: 083 677 1630
Issued by: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism
1 June 2007
