Edna Molewa, the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs will lead the World Environment Day celebrations at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park in the Free State on 5 June 2011. Molewa will officially launch the Golden Gate Hotel and Chalets which has received a facelift while also reflecting on other Environment job creation projects.
World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Commemorated each year on 5 June, WED is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations (UN) stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment.
In South Africa, June is dedicated to national Environment Month. In 2011, Environment Month will be observed under the significant national theme, “Save Tomorrow, Today.” The theme emphasises that all South Africans have a responsibility towards conserving the environment and making meaningful life changes to ensure that the effects of climate change are addressed.
“Like many other countries of the world, the number one threat to South Africa’s long term sustainable development, economic growth and quality of life are related to the impacts of climate change,” said Molewa.
Climate change is already a reality! Its early impacts can be seen on declining agricultural production, higher food prices and food insecurity; which are most severely felt in developing countries like ours.
The New Growth Path adopted by government offers the opportunity to build new green economic sectors, create decent jobs, grow our economy and develop international economic competitiveness. “Working together we must ensure that our response to climate change seizes the new growth opportunities presented by the global effort to address climate change,” stressed Molewa.
The Climate Change Response Policy is nearing completion and the Climate Change White Paper will be presented for Cabinet approval later this year. Environment Month 2011 also comes at a time when South Africa is preparing to host and participate in the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Durban from 29 November to 9 December 2011.
Environment month celebrations will take place countrywide with other key events being arranged for World Oceans Day on 8 June and World Day to Combat Desertification on 17 June.
Media is invited to the World Environment Day celebrations.
Details are as follows:
Date: Sunday, 5 June 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Qwaqwa, Free State
RSVP:
Xolani Ngqoshela
Tel:012 310 3078
E-mail: XNgqoshela@environment.gov.za
Moses Rannditsheni
Tel: 012 310 3901
Cell: 082 448 2450
E-mail: MRannditsheni@environment.gov.za
