Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs Barbara Thomson to lead joint Environment and World Day to conserve desertification day’s celebration in Limpopo
The Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs, Ms Barbara Thomson, and the MEC for Limpopo Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Seaparo Sekwati, will lead the joint celebration of World Environment Day and World Day to Combat Desertification event on Thursday 15 June 2017 in Jane Furse, Makhuduthamaga Local Municipality.
This year’s World Environment Day (WED) will be celebrated jointly with the World Day to Combat Desertification (WDCD) under the theme: ‘Connecting People to Nature’.
The WED is the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) biggest annual event commemorated on 5 June, with an aim of galvanising positive environmental action. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1972, and was first celebrated in 1974 with a view to deepening environmental awareness and address concerns such as the depletion of the ozone layer, toxic chemicals, desertification and global warming.
Since its inception, WED has developed into a global platform for taking action on urgent environmental issues, with millions of people taking part in helping drive change in consumption habits, as well as in national and international environmental policies.
The WDCD has been observed since 17 March 1995 to promote public awareness about the international effort to combat desertification and the effects of drought.
The United Nations General Assembly declared the WDCD in 1994 to raise public awareness on Desertification, Land Degradation and Drought (DLDD), as well as the implementation of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification in countries such as South Africa, that are prone to serious drought and/or increased desertification.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the celebration as per the details below:
Date: 15 June 2017
Time: 9h00
Venue: Peter Nchabeleng Sports Centre, Sekinoto / Schoonoord Village outside Jane Furse
NB: Transport will be provided for members of the media from Polokwane. Kindly indicate if you will require transport by no later than 13 June 2017.
To RSVP, contact:
Ernest Mulibana
Cell: 082 263 7372
E-mail: EMulibana@environment.gov.za
Nare Mabuela
Cell: 079 493 6126
E-mail: MabuelaNE@ledet.gov.za
For media queries, contact:
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
