While maintaining our surroundings is crucial to creating harmonious life for our future well-being, we are faced with many environmental issues to deal with. World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5, is a momentum to bring attention to environmental problems. The World Environment Day 2022 global campaign #OnlyOneEarth calls for transformative changes to policies and choices to promote greener, cleaner, and more sustainable living in harmony with nature. In relation to these issues, take a look at the update from Southeast Asia Countries commemorating World Environment Day 2022.
Vietnam
One of the cities in Vietnam, Can Tho, has been noticed and recognised for its environmental practices. In 2017, the city achieved an ASEAN certificate for potential environmental sustainability in clean air. Two years later, the Clean Air Action Plan of Can Tho City, which is valid until 2025, was issued. Measures such as the eco-industrial park concept, ecotourism, and the deployment of an electric tram system for tourists are used to reduce emissions created in the industry, agriculture, transportation, and tourism.
In the Nation Target Program on New Rural Development, there is a movement called, “All people unite to build cultural life.” This movement has created a positive impact on improving the appearance of the environment in urban and rural areas. Environmental education, particularly in schools, has been promoted. Environmental protection, natural resources management, and biodiversity conservation are all included in the city’s local education programme. People’s knowledge and duty for environmental protection have grown in recent years.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, GCoM National Training on Climate Change Adaptation conducted a study visit to commemorate Environment Day. Forty-five representatives from Development Planning Agency and Environment Department from 21 selected cities and regencies participated in the “Stay Close to Nature” activity in Tukad Rarangan, Denpasar, Bali.
Malaysia
Malaysia was also excited to be part of the World Environment Day Celebration. At Taman Tugu on June 5, The World Wildlife Fund Inc. (WWF) Malaysia ran a booth for people to learn more about climate change and tiger conservation in Malaysia.
Singapore
As excited as Malaysia, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery also organised an exciting event named Out of The Blue. It discovered the threats marine life faces due to human actions, how they are affected, and how we can mitigate these threats.
Cambodia
Due to the commune election, which falls on World Environment Day, the Cambodian celebration was held earlier, from May 10 to June 3. There were three components of the celebration: a cycling campaign, an online campaign, and a full-day workshop.
Laos
The government of Laos believes that the protection of natural resources and environments is key to the country’s development and people’s quality of life. The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment said that during the World Environment Day event, which included the release of 13,000 fish and the planting of 68 large trees and 550 saplings at the Nampoc natural resource management demonstration zone.
Thailand
Thailand focuses on realising resource shortage problems and the escalating environmental impact. That is why the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) organises environmental activities throughout June, due to world environment day on June 5, under the “EGAT for ALL circulates to change the world” concept.
Philippines
The month-long activities are also held by the Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Efforts toward the protection and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources are highlighted through activities that call for collective and transformative action to protect and restore the planet.
Brunei Darussalam
As for Brunei Darussalam, the Ministry of Development will be joining the Eco Festival in conjunction with Brunei Mid-Year Conference and Exhibition (MYCE) 2022. The Minister emphasised that every action and commitment is significant in keeping our nation’s environment clean and pollution-free.
Myanmar
The Chairman of the State Administration Council, Prime Minister Senior General, Mr. Min Aung Hlaing said that Myanmar established 25.8% of protected forests to reach 30% of national lands for forest ecosystem and natural resource protection by 2030. The declaration was made at the Myanmar International Convention Centre-II in Nay Pyi Taw during a commemoration of World Environment Day 2022.
According to the Senior General, the government has been monitoring environmental arrangements in economic development, and the people will confront dwindling natural resources and environmental deterioration as a result. Myanmar must strongly emphasise reducing environmental degradation and the negative effects of climate change.
“Only One Earth” was the motto for the 1972 Stockholm Conference. The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of UNEP as an outcome of the Stockholm Conference. Fifty years on, the motto is as pertinent as ever.
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Written by: Zahra Annisa Fitri
Reviewed by: Rona Ikram Putri
