Environmental Knowledge Day (15/04)

Every year on April 15, many countries around the world celebrate Environmental Knowledge Day. It dates back to 1992, when at the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro, where environmental problems were discussed, the enormous importance of environmental education for the population of all countries of the world was emphasized in the implementation of the survival strategy and for the sustainable development of humanity.

In Russia, this holiday has been celebrated since 1996 on the initiative of public environmental organizations and kicks off the annual all-Russian campaign «Days of Environmental Protection from Environmental Hazards», which ends on June 5 with World Environment Day.

The main goal of today's holiday – is to promote environmental knowledge and create an environmental culture of the population, inform the public about the state of affairs in the field of environmental safety and the state of the environment, as well as educate and train a citizen who knows how to think environmentally.

The importance of environmental education in the modern world is no longer in doubt and in many countries is a priority area of education and upbringing. After all, activities to create an ecological culture of the population and respect for the natural environment – are the key to a safe future for all humanity.

The term «ecology» (from the Greek «oikos» – house, refuge and «logos» – science, teaching) was first introduced in 1866 by the German biologist Ernst Haeckel. In the modern understanding, ecology – is the science of the relationship of organisms with each other and with the environment. Therefore, in order to achieve a reasonable balance between the growing needs of humanity and the impoverished capabilities of the planet, while maintaining the already deteriorating state of nature, everyone in our time must have a minimum set of environmental knowledge and ways to carefully interact with the world around them.

Environmental education and enlightenment have gained international recognition as essential means of addressing conservation issues. The programme for the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, launched by the United Nations for 2005-2014, also included the challenge of promoting environmental education worldwide, which remains relevant today. These issues are reflected in a number of international scientific conferences, to which Russia has also joined.

Ecology – is the science of the relationship of organisms with each other and with the environment (Photo: Mr. SUTTIPON YAKHAM, licensed from Shutterstock.com

Environmental education and upbringing is one of the priority areas of work of Russian educational institutions. After all, the future of the entire planet depends on the environmental culture of the younger generation. Of course, it is possible to solve global environmental problems only through joint efforts at the national and global levels, but even one specific person can improve the ecology of their place of residence.

In honor of today's holiday, various conferences, seminars, exhibitions, holidays, round tables and other events dedicated to environmental issues are held in universities, schools, libraries and scientific institutions of Russian cities. In most cases, these events are organized by educational institutions at all levels in close cooperation with authorities, the public, cultural institutions and the media. An important role is also played by attracting everyone to various environmental projects and global environmental actions that take place in many regions of Russia.

It is also important to note that Environmental Knowledge Day is significant not only for those involved in environmental education and education, but also for all residents of our planet, because we are talking about a safe life in the future for all of us. Instilling an ecological culture today – is the key to preserving the health of future generations!



• Infographics – poster «April 15 — Environmental Knowledge Day»

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