06 Jun 2024

Celebrated annually on June 5, to encourage awareness and environmental protection, World Environment Day also challenges people to come together to make the planet a better place.

The day was commemorated in Serowe on Wednesday, where Orapa/Damtshaa mine assistant general manager, Mr Ditiro Lentswe said the day was an occasion dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment.

He said it was commemorated ‘as a global reminder of our responsibility to preserve, protect and restore ecosystems.’ Mr Lentswe mentioned that World Environment Day was important from the perspective of addressing increasing environmental challenges, adding that climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss and pollution were becoming a major issue.

“If we can accomplish this goal to raise awareness regarding environmental issues, we will be able to transfer our environmental legacy to future generations. By taking action and raising awareness, World Environment Day motivates people and the community to make a positive difference in this direction’’, he said.

Mr Lentswe said raising awareness helped people understand the importance of nature and the need to protect it, encouraged action, motivated individuals, communities, and governments to take positive environmental actions.

District Environment Coordinator from the Department of Environmental Protection, Ms Tuelo Nkwane said the objectives of the day were to highlight different environmental problems, including air pollution, climate change, plastic pollution, illegal wildlife trade, sustainable consumption, sea-level increase, food security, and more.

Ms Nkwane encouraged members of the communities to reduce, reuse, and recycle and cut down on what they throw away. ‘’Volunteer for cleanups in your community,” said Ms Nkwane

She advised them to conserve portable water, choose sustainable items, Shop wisely and use long-lasting light bulbs. ends