Ravage not ecosystems that provide food, water and resources to survive: UN Chief on WED

The theme for World Environment Day (WED) 2021 is “Ecosystem Restoration” being marked by the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. "Ecosystem restoration means assisting in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, as well as conserving the ecosystems that are still intact. Healthier ecosystems, with richer biodiversity, yield greater benefits such as more fertile soils, bigger yields of timber and fish, and larger stores of greenhouse gases," informs UN's Geneva Environment Network (GEN).

"Between now and 2030, the restoration of 350 million hectares of degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems could generate US$9 trillion in ecosystem services. Restoration could also remove 13 to 26 giga-tons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. The economic benefits of such interventions exceed nine times the cost of investment, whereas inaction is at least three times more costly than ecosystem restoration." it adds.

According to GEN, In 2021, the global official celebrations will be held on 4-5 June through a Virtual Launch Gala welcoming the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The event will include inspiring messages from world leaders, activists, celebrities, and musical performances as well as Pakistan’s host country programme.

The UN Chief António Guterres, in his tweeted message on the occasion of World Environment Day-2021 stated at @antonioguterres, "We are ravaging the very ecosystems that provide us with the food, water and resources we need to survive. The Earth is resilient, but she needs our help. By restoring ecosystems, we can reverse the damage we have done and help our planet heal."

In the message from the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme, Inger Andersen, stated, "In reviving millions of hectares of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, we will profoundly improve human well-being and accelerate progress towards the sustainable development goals. I am so pleased that Pakistan, as the global host of World Environment Day this year, will lead the global charge to restore ecosystems on which we all depend."