Why in news? The World Environment Day is an annual global event observed on June 5. This year, also marks the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day.

Highlights:

What is the history and significance of the day?

• The history of World Environment Day can be traced back to 1972 when the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment was held in Stockholm, Sweden
• As a result of this conference, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) was established on June 15, 1972.
• The UNEP proposed a special day for the environment in 1972, the UN General Assembly designated June 05 as World Environment Day (WED).
• The first World Environment Day was observed on June 05, 1973, with the slogan “Only One “

What is the theme for World Environment Day 2023?

• The theme on June 5, 2023, will focus on solutions to plastic pollution under the campaign “Solutions to plastic pollution”.

Which country is hosting the current year world environment day?

• World Environment Day 2023 is being hosted by Ivory Coast, in collaboration with the Netherlands, showcasing their leadership in fighting plastic pollution.
• Ivory Coast banned plastic bags in 2014, promoting reusable packaging, and their city of Abidjan has become a hub for eco-conscious startups, demonstrating their commitment to sustainability.

How the World environment day 2023 is celebrated in India?

• This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has announced that World Environment Day 2023 will be celebrated with a focus on the Mission LiFE, which stands for Lifestyle for Environment. The aim is to encourage people to adopt sustainable lifestyle practices to protect the environment.
• The Zoological Survey of India also started a Mass Mobilisation for Mission LiFE, focusing on “Save Water” and “Say no to Plastics” to bring awareness among the youth.
• As a part of Mission LiFE, a comprehensive and non-exhaustive list of 75 individual LiFE actions have been identified across 7 themes – save water, save energy, reduce waste, reduce e-waste, reduce single-use plastics, adopt sustainable food systems, and adopt healthy lifestyles.

Environmental Information, Awareness, Capacity Building and Livelihood Programme (EIACP)

• EIACP is one of the Central Sector sub-scheme being implemented in alignment with Mission LiFE. As a part of the current mass mobilization campaign, 60 EIACP Centres are actively engaged in promoting awareness about sustainable actions that individuals can undertake.

Environment Education Programme (EEP)

• EEP is a Central Sector sub-scheme being implemented for imparting non-formal environment education through inter alia initiatives for strengthening Eco-club activities in schools and colleges. Sharing the common goal of promoting sustainable lifestyle, EEP is implemented in full alignment with Mission LiFE, through State/UT-level Implementing Agencies.