Everything you need to know about World Environment Day

World Environment Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate the beauty of the natural world right on our doorsteps.

It’s a day to recognise that there is ‘Only One Earth’ and the importance of living sustainably in harmony with nature for the prosperity of all.

World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment celebrated each year on 5 June.

This year is a historic milestone as it marks 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, widely seen as the first international meeting on the environment.

World Environment Day has been held annually since 1974, and has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach.

The import role of native vegetation

Native vegetation is central to healthy landscapes, to the cultural identity of First Nation’s people and their ongoing connection to country, and to the wellbeing of our communities in so many ways.

It is well-documented that nature is good for our physical and mental wellbeing, whether going for a walk, or immersing yourself in forest bathing. Being in nature is about being in the moment of the experience, taking in the diversity of sights, sounds, colours and textures.

Our local native vegetation provides important habitat for pollinators and natural predators of insect pests, as well as shade and shelter for farm animals, which helps improve farm productivity and support agricultural production.

Native vegetation also reduces soil erosion and salinity, helps improve the quality of water in streams and reservoirs, and supports native animals by providing food, nesting sites and materials, and refuge.

Protecting native vegetation, caring for, and living in harmony with nature, is our collective responsibility for future generations as there is ‘Only One Earth’.

About ‘Only One Earth’

#OnlyOneEarth is the campaign for World Environment Day 2022, which falls within the 2021 to 2030 Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. It calls for collective, transformative action on a global scale to celebrate, protect and restore our planet.

South Australia’s Department for Environment and Water is taking part by sharing information about what the department is doing to look after our planet on the Environment SA News Facebook page.

There’s a heap of ways to spend time in nature this World Environment Day. Check out our See and Do library for ideas.