World Nature Conservation Day 2022: Cut Down Single-Use Plastic

July 28, every year, is celebrated as World nature conservation day. This day reminds us of the importance of a healthy environment to the present generation and the generations to come. World Nature Conservation Day aims to raise awareness among the public about the conservation of natural resources, flora and fauna. The best way to celebrate Nature Conservation Day is to plant more and more trees and spread awareness about conserving natural resources.

The main focus of World Nature Conservation Day is to promote sustainable development and protect the planet's biodiversity.

What is the theme of World Nature Conservation Day 2022?

World Nature Conservation Day 2022 is- Cut down on plastic use. However, India's central government has banned the use of 'single-use plastic' from July 1. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declared the ban in a gazetted notification last year and has now defined a list of items that will be banned like straws, cutlery, packaging films, etc.

Plastic is used on a large scale globally, harming human health and nature. This action is disturbing the harmony between humans and nature. And this practice of using plastic, especially single-use plastic in tier 2 cities, is increasing daily.

What is Nature Conservation?

Conservation refers to the sustainable use of the earth and its resources for the sustainable good of humanity and nature. Conservation is the mindful use and protection of these resources so that resources can be preserved for future generations.

What is the purpose of World Nature Conservation Day?

As Mahatma Gandhi said-Earth, nature provides us with enough resources to satisfy every man's needs, but not every man's greed. Due to human negligence and, of course, population, we have started using our resources superfluously.

History of World Nature Conservation Day

Human activities during the last century have had a devastating effect on flora and fauna. Seeking rapid industrialization and cutting down forest cover to make space for an ever-increasing population has led to climate change which has started showing its colors.
We need to raise awareness more than what has increased in the last few years about environmental protection and sustainability. Recently, the need for environmental protection has become more important because the exploitation of resources leads to climate change, forest fires, heat waves, floods, and the list goes on and on.

IUCN is currently the largest and most diverse environmental network in the world. In the 2000s, the IUCN Introduced Nature-Based Solutions. These actions protect nature while addressing global challenges such as climate change, food and water security, and poverty alleviation, which ultimately lead to a good standard of living while being in harmony with nature.

Following are the important acts passed by the Government of India to protect the environment and biodiversity:
.Fisheries Act 1897
.Indian Forest Act 1927
.Mining and Mineral Development Regulation Act 1957

.Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 1960

.Wildlife Protection Act 1972
.Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) ) Act 1974
.Forest Conservation Act 1980
.Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981
.Environment Protection Act 1986 Biological Diversity Act 2002

.Wetland Conservation and Management Rules 2010

Remember 3R's? REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.