As Vice president Abdirahman Sayli kicks-off world environment day commemorations taking place nationwide
By: Latifa Yusuf Masai
HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – The government is determined towards ensuring citizens of Somaliland are availed a protected environment.
This was stated by the Somaliland Vice president Abdirahman Abdilahi Sayli during a function commemorating the World Environment Day –WED 2015 hosted by the ministry of environment and Rural development in Hargeisa.
The theme of WED 2015 is “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care” in which Somaliland joined worldwide commemorations Celebrating the biggest day for positive environmental action that took place on 7th June though observed annually on 5 June
While recognizing the environmental protection of three citizens who were honoured with certificates VP Sayli urged the entire populace to emulate the three thus ensure future citizens inherit a well-kept environment.
According to the environment minister Ms. Shukri Haji Bandare the country is recovering from massive destruction of the environment especially due to charcoal burning due to intensified efforts by the government and support of citizens.
The commemorations were held simultaneously in all major cities and towns in Somaliland where citizens were unanimous in becoming part of the “Seven Billion Dreams. One Planet. Consume with Care.” Call made by the United Nations Environment Program –UNEP as the landmark for WED 2015
World Environment Day (WED) is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years it has grown to be a broad, global platform for public outreach that is widely celebrated by stakeholders in over 100 countries. It also serves as the ‘people’s day’ for doing something positive for the environment, galvanizing individual actions into a collective power that generates an exponential positive impact on the planet.
Meanwhile UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his WED 2015 message said that “It is time for us to change since “Humanity continues to consume far more natural resources than the planet can sustainably provide,” as he invited each of the seven billion people on the planet to mark this year’s World Environment Day by making one change towards a more responsible consumption of resources – “be it refusing to buy single-use plastic bags or riding a bike to work.”
