Green Events

International Days of Significance for Environmental Issues

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Various days of significance are observed around the globe throughout the year to highlight a particular social cause. There are too many social issues and ecological problems on which there is an urgent need to give attention. To ensure media spotlight on these issues, the United Nations and other global organizations designate a particular day in a year for a specific social cause.

We at Ecoideaz have covered various such events held on international days of significance, so this list provides a cursory view on all of them together. Please note these international days of significance are specific to environmental issues with an Indian context; if you need comprehensive coverage, then please check UNESCO’s list of international days.

	12^th January	Swami Vivekananda’s birthday is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India. Youth organizations undertake social activities such as awareness programs and youth conventions on various social issues that plague our nation. Jagriti Yatra is one such prominent event.
National Science Day is celebrated in India on 28 February each year to mark the discovery of the Raman effect by Sir C. V. Raman. The National Council for Science & Technology Communication provides a theme for each year’s science day activities such as science fairs, Indian Science Congress, etc.	28^th February
	3^rd March	The UN designated 3^rd March as World Wildlife Day in 2013. Since then CITES has been working towards building awareness on wildlife conservation through ecological activities.
World Consumer Rights Day is an annual occasion for solidarity within the international consumer movement. Participants observe the day by promoting the basic rights of all consumers and ethical consumerism.	15^th March
	20^th March	World Sparrow Day is an international initiative by the Nature Forever Society of India and Eco-Sys Action Foundation (France) and numerous other international organisations to raise awareness about house sparrows and other common birds to urban environments.
UN-Water is the convener for World Water Day, which selects the theme for each year to highlight the importance of fresh water and to advocate for sustainably managing freshwater resources.	22^nd March
	7^th April	World Health Day is observed to mark WHO’s founding, which is seen as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to global health issues. Maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle is a key aspect of individual healthcare.
Earth Day began as a day of massive protests against environmental degradation across the US on 22 April 1970. Since then, various global organizations bring together activists for a wide range of awareness events coordinated across the world.	22^nd April
	8^th May	In 2006, the UN established the World Migratory Bird Day to be held on the second weekend of May every year. This day is dedicated to highlight the conservation efforts and environmental education on conserving migratory birds and their habitats.
The International Day for Biological Diversity is a UN-sanctioned day for highlighting the importance of flora & fauna biodiversity issues and their critical role played in sustainable development.	22nd May
	5^th June	World Environment Day is the most important day in our calendar as it is observed with numerous awareness events across the globe. In India, this particular day is marked with massive tree plantation activities in India since it coincides with monsoon rains.
Globally coordinated efforts to protect the oceans began in 1992 after the Rio Earth Summit. This UN-designated day focuses on protecting the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources through the dissemination of educational and actionable resources and tools.	8^th June
	21 June	Earlier the summer solstice day was designated as Music Day, but on Indian government’s insistence, it is now celebrated as the International Day of Yoga. The UN’s official recognition further helps in spreading the benefit of yoga to the entire world.
World Population Day is an annual event, observed to raise people’s awareness of global population issues. UNDP aims to highlight various population issues such as family planning, poverty, maternal health and its environmental impact.	11 July
	29 July	International Tiger Day is an annual celebration to raise awareness for tiger conservation held annually. The World Wildlife Fund aims to raise public awareness for tiger conservation issues and protect the natural habitats of tigers.
In 2015, the Government of India designated 7 August as the National Handloom Day to commemorate the Swadeshi Movement and to promote indigenous industries and in particular handloom weavers.	7 August
	29^th August	Kitchen Garden Day is an annual, decentralized celebration of food produced on a human scale. It is recognized each year on the last Sunday of August to promote the positive role of organic gardening in society, health and gastronomy.
International Day of Clean Air was recently designated by the UN to emphasis on strengthening international cooperation in improving air quality and reducing air pollution.	7^th September
	27^th September	The World Tourism Organization celebrates World Tourism Day to raise awareness on the role of tourism and to demonstrate how it affects social, cultural, political and economic values worldwide. Eco-tourism is a key aspect that tries to balance tourism with ecology.
The World Vegetarian Day is a celebration day for the International Vegetarian Union to promote the joy and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism. It brings awareness to the ethical, environmental, health, and humanitarian benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle.	2^nd October
	16^th October	This World Food Day is celebrated to commemorate the date of the founding of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization by many other organizations concerned with hunger and food security,
World Vegan Day is an annual event established in 1994 by The UK Vegan Society. It is celebrated by vegans around the world to highlight the benefits of veganism for humans and the natural environment through awareness activities.	1 November
	5 December	World Soil Day & International Volunteer Day was recently designated by the UN to raise awareness worldwide of the importance of soils for food security, agriculture, as well as mitigation of climate change.