Excellency, Minister Tesfai Ghebreselassie of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment of the State of Eritrea,
Honorable Ministers,
PFDJ Officials,
Ms. Amakobe Sande, UN Resident Coordinator,
UN Colleagues,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning,
Today we join millions across the world to celebrate World Environment Day. Allow me, at the onset to sincerely thank the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment for convening us all here today for this event.
The World Environment Day which is observed every June 5 of the year is a stark reminder to humanity on the imperative to promote environmental awareness. It’s a reminder of our collective responsibility in preserving biodiversity, conserving our invaluable land resources, adapting and mitigating climate change, and the clarion call to use our resources wisely and sustainably.
It is therefore fitting that this year we celebrate the World Environment Day under the theme “Only One Earth” - underlining the fact that despite the billions of galaxies and billions of planets, there is Only One Earth- and we need to urgently take care of our Mother Earth. It is about making the right policy choices that are both innovative and transformative to foster a cleaner,
greener, and sustainable living that is in harmony with nature.
Excellencies, ladies, and gentlemen
“Only One Earth”- a slogan borrowed from the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm still holds true- 50 years on! – The planet earth is under intense pressure and an estimated 1 million species are threatened with extinction while pollution continues to poison our air, land, and water. In other words, time is running out and nature is in emergency mode.
Addressing this challenge is our collective mission and responsibility and at this juncture, I would like to recognize the sterling efforts of the Government of State of Eritrea in championing a clean, green and sustainable living that is in harmony with nature. For example, the Eritrean Environmental Protection, Management and Rehabilitation Framework (2017), has placed human well-being at the center of the national agenda of development while protecting the environment. In this regard, the Government has made commendable efforts to foster an environmental policy framework that is consistent with sustainable development, and at the same time, promoting community participation in the conservation, protection, and enhancement of the environment. Eritrea has also been a strong voice of reason in the global debate for environmental protection at the local, regional, and international stage.
Honourable Minister, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Eritrea is commended for the bold and courageous step in took to ban the use
of plastic bags in 2004 and hence becoming one of the few countries if not a trailblazer in taking this decisive step. Eritrea has also consistently worked towards enhancing its forest cover while at the same time promoting the use of renewable clean energy. The Greening Campaign that was initiated since the early years of independence has made immense contribution to environmental conservation efforts.
UNDP along with our sister agencies are pleased to have been part of this exciting and impactful journey. I wish to assure you, Honourable Minister, of our joint commitment and readiness to scale- up the partnership to an even higher level! This will have a greater impact on climate action which disproportionally affects more women and girls and could significantly contribute to the realization of the agenda 2030.
I would also like to applaud the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment for the recent initiatives to update the NDC (National Determined Contribution)—a climate action plan to cut emissions and adapt to climate impacts. The NDC provides a roadmap for the nation towards reducing emissions, adapting to protect lives and livelihoods and transformation of the economy and society. UNDP is also keen to partner in undertaking a Biodiversity Stocktaking Assessment which would contribute to biodiversity conservation through protecting endangered animal and plant species in the country.
In Conclusion, Ladies and Gentlemen
Let me reiterate the commitment of UNDP and sister Agencies to strengthen our partnership with the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment and other
line Ministries. Together we can foment transformative actions on climate resilience and green growth that are nationally owned, inclusive, sustainable, and equitable, and prioritizing women and girls who bear the brunt of climate change.
Thank you, Honourable Minister Tesfai Ghebreselassie for the invitation and for your Ministry’s outstanding contribution in leading the fight against climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
I wish you all a successful Observance of World Environment Day.