At the UN Environment Conference held in Sweden in 1972, June 5 was declared as World Environment Day to raise worldwide awareness and take action on environmental protection. This year's theme of World Environment Day, which is celebrated with a new theme every year, was chosen as Ecosystem Restoration. So what is this ecosystem restoration?
Ecosystem Restoration means preventing, stopping and reversing existing damage so that nature can be healed by preventing its exploitation. Unfortunately, the mucilage incident in the Sea of Marmara, which is the most important agenda item in our country recently, is exactly a situation where ecosystem restoration steps should be taken urgently by the authorities.
During the pandemic process we are in, we have seen more clearly the magnitude of the threats that await us as we destroy nature. It seems possible to get rid of the Covid-19 pandemic with a vaccine, but if we continue to harm the ecosystem, it may not be possible to get rid of the bigger pandemics that await us with a vaccine. The increasing destruction of forest lands leads to an increase in the contagiousness of pathogens. Destruction of natural habitats as a result of land use changes and destruction are seen as the most important causes of global biodiversity losses.
While we are currently fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, we also need to take steps to prevent other major pandemics, the risks of which are increasing day by day. Decisions to be taken now and urgently for post-Covid-19 reconstruction are of critical importance. For a sustainable future, we must support activities that will protect nature and combat the climate crisis, and consider ecosystem protection and restoration as a tool of social transformation.
We have individual and social responsibilities for a more livable world. We have great gratitude to nature and it is up to us to protect it. Happy June 5 World Environment Day!