Under Mass mobilization of Mission LiFE
World Environment Day, observed on June 5 every year, serves as a significant event where millions of individuals unite to raise awareness and take action for the environment.
This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, aims to commemorate World Environment Day 2023 with a focus on the Mission LiFE.
The concept of LiFE, which stands for Lifestyle for Environment, was introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the World Leaders’ Summit at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow.
In his speech, PM Modi called for a global effort to embrace sustainable lifestyles and practices.
In preparation for the celebrations, extensive efforts are underway to mobilize the masses across the country for LiFE initiatives.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MYSORE
As part of MISSION LiFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT), the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) in Mysore organized an “Awareness Talk on Plastic Pollution and Single Use of Plastic” on 28.05.2023.
The event aimed to raise awareness among 194 students and the general public about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.
The emphasis was placed on the necessity of adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle for the betterment of the environment.
ZOOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA, HYDERABAD
As part of the mass mobilization efforts of Mission LiFE, the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Hyderabad actively participated in the “Countdown to Yoga Day” program held in Hyderabad.
The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 700 individuals.
The program was graced by the presence of Shri. Kishen Reddy, the Honourable Union Minister for Tourism, Culture, and DoNER, who served as the Chief Guest.
During the event, the participants took the Mission LiFE Pledge, committing themselves to embracing sustainable practices and lifestyles.
The ZSI team also engaged with various groups of people, spreading awareness about the significance of Yoga and encouraging everyone to adopt Yoga for a healthier way of life as part of Mission LiFE.
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE COASTAL MANAGEMENT (NCSCM) TAMIL NADU
The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) organized a beach clean-up and awareness drive at Mahabalipuram, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, India, as part of their Mission LiFE initiative.
Mahabalipuram is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts a significant number of domestic and international tourists annually.
However, unregulated tourism can lead to marine and beach pollution. Plastic pollution, in particular, poses a severe threat to the environment, public health, and the economy.
In response, NCSCM adopted a citizen science approach, engaging tourists and local stakeholders in tackling marine litter.
During the clean-up event, NCSCM scientists, along with volunteers, including beachgoers, beach vendors, and shopkeepers, collected approximately 40 kg of trash consisting of plastic bottles, food wrappers, cutlery, footwear, and other single-use plastics.
The participants were educated about Mission LiFE’s principles, which included promoting eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics, responsible tourism, waste segregation, water and energy conservation, and biodiversity preservation.
Jute bags and caps were distributed to active participants, and tourists were educated about marine habitats, climate change, and the importance of living in harmony with nature.
The event aimed to raise awareness about coastal ecosystems and discourage littering and trampling in these fragile areas.
The NCSCM staff emphasized the significance of reducing litter generation through the adoption of the litter reduction hierarchy: reduce, reuse, recycle, recover, and dispose.
Litter management strategies such as waste reduction, beach environment management, and environmental education were discussed to promote sustainable practices.
Participants took a LiFE pledge to protect the environment, and educational materials, including placards, posters, and LiFE mascots, were displayed at the beach.
By organizing the beach clean-up and awareness drive, NCSCM aimed to address the issue of marine litter, involve the community in environmental conservation and promote sustainable behaviors among tourists and local stakeholders.
SOURCE: PIB
