World Oceans Day
2026-06-08
World Oceans Day was first introduced in 1992 to raise awareness of the crucial role the sea plays as sources of food, oxygen and medicine. It was officially recognized by the United Nations (UN) in 2008 and is observed on June 8 each year.
Background
The world’s oceans play a key role for life on Earth. According to the UN, they are “the lungs of our planet, providing most of the oxygen we breathe, [as well as] a major source of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere.”
In the past few decades, the threats from pollution, overfishing and other forms of exploitation to marine habitats have increased dramatically.

Desertification and Drought Day (UNCCD)
2026-06-17
The United Nations’ World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought is annually observed on June 17 to highlight the urgent need to curb the desertification process. It also aims to strengthen the visibility of the drylands issue on the international environmental agenda.
Background
In December 1994, the United Nations General Assembly declared June 17 the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought. The assembly acknowledged that desertification and drought were global problems because they affected all regions of the world. The assembly also realized that joint action by the international community was needed to combat desertification and drought, particularly in Africa.
Desertification and Drought Day was officially declared by the UN General Assembly as “World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought” (Resolution A/RES/49/115). Since 2019, it has been known simply as Desertification and Drought Day and is observed on 17 June to promote public awareness of international efforts to combat desertification.
Each year, a country is selected to host global celebrations for Desertification and Drought Day. The host country works with the UNCCD Secretariat to organize a programme of activities aimed at policymakers, other key stakeholders and the public at large in support of the Day’s objectives. In addition to the main global observance event, countries and communities around the world organize activities to mark Desertification and Drought Day.
Previous global Desertification and Drought Day celebrations took place in Germany (2024), USA (2023), Spain (2022), Costa Rica (2021), Republic of Korea (2020), Türkiye (2019), Ecuador (2018) and Burkina Faso (2017).
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International Day of the Tropics
2026-06-29
The International Day of the Tropics is celebrated every year on June 29th. This date was chosen by the United Nations General Assembly to commemorate the anniversary of the launch of the “State of the Tropics” report, which highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities of these regions.
Purpose of the Day
Awareness: To raise awareness of the challenges, such as climate change and deforestation, faced by tropical nations.
Celebration: To celebrate the extraordinary diversity of the tropics, its cultural richness, and its development potential.
Collaboration: To provide a platform for sharing expertise and fostering collaboration among scientists, policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders.

International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem
2026-07-26
Mangroves are unique ecosystems between land and sea. They support biodiversity, protect coastal communities, enhance food security, and act as natural defenses against storms and erosion. Their soils are also powerful carbon sinks.
Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses, with serious ecological and socio-economic impacts. Current estimates indicate that mangrove coverage has been divided by two in the past 40 years.
Established by UNESCO in 2015, this Day raises awareness of mangroves’ importance and promotes their sustainable conservation.

World Nature Conservation Day
2026-07-28
World Nature Conservation Day is observed annually on July 28th to raise awareness about the importance of protecting Earth’s natural resources and to encourage sustainable practices. The day highlights the critical role healthy environments play in human well-being and calls for collective action to address environmental challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Why World Nature Conservation Day Matters

Environmental Challenges:
It serves as a reminder of threats like climate change, deforestation, and plastic pollution, which impact ecosystems and human health.

Human Well-being:
A healthy environment is essential for human health, economies, and overall quality of life, making conservation vital for current and future generations.

Ecosystem Stability:
Conservation efforts promote responsible consumption, sustainable development, and biodiversity preservation to create a resilient and harmonious relationship between humans and nature.

How to Get Involved

Educate Yourself and Others:
Learn about environmental issues, read articles, watch documentaries, and share your knowledge with friends and family.

Reduce Your Environmental Footprint:
Conserve water by turning off the tap when not in use and opting for showers over baths.

Support Conservation Efforts:
Support businesses and organizations committed to sustainability and environmental protection.

Connect with Nature:
Take walks in nature to appreciate its beauty and understand its importance to your well-being.

Advocate for Change:
Urge individuals, communities, and governments to adopt sustainable practices for the planet’s future.

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies
2026-09-07
The International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies is observed every year on 7 September, following a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2019.
Key Facts:
First celebrated in 2020.
Aims to raise awareness about the importance of clean air for health, productivity, the economy, and the environment.
Highlights the urgent need to reduce air pollution, a global challenge that affects both human well-being and climate change.
Coordinated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with support from governments, organizations, and civil society worldwide.
Objectives:
Strengthen international cooperation to improve air quality.
Promote sustainable solutions that reduce emissions and foster clean energy.
Encourage communities and individuals to take action for cleaner air.

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
2026-09-16
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer is celebrated on September 16 every year. This event commemorates the date of the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer in 1987.
Background
In 1987 representatives from 24 countries met in Montreal and announced to the world that it was time to stop destroying the ozone layer. In so doing, these countries committed themselves, via the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, to rid the world of substances that threaten the ozone layer.
On December 19, 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed September 16 to be the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the date when the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987. The day was first celebrated on September 16, 1995.

International Coastal Cleanup Day
2026-09-19
International Coastal Cleanup Day is a global environmental event held every year on the Third Saturday of September, bringing together millions of volunteers from around the world.
Objectives:

Clean beaches and coasts from plastic waste and litter.
Raise awareness about the dangers of marine pollution and its impact on marine life and human health.
Collect data on the types and quantities of waste to support researchers and policymakers.

Organizer:
The initiative began in 1986, led by Ocean Conservancy in the United States, and has since expanded to over 100 countries.
Coastal Cleanup Datahttps://www.coastalcleanupdata.org/

World Rivers Day
2026-09-27
World Rivers Day is a global celebration of rivers, observed every year on the Fourth Sunday of September. It highlights the importance of rivers and aims to increase public awareness about the need to better care for our waterways.
Key Facts:
First celebrated in 2005, following a UN initiative on water awareness.
Founded by Mark Angelo, a river conservationist from Canada.
Today, it is marked in over 100 countries, with millions of participants.
Activities include cleanups, educational events, community festivals, and conservation projects.
Main Goals:
Promote the value of rivers to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human well-being.
Encourage sustainable management of freshwater resources.
Mobilize communities to protect rivers against pollution, overuse, and habitat destruction.

World Food Day
2026-10-16
World Food Day is annually held on October 16 to commemorate the founding of the United Nations’ (UN) Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Each year has a different theme.
Background
At the FAO’s 20th session in Rome, Italy, in November 1979 the conference called for the observance of World Food Day on October 16, 1981, and on the same date each year. The UN General Assembly ratified this decision on December 5, 1980, and urged governments and international, national and local organizations to contribute to observing World Food Day. World Food Day has been held each year since 1981.

International Day Against Climate Change
2026-10-24
The International Day Against Climate Change is observed every year on 24 October to raise global awareness about the urgent need to take action against climate change and its devastating impacts on the planet.
Key Facts:
It is a day dedicated to educating communities, inspiring governments, and mobilizing individuals to adopt sustainable practices.
Highlights the severe consequences of climate change, including rising temperatures, extreme weather events, biodiversity loss, and sea-level rise.
Encourages global cooperation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote renewable energy solutions.
Objectives:
Raise awareness about the causes and effects of climate change.
Advocate for policies and actions that mitigate global warming.
Empower individuals and communities to contribute to a more sustainable, climate-resilient future.
Call to Action:
Each of us has a role to play. From reducing carbon footprints to supporting green initiatives, small actions can make a big difference in the fight against climate change.

World Fisheries Day
2026-11-21
World Fisheries Day is celebrated every year on 21 November to highlight the importance of healthy ocean ecosystems and to ensure sustainable stocks of fisheries.
Key Facts:
First observed in 1997, following the World Fisheries Forum held in New Delhi, India.
Recognizes the vital role of fisheries in providing food security, livelihoods, and economic support for millions of people worldwide.
Highlights the challenges of overfishing, habitat destruction, and the need to protect marine biodiversity.
Celebrated through rallies, workshops, cultural programs, exhibitions, and awareness campaigns in fishing communities around the world.
Objectives:
Promote sustainable fishing practices.
Protect marine resources for future generations.
Raise awareness about the social, economic, and environmental importance of fisheries.

World Soil Day
2026-12-05
World Soil Day is annually held on December 5 to highlight soil’s importance on Earth. We need soil for basic survival – food and energy. It is linked with the United Nations’ (UN) Year of Soil.
Background
World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on 5 December as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.
An international day to celebrate soil was recommended by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) in 2002. Under the leadership of the Kingdom of Thailand and within the framework of the Global Soil Partnership, FAO has supported the formal establishment of WSD as a global awareness raising platform. The FAO Conference unanimously endorsed World Soil Day in June 2013 and requested its official adoption at the 68th UN General Assembly. In December 2013, the UN General Assembly responded by designating 5 December 2014 as the first official World Soil Day.
Caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage
Our planet’s survival depends on the precious link with soil. Over 95 percent of our food comes from soils. Besides, they supply 15 of the 18 naturally occurring chemical elements essential to plants.
However, in the face of climate change and human activity, our soils are being degraded. Erosion disrupts the natural balance, reducing water infiltration and availability for all forms of life, and decreasing the level of vitamins and nutrients in food.
Sustainable soil management practices, such as minimum tillage, crop rotation, organic matter addition, and cover cropping, improve soil health, reduce erosion and pollution, and enhance water infiltration and storage. These practices also preserve soil biodiversity, improve fertility, and contribute to carbon sequestration, playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change.
