World Environment Day is the biggest international day for the environment. Led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and held annually since 1973, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental outreach. It is celebrated by millions of people across the world.
This year, Liberia marked World Environment Day with a series of impactful events. With support from CONCERN Worldwide and IrishAid, Youth Alive Liberia, a prominent youth-led organization dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainable development among other social issues, held the celebrations in Rivercess County, focusing on the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” reflecting the urgent need to address environmental challenges that significantly impact Liberia.
Highlights of the Celebration
Youth Alive Liberia organized a series of activities aimed at raising awareness among young people about the effects of desertification and drought. These sessions included interactive discussions on sustainable farming practices, the role of trees in maintaining soil health, and innovative solutions to restore degraded lands. The sessions were attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, from community members, representatives from different CSOs and NGOs.
A major highlight of the celebrations was a community outreach campaign which involved a different stakeholders, walking through the communities in Rivercess County, sensitizing them on the importance of environmental conservation. Youth Alive has been involved in a large-scale tree planting campaign. Volunteers from Youth Alive Liberia, along with local community members, planted tree saplings in areas identified as highly susceptible to soil erosion and degradation. This initiative not only aims to restore ecological balance but also to provide long-term benefits such as improved air quality, enhanced biodiversity, and greater resilience against climate change impacts.
A community engagement forum and a panel discussion was conducted, featuring experts from environmental organizations in the county, representatives from CONCERN Liberia, government agencies, and civil societies. Topics covered included strategies for effective land restoration, the socio-economic impacts of desertification, and the role of community involvement in environmental conservation. The discussions provided a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches to addressing environmental challenges.
Impact and Future Plans
The World Environment Day 2024 celebrations in Liberia were a resounding success, drawing widespread participation and sensitization. Youth Alive Liberia’s efforts have significantly raised awareness about the importance of land restoration, desertification prevention, and drought resilience. The organization plans to continue its initiatives throughout the year, with follow-up activities including monitoring the growth of planted trees, conducting additional educational workshops, and collaborating with local communities to implement sustainable land management practices.
As Liberia continues to face environmental challenges, the commitment demonstrated by Youth Alive Liberia and the active participation of the community offer hope for a more sustainable and resilient future. The celebrations underscored the power of collective action and the pivotal role of youth in driving positive environmental change.