In run up to the World Environment Day (June 5) several activities were organised on 25^th May 2023 .This year, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India envisages to celebrate the World Environment Day 2023 with a thrust on the Mission LiFE.

1. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH)

NMNH in collaboration with NZP organised poster making competition on the theme: LiFE Style For Environment in which 370 students participated.

2. Zoological Survey of India

Zoological Survey of India participated in a National Conference on Climate Change at Ranchi University, Ranchi on 25th May 2023 in which Dr Dhriti Banerjee, Director, ZSI addressed about 500 participants I'm which she spoke on how by adopting Life style for Environment (LiFE) can help us to combat climate change for sustainable environment.Dr Ajit Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor of Ranchi University, Forest Officers, invited guest, dignitaries from different Universities and students took the LiFE pledge.

In another event Dr Dhriti Banerjee Director, Zoological Survey of India addressed Zoology PG students  at the Ranchi University on 25th May 2023 on Mission LiFE. Pledge was taken by 50 students and faculty members.

3. GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE)

On 25th May 2023, Ladakh Regional Centre of National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE) conducted an awareness and action drive under mission at Tarchit, Changthang Valley, Ladakh UT. The event was participated by total of 45 villagers, researchers and scientists. The participants were made aware on LiFE themes (i) Save Water and (ii) Adopt Sustainable Food System. All the participants took the LiFE pledge to adopt environmentally friendly habits.

4. National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)

The NCSCM remains committed to promoting the themes of Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) on the occasion of International Plastic Free Day. NCSCM, in collaboration with the Department of Environment and the Department of Tourism, organised a coastal clean-up event and awareness drive on the themes of Mission LiFE at Kovalam, a Blue Flag eco-label beach in Chengalpattu District. This beach is located on the East Coast Road, about 40 km from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Its scenic beauty and pristine beaches, as well as backwater tourism in Muttukadu, attract a large number of domestic and international tourists. The beach is well known as a paradise for adventure water sports, including surfing, and is home to more than 25 species of migratory birds, making the area a birdwatcher's delight. Kovalam Beach has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Beach Label in September 2021. The Blue Flag certification is a global recognition given to beaches that scientifically and comprehensively meet thirty-three stringent criteria related to water quality, safety, bathing facilities, zero waste management systems, renewable energy, and regular beach cleaning to remove marine litter, including microplastics. Kovalam Beach already has infrastructure facilities for pollution abatement, including solid and liquid waste. Beaches provide a variety of ecosystem services, many of which are crucial for human life. The major ecosystem services provided include sediment storage, wave dissipation, water purification, associated buffering against extreme events, nesting sites for turtles and shorebirds, foraging grounds for migratory birds, recreational opportunities, and functional links between terrestrial and marine environments in the coastal zone. It is well known that the generation of marine litter, especially plastic, is a global problem, and the cost to society and the marine environment is enormous and irreversible. It also has adverse impacts other than environmental, such as the damage it causes to the regional economy via degradation of beach aesthetics and negatively impacting beachgoer perception, a reduction in fisheries productivity, and a threat to navigational safety.

The clean-up effort collected around 9 kg of primarily organic waste. In terms of raising awareness, NCSCM scientists sensitised around 150 beachgoers and tourists, as well as 20 Blue Flag beach workers, on the mission LiFE principles. During the event, they emphasised the significance of avoiding single-use plastics through the use of eco-friendly alternatives, responsible tourism, segregation of waste at source, conserving water, energy, and biodiversity, and eliminating single-use plastics by adopting sustainable lifestyles. The event highlighted the importance of visitors being fully aware of their environment and habitat and living in harmony with nature. The event gave tourists an overview of coastal ecosystems and dune vegetation, helping them understand the need to protect dunes by avoiding 'trampling' and 'littering' when visiting these fragile ecosystems. Raising awareness among beachgoers, tourists, shop owners, beach vendors, and beach operators on the various ecosystem services provided by the beaches and placing further emphasis on reducing litter generation in everyday life is the most significant step towards positive environmental gains. The scientists underlined the need to follow the litter minimization hierarchy (reduce, reuse, recycle, recovery, and disposal) for their daily litter footprint. Litter management strategies include reduction, mitigation, management of the beach environment, and changing litter behaviour through environmental education. Participants in the awareness programme took part in the LiFE pledge and signature campaign to safeguard the environment. As part of the event, placards, posters, and LiFE mascots were displayed on the beach.

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