Today, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops stationed in Somalia, operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), took part in the worldwide observance of World Environment Day in Mogadishu, Somalia.
This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” accompanied by the slogan “Our Land, Our Future,” underscores the global effort towards nurturing a greener and more sustainable future for all.
In commemoration of the day, the troops engaged in various environmental activities, starting with a thorough cleanup of the ocean shores and the beach surrounding their base camp. Following the cleanup, they proceeded to plant trees as a symbolic gesture of their commitment to environmental conservation.
Brigadier General Anthony Lukwago Mbuusi, the Sector One Commander, addressed the troops, stressing the significance of tree planting, responsible waste disposal, and overall environmental protection and conservation efforts. He urged the troops to integrate these practices into their daily routines as part of their mission objectives.
During the event, Abdirahim Barre Mohamed, Director and representative of Somalia’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, reiterated the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) dedication to environmental preservation. He highlighted initiatives such as afforestation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and involving young people in conservation activities. Mohamed emphasized the importance of individual and collective action, emphasizing that every contribution matters in the pursuit of environmental sustainability.
As a demonstration of their commitment to environmental conservation, the UN/ATMIS contributed over 5,000 tree seedlings of various species, including fruit trees, which were handed over to the minister for planting.
The celebration of World Environment Day in Mogadishu drew participation from key stakeholders representing the United Nations in Somalia, the African Union, and the Federal Government of Somalia.
Every year on June 5th, nations around the world come together to observe World Environment Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness and promoting action on pressing environmental issues. This annual event serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices in safeguarding the planet for current and future generations.
The theme for World Environment Day varies each year, highlighting different aspects of environmental protection and sustainability. This year, the focus was on “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” with the slogan “Our Land, Our Future.” The theme underscored the critical need to address land degradation, desertification, and drought, which pose significant challenges to ecosystems and human well-being worldwide.
Across the globe, individuals, communities, governments, and organizations marked World Environment Day with a myriad of activities aimed at raising awareness and taking concrete actions to protect the environment. From tree planting and beach cleanups to educational campaigns and policy advocacy, the day served as a catalyst for environmental action on both local and global scales.
In Somalia, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops, operating under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), joined the global celebration by participating in environmental activities in Mogadishu. These activities included cleaning the ocean shores, planting trees, and engaging in discussions on environmental conservation.
