International ecological calendar for the year. Ecological calendar

CALENDAR OF ENVIRONMENTAL

DATES AND HOLIDAYS

February 2 - World Wetlands Day
On this day, February 2, 1971, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed in Ramsar (Iran). World Wetlands Day is intended to draw the attention of the public and Governments of various countries of the world to the value of wetlands in supporting the sustainable development of our planet and their significance for humanity. Particular attention is paid to the role of wetlands for water supply, maintaining water quality, regulating the water regime, including floods and droughts, and maintaining climate stability.
Currently, 158 states have joined the Ramsar Convention, the total number of Ramsar sites in the world is 1713, with a total area of ​​153 million hectares.

February 19 - World Marine Mammal Day
World Day for the Protection of Marine Mammals (Whale Day) has been celebrated since 1986, when, after 200 years of merciless extermination, the International Whale Commission imposed a ban on whale fishing. The ban is still in effect today and means that the hunting of large whales, as well as the trade in whale meat, is prohibited worldwide.
This day is considered the day of protection not only of whales, but also of all marine mammals and other living creatures of the seas and oceans. Every year on February 19, various conservation groups hold actions in defense of whales and other marine mammals..

March 14 - International Day of Action in Defense rivers, water and life
The International Day of Action against Dams is celebrated at the initiative of the public organization "International River Network" (USA). "For rivers, water and life" is the motto of this day.
In March 1997, in Brazil, in the city of Curitiba, the first international conference was held against the construction of large dams. This conference decided annually, on March 14, to celebrate the day of the fight against dams in defense of Rivers, Water and Life. The conference called for all actions to be carried out under the slogan: "Let water bring life, not death!" and appealed to governments, international agencies and investors with a request to establish a moratorium on the construction of large dams until an international independent examination of their construction projects is carried out, and damage to people and nature is compensated.

March 22 - World Water Day
World Water Day
For the first time, the idea of ​​appointing such a holiday was voiced at the UN Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992, in Rio de Janeiro. The UN General Assembly in 1993 adopted an official decision to hold World Water Day, reminding all the inhabitants of the planet of the significance and importance of water for the start and continuation of life on Earth.
Since 1993, World Water Day has been officially celebrated all over the planet. On this day, the organization for the protection of the environment appeals to all the states existing on the planet with a call to pay more attention to the protection of the planet's water resources and to take concrete actions at the national level.
Every year on this day, new problems related to the pollution of water resources on the planet are discussed and a call is made for their solutions.
In June 1999 in London, at the III Conference, the ministers of ecology and health of 35 European countries signed the Protocol on Water and Health, pledging to protect their citizens from diseases associated with water pollution, protect water resources, and create systems for eliminating dangerous situations.

March 22 - World Meteorological Day
Every year on March 23, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), as well as its 188 member countries and the global meteorological community, celebrate World Meteorological Day. It was in 1951 that WMO received the status of a specialized agency of the United Nations system.

April 1 - International Bird Day
International Bird Day is held annually within the framework of the UNESCO "Man and the Biosphere" program and it is no coincidence that it is celebrated in April. On April 1, 1906, the International Convention for the Protection of Birds was signed.
Bird Day is not only the anniversary of the Convention, but also the time of arrival of birds from wintering grounds. For the first time this day, as a mass children's holiday, began to be held in the United States of America. The organizer was a teacher from the town of Pennsylvania.

April 7 - World Health Day
The idea of ​​World Health Day was put forward at the first session of the World Health Assembly in 1948. Since 1950, this day has been celebrated on April 7, the day the WHO Constitution was adopted. WHO is an intergovernmental agency of the United Nations that coordinates international cooperation in the field of health and assists states in improving health care. The main goal of WHO is the achievement by all peoples of the highest possible level of health. And since the health of the inhabitants of the planet largely depends on the environment, this day is included in the list of environmental dates.

April 15 - Ecological Knowledge Day
The most important task of this day is to draw attention to the importance of informing the public about the state of affairs in the field of environmental safety, compliance by local economic entities with the current environmental legislation.

April 18-22 - Days of reserves and national parks
For the first time the Days of Reserves and National Parks were organized in 1996 at the initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Center. They became known as the March of the Parks. Since that time, the "March of Parks" has been held annually throughout Russia, and beyond its borders, in the CIS and Baltic countries.

April 22 - International Earth Day
In 1969, millions of tons of oil spilled from a well near Santa Barbara in the United States, killing many birds and marine animals. In memory of this catastrophe, every year, on April 22, Earth Day is held, which since 1994 has been declared worldwide. - International Earth Day symbolizes the unity of people in caring for the future of the planet and calls to respect the world around us.

April 26 - Day of Remembrance of those who died in radiation accidents and catastrophes.
This day is celebrated in Belarus in connection with the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which is considered one of the largest environmental disasters of our time.

May 3 - Day of the Sun
Since 1994, the European Chapter of the International Solar Energy Society (ISSE) has organized, on a voluntary basis, an annual Sun Day to draw the attention of mankind to the possibilities of using renewable energy sources. Enthusiasts and professionals, civil society organizations and firms throughout Europe organize various events related to the demonstration of the possibilities of solar energy.

May 12 - Environmental Education Day
Mankind has reached a stage when the anthropogenic impact on the biosphere has become irreversible, the contradictions between the growing needs of society and the impoverishing possibilities of nature have become sharply aggravated. Environmental education has been put forward by UNESCO and the United Nations Environment Program as the main means of harmonizing the interaction between man and nature.
The Stockholm Conference on Environmental Protection in 1972 adopted a recommendation to establish an international environmental education program. In order to survive, it is necessary to rethink the very essence of the relationship between man, society and nature on the basis of new approaches and ideas. According to the recognition of the domestic and world community, environmental education is becoming a central factor in solving the problems of the relationship "Man - Society - Nature".


May 15 - International Climate Day
This day is celebrated in connection with the proclamation by meteorologists of the need to protect the climate as a resource for the well-being of current and future generations. Climate, weather, natural disasters have a significant impact on food, life, property security, water resources, recreation and sustainable development of all countries.
In 1992, the international community, recognizing the danger associated with the constant growth of greenhouse gas emissions, decided to sign the UN Convention on Climate Change.
In December 1997, the Kyoto Protocol was signed, which was a significant step forward in an attempt to solve the problem of climate change. The signatories to the Protocol have agreed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to below 5% of their base year level in a target period of 2008-2012.


June 5 - World Environment Day
Ecologist's Day
On December 15, 1972, the General Assembly declared June 5 World Environment Day. World Environment Day is considered one of the most important events of the environmental calendar and has been celebrated annually since 1973 in more than 100 countries around the world. The celebration of Environment Day helps to draw public attention to environmental issues and highlights the urgent need to change people's attitudes towards natural resources.


June 8 - World Oceans Day
At the International Assembly of the United Nations, which was held in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro, a new holiday was adopted, World Oceans Day. This holiday is celebrated by all people who have even the most remote relation to the oceans.
On this day, employees of many zoos, aquariums, dolphinariums join their efforts in order to fight for the rights of the inhabitants of the deep sea and a stable ecological situation. On this day, humanity gets another opportunity to take care of the flora and fauna of the ocean.

June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought
The UN General Assembly proclaimed June 17 "World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought" in 1995. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought calls on people from different countries to join forces in combating desertification and the effects of drought in countries suffering from severe droughts.
Desertification is one of the world's most alarming processes of environmental degradation. It threatens the health and livelihoods of more than 1 billion people.

September 16 - International Day of Protection the earth's ozone layer
In 1985, 22 countries signed the convention for the protection of the ozone layer in Vienna. Two years later, on September 16, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed. The main purpose of these two agreements is to prevent the destruction of the ozone layer as a result of anthropogenic influences. As a result of the signing of the protocol, it was possible to ban the production and consumption of 100 types of chemicals that destroy the ozone layer. Many of these substances contribute to global warming. Overall, global consumption of such compounds has been reduced by more than 95%. That is why the UN General Assembly proclaimed the day of signing the protocol - September 16 - the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer of the Planet.

September 17 - Forest Workers Day
This day marks the professional holiday of people who, with their noble work, increase our forest resources and contribute to their rational use.
The forest is our greatest natural wealth, a guarantee of environmental security, a priority component of the national economic complex and the basis of the country's economic stability. Preservation, enhancement, caring and rational use of this invaluable national treasure is the duty not only of forestries and society, but also of every person who loves his country and cares about preserving the nature of Belarus.

September 25 - International Day of the Sea
This day has been celebrated on September 25 since 1978 by decision of the 10th session of the Assembly of the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO).

The purpose of World Maritime Day is to draw the attention of the international community to the irreparable damage to the seas and oceans caused by overfishing and uncontrolled fishing, water pollution and global warming.

October 4 - World Animal Day
The decision to celebrate World Animal Day was made on October 4, 1931 at the International Congress of Supporters of the Nature Protection Movement, held in Florence.
Since that time, animal protection societies and simply nature lovers in many countries of the world annually hold various events aimed at preserving the environment and protecting both wild and domestic animals.


October 6 - World Habitat Day
Habitat Day is celebrated all over the world. This holiday was approved in 1979 under the Convention for the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora and Natural Habitats in Europe. Man, by his activity, has long been influencing nature, changing it. Every year in the world more and more territories are moving into the category of farmland, pastures, undergoing changes due to the growth of cities, mining, construction of factories and other objects of the national economy. During the 20th century AD, 150 species of mammals, mostly large ones, and 139 species of birds disappeared on the globe. Each extinct species is a very heavy and irreparable loss. Everything that disappears in the animal world disappears forever.


December 3 - International Day Against Pesticides
On December 3, 1984, a major accident occurred at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. As a result of the accident, substances hazardous to nature and humans were released into the surrounding atmosphere, which caused an ecological catastrophe. To draw attention to addressing the challenges posed by the production and use of hazardous chemicals, the Latin American Pesticide Activists Network declared December 3 as International Pesticide Pollution Awareness Day.
The motto of International Pesticide Day is "Pesticides are the dead end of civilization". According to the WHO, about 2 million cases of pesticide poisoning are registered annually in the world, mainly as a result of working with them. Some chemicals are considered hormonally active compounds and cause disorders of the endocrine and immune systems. Others can cause mental retardation, reproductive problems, and cancer. It is pesticides that are considered the main cause of the "silent catastrophe" - this is how UN experts described the state of soils in Europe.


December 29 - International Day for the Conservation of Biological Diversity
Every hour, 3 types of biological life disappear from the face of the Earth ...
Humans are undoubtedly the most aggressive species ever to have lived on the planet.

Under the auspices of the UN

2010-2020 year– United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification
2011-2020 year– Decade of Action for Road Safety
2011-2020 year– Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism
2011-2020 year– United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
2013-2022– International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures
2014-2024– A decade of sustainable energy for all
2015 - 2024– International Decade for People of African Descent

JANUARY

– 11 –

World Day of Reserves
Since 1997, on the initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Center and the World Wildlife Fund, January 11 is celebrated in Russia as the Day of Reserves and National Parks. On this day in 1916, the first state reserve, Barguzinsky, was established in Russia, which received international recognition.

FEBRUARY

– 2 –

world wetlands day
Established in 1971 in connection with the signing in the city of Ramsar (Iran) of the "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, mainly as a habitat for waterfowl." In our country, on the territory of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, more than 40 such lands have been taken under protection, representing the greatest recreational, economic and cultural value.

– 19 –

World Marine Mammal Day (Whale Day)
It was established in 1986 when, after 200 years of merciless extermination of peaceful sea giants, the International Whale Commission imposed a ban on whale fishing. It is still in effect today and means that the hunting of large whales, as well as the trade in whale meat, is prohibited throughout the world. In Russia, Whale Day has been celebrated since 2002.

– 25 –

Birthday of the Association of Reserves
February 25, 1995 is considered the date of birth of the Association of Reserves and National Parks of the North-West of Russia. The idea of ​​its creation was put forward in August 1994 in the Vodlozersky NP, at the Russian-American seminar on the management of Russian protected areas. The initiative was supported by the participants of the all-Russian seminar on the problems of protected areas in Adler in December 1995. Today it is the largest public organization, uniting 23 participants.

MARCH

– 1 –

world cat day
This holiday appeared thanks to the Moscow Cat Museum, the museum was organized by the INTER Gallery of Modern Art in March 1993. The idea to create such a museum came up with two artists Andrei Abramov and Ekaterina Efimova. A little later, on their own initiative, the Moscow Cat Museum, with the support of the UN, proclaimed World Cat Day, which has been celebrated on March 1 since 2004.

– 21 –

International Day of the Forest
The idea of ​​celebrating the International Day of the Forest first appeared at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. A year later, the World Food and Agriculture Organization at the United Nations (FAO) supported the idea of ​​the International Day of the Forest as an occasion to inform society about the importance of forest conservation. It was decided to celebrate this day every year around the world on March 21 - the day of the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

– 22 –

International Baltic Sea Day
On March 22, 2000, in St. Petersburg, by decision of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection, the International Day of the Baltic Sea was celebrated for the first time. The purpose of the Baltic Sea Day is to popularize the ideas of the Helsinki Convention, inform the public and specialists about the activities of HELCOM, and expand the understanding of the influence of the metropolis on the Baltic Sea.

– 22 –

World Water Day (Water Day)
World Water Day has been celebrated since 1992 at the suggestion of the International Water Users Association and its President Alfred Rasted. This proposal was enshrined in the decision of the participants of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held June 3-14, 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. In 2003, the UN General Assembly declared 2005-2015 the International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, in connection with which the international significance of World Water Day has increased dramatically.

APRIL

– 1 –

international bird day
Bird Day has been celebrated in Russia since 1927. In 1927, in the USSR, the Day of Birds established itself as a youthful spring holiday. In recent years, this wonderful environmental action has been somewhat forgotten. In the spring of 1998, the children's magazine "Ant" proposed to revive Bird Day. This call was supported by the Federal Forestry Service and the Union for the Protection of Birds of Russia, and the holiday was timed to coincide with April 1 - the mass arrival of birds from warm regions.

– 7 –

On this day, the Charter of the World Health Organization (WHO) came into force. The annual health day has been a tradition since 1950. It is held so that people around the world can understand how much health means in their lives and decide what needs to be done to improve health. Each year, a theme is chosen for World Health Day that reflects a priority public health problem in the world.

– 15 –

Environmental Knowledge Day
Environmental Knowledge Day was founded by UN representatives in 1992 at the Conference on the Environment. In Russia, the holiday was first celebrated in 1996. Traditionally, educational events, seminars, exhibitions and other events are held in educational institutions, scientific organizations and libraries on this day. Children and adolescents are involved in the preparation so that they learn to protect the environment from an early age.

– 18-22 –

March of the Parks
International holiday of specially protected natural areas: national parks, reserves, wildlife sanctuaries and natural monuments. The March for Parks campaign is timed to coincide with Earth Day (April 22) and is held annually in April in many countries around the world. In 1995, the March of the Parks took place in Russia for the first time.

– 19 –

snowdrop day
Snowdrop Day was first celebrated in England. The holiday has been celebrated since April 18, 1984. The Latin name of the plant "galanthus" (Galanthus) means "milky flower". Many species of this plant are listed in the Red Book.

– 22 –

World Earth Day
Historically, Earth Day is celebrated in the world 2 times: March 20 and April 22. The first holiday has a peacemaking and humanistic focus, the second - environmental. This day is intended to unite people in the cause of environmental protection. This initiative arose in 1970 in the United States and eventually gained international distribution. In 2009, the UN General Assembly proclaimed International Mother Earth Day, deciding to celebrate it on April 22.

– 26 –

Day of participants in the liquidation of the consequences of radiation accidents and disasters and the memory of the victims of these accidents and disasters
It is celebrated in memory of the events of April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The establishment of a memorable date perpetuates the memory of the dead and pays tribute to the living participants in the liquidation of the consequences of radiation accidents and disasters.

– 28 –

Chemical Safety Day
April 28, 1974, in Chuvashia, at the production of chemical weapons in Novocheboksarsk, an unfinished workshop of finished products caught fire. Several tons of poisonous substances got into the environment. In 1997, on this day, the International Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction came into force. Since 1997, April 28 has been annually celebrated in Russia as a day of chemical safety, as a day of critical analysis of our relationship with "chemistry" - both dangerous and useful.

– 3 –

Sun Day
The annual Sun Day has been organized since 1994 by the European branch of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES-Europe) to draw attention to the possibilities of using renewable energy sources.

– 15 –

international climate day
Celebrated in connection with the proclamation by meteorologists of the need to protect the climate as a resource for the well-being of current and future generations.

– 20 –

Volga Day
The UNESCO Office in Moscow, in partnership with the Coca-Cola HBC Eurasia, has been implementing the Living Volga environmental program in the Russian Federation since 2006. They proposed to include the annual Volga Day in the international ecological calendar in order to coordinate efforts to take decisive measures to protect the ecology and biodiversity of the Volga River and involve the general population in this movement.

– 22 –

International Day for the Conservation of Biological Diversity (flora and fauna of the Earth)
On December 20, 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 22, the day of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the International Day for Biological Diversity (resolution 55/201).

– 31 –

world no tobacco day
No Tobacco Day was established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO). On this day, events are held to inform the public about the dangers associated with tobacco consumption.

JUNE

– 5 –

world environment day
On December 15, 1972, the General Assembly, in resolution 2994 (XXVII), declared June 5 as World Environment Day, to be held to increase public awareness of the need to conserve and improve the environment. The choice of this date is justified by the fact that on this day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) opened.

– 5 –

Ecologist's Day
The holiday was established on December 15, 1972 at the initiative of the UN General Assembly to "draw public attention to the need to preserve and improve the environment." The choice of this date is justified by the fact that on this day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) opened.

– 8 –

world oceans day
Proclaimed in 1992 at the Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. By proclaiming this holiday, the UN emphasized the vital importance of the oceans for the planet, as well as the need to care for their condition.

– 15 –

Day of creation of the youth movement in Russia
June 15, 2008 marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the youth movement in Russia. On June 15, 1918, the employees of the Station for Young Nature Lovers in Sokolniki (Moscow), which arose in the same year, conducted the first organized excursion. This day became the official date of the creation of the first out-of-school institution - the Station of Young Nature Lovers (Bio Station of Young Naturalists - BYN).

JULY

– 11 –

International Population Day
It has been celebrated since July 1987, when the world population reached 5 billion people. It is called upon to draw public attention to the urgency and importance of solving demographic and other related problems.

– 11 –

Day of action against fishing
In 2003, during the Second All-Russian Congress of Animal Rights Defenders, it was decided to hold the Day of Action against Fishing and coincide with the Day of the Fisherman. The goal is to draw attention to the cruelty of fishing.

AUGUST

– 6 –

World Day for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Hiroshima Day). International Day "Physicians of the World for Peace"
The day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima began to be celebrated by the international community as World Day for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This day also marks the international day of "Physicians of the World for Peace" - established by the decision of the executive committee of the International Movement "Physicians of the World for the Prevention of Nuclear War" on the day of the bombing of Hiroshima. This day serves as a reminder of human tragedy, the role of doctors in the struggle for peace and in the prevention of war in general.

– 18 –

horse festival
In Rus', the holy martyrs Florus and Laurus are revered as patrons and healers of pets. According to legend, with the discovery of the relics of Florus and Laurus, the loss of livestock stopped. Then the veneration of these saints as patrons of horses began. In many churches and museums in Russia, the icons of Saints Florus and Laurus, where there are images of horses, have been preserved. Horses were driven to the churches for the Horse Festival. After the prayer service to the holy martyrs Flora and Lavra, the horses were immediately sprinkled with holy water in front of the church.

– 19 –

International Day of Homeless Animals
The day was included in the international calendar according to the proposal of the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) USA. It has been celebrated in Russia since 2000.

– 27 –

Day of Baikal
It has been celebrated since 1999 on the fourth Sunday of August. On this day, various public events are held in Russia. These are numerous cultural, scientific, sports events, as well as creativity contests, quizzes, and olympiads.

SEPTEMBER

– 11 –

Birthday of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
On September 11, 1961, in the small Swiss town of Morgues, where the headquarters of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature is located, WWF arose, the purpose of which was proclaimed the preservation of life on earth. Created by a community of prominent businessmen, scientists and government leaders, with the support of Prince Bernard of the Netherlands and the Duke of Edinburgh, WWF has grown into an influential and independent international organization. The Foundation started its work in Russia in 1994.

– 15 –

Greenpeace - Greenpeace - "Green World" - the most famous independent international public organization. Greenpeace fights against nuclear tests, pollution of the environment with industrial waste, destruction of rare species of animals and plants, deforestation, etc. Greenpeace was founded in 1971 in Canada.

– 16 –

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
On September 16, 1987, in Montreal, representatives of 36 countries signed a protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, called the Montreal Protocol. It called for a freeze at the 1986 level on the production of the five most widely used CFCs, and then a phased reduction in their production.

– 22 –

Car Free Day, European Pedestrian Day
It was first held in Paris in September 1999. On September 22, motorists (and motorcyclists) are encouraged to stop using fuel-consuming vehicles for at least a day; in some cities and countries there are specially organized events. It has been celebrated in Russia since 2008.

– 27 –

international tourism day
An international holiday established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in 1979 in the Spanish city of Torremolinos. Celebrated on September 27th. It has been celebrated in Russia since 1983. The purpose of the holiday is to promote tourism, highlight its contribution to the economy of the world community, and develop ties between the peoples of different countries.

OCTOBER

– 4 –

World Animal Day
In 1931, in Florence, at a forum dedicated to the protection of animal rights, October 4 was proclaimed International Animal Day. This decision was supported by organizations created to protect animals in different countries of the world.

– 6 –

World Habitat Day
The holiday was approved in 1979 under the Convention for the Protection of Wild Fauna and Flora and Natural Habitats in Europe.

– 31 –

International Black Sea Day
On October 31, 1996, in Istanbul (Turkey), representatives of the governments of Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Georgia signed a strategic action plan to save the Black Sea.

NOVEMBER

– 9 –

Day of anti-nuclear actions
Under the motto "We choose a future without radiation!" on this day, protests are held against the development of nuclear energy, for improving its safety, the use of alternative energy sources, anti-nuclear camps are set up near dangerous objects, signs of radiation danger are installed in places with a high radiation background.

– 11 –

International Energy Saving Day
It has been celebrated since 2008 at the initiative of the International Educational Project "School Program for the Use of Energy and Resources" (SPARE). The international status of the Day of Energy Saving was not accidental: about 20 countries, including Russia, expressed their desire to participate in the action. The main purpose of the events is to draw the attention of the authorities and the public to the rational use of resources and the development of renewable energy sources. Energy saving plays an important role in conserving natural resources, reducing pollution and bringing economic benefits.

– 21 –

International No Smoking Day
It was established by the American Cancer Society in 1977. The goal is to help reduce the prevalence of tobacco dependence, involve all segments of the population and doctors of all specialties in the fight against smoking, prevent smoking and inform the public about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.

– 29 –

Day of creation of the All-Russian Society for the Conservation of Nature (VOOP)
On the initiative and with the participation of prominent Russian scientists, public and state figures, the All-Russian Society for the Protection of Nature was created in 1924 - the largest public environmental organization in Russia.

– 30 –

world pet day
The custom to congratulate their winged and tailed pets came from Spain. Valiant bullfighters celebrated it on the Day of St. Anthony, the patron saint of domestic animals.

DECEMBER

– 1 –

It was first celebrated on December 1, 1988, after a meeting of ministers of health of all countries called for social tolerance and increased exchange of information on HIV / AIDS. In April 1991, to draw public attention to the problem of AIDS, the artist Frank Moore creates a red ribbon - the official international symbol of the fight against AIDS.

– 5 –

International Volunteer Day
The UN General Assembly in 1985 invited governments to annually celebrate December 5 - International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development.

– 10 –

International Animal Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and aims to end the exploitation and killing of animals. International Animal Rights Day was established on this day in 1998, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights.

– 11 –

international mountain day
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in a resolution on the results of the International Year of the Mountains, the purpose of which was to increase international awareness of the global significance of mountain ecosystems. It has been celebrated annually on December 11 since 2003.

Nature does not recognize jokes; she is always truthful, always serious, always strict; she is always right; errors and errors come from people.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The calendar contains the main international and Russian environmental holidays and memorable environmental dates. This manual is intended for librarians, biology teachers and those who, by the nature of their activities, are associated with nature conservation.

International Decades of Environmental Issues

2005 - 2014 Decade of Education for Sustainable Development

2006 - 2016 Decade of Rehabilitation and Sustainable Development

2005 - 2015 - International Decade for Action "Water for Life"

2010 - 2020 - UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification

January

January 11 - Day of Reserves and National Parks

For the first time, the Day of Reserves and National Parks began to be celebrated in 1997 at the initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Center and the World Wildlife Fund. January 11 was chosen for this event not by chance - on this day in 1916 in Russia (Buryatia) the first state reserve - Barguzinsky - was established. His goal was to preserve the population of the Barguzin sable and other animals on Baikal.

In 1986, by decision of UNESCO, the Barguzinsky Reserve was given the status of a biosphere reserve, it was included in the international network of biosphere reserves. Today, this reserve is an integral part of the Lake Baikal World Natural Heritage site, along with other reserves and national parks that are part of the “reserved necklace” (Barguzinsky, Baikalsky, Baikal-Lensky reserves, Zabaikalsky National Park).

There are 100 nature reserves in Russia with a total area of ​​more than 33 million hectares and 35 national parks with a total area of ​​about 7 million hectares. Reserves preserve 80% of the species richness of flora and fauna.

to come back to the beginning

February

February 2 - World Wetlands Day

The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, mainly as habitats for waterfowl, was signed on February 2, 1971 in the city of Ramsar (Iran) and has since been called the Ramsar Convention.

The main goal of the Ramsar Convention is the conservation and rational use of wetlands as a means of achieving sustainable development throughout the world. World Wetlands Day was first celebrated in 1997.

In 1975, the government of the USSR declared 12 wetlands of international importance, of which three were located on the territory of the RSFSR. In September 1994, by the relevant decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the international status was confirmed for three previously existing lands and transferred to 32 more sites. Thus, this decree proclaimed 35 wetlands, the area of ​​which is 10.7 million hectares. The lands are located on the territory of 21 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

to come back to the beginning

March

March 1 - World Cat Day

On the first day of the first spring month, according to a spontaneously established tradition, Cat Day is celebrated in Russia. It is interesting that many peoples, in turn, have established national days of honoring these domestic inhabitants closest to man. For example, in the USA, cats are honored on October 29, in Poland on February 17, in Japan on February 22.

The domestic cat is a member of the cat family, in which 2 subfamilies, 4 genera and about 36 species are distinguished. It is known that representatives of both subfamilies, 3 genera and 12 species live in Russia. Thanks to beautiful fur, members of the cat family are of fur trade value. In addition, everyone knows that cats are excellent exterminators of harmful rodents.

March 14 - International Day of Rivers

International River Day was formerly known as "International Day Against Dams, for Rivers, Water and Life". For the first time, it was decided to celebrate this date in 1997 in the city of Curitiba (Brazil) at an international conference, the purpose of which was to develop measures to combat the construction of large dams and eliminate the damage already caused as a result of construction. The slogan "For Rivers, Water and Life" belongs to the US environmental organization, on whose initiative this date became international, and is the official slogan of International River Day.

March 15 - World day of action against the hunting of seals

March 15 in all civilized countries became the World Day of protest against seal hunting.

P (World Day of Action Against the Hunting of Baby White Seals) was established at the initiative of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). The fund was created in 1969 by activist Brian Davis to combat the barbaric hunting of baby harp seals and hooded seals. It is no coincidence that on the logo of the foundation there is a seal and human hands embracing it as a symbol of protecting animals from cruelty. ) p(Hundreds of thousands of seal cubs (white seals) are slaughtered to death with iron clubs. This trade is considered traditional, 300-350 hunters participate in it every year By the end of the season, 300,000 animals are exterminated, most of which are barely 12 days old.)

The number of harp seals is steadily declining every year. Accounting for seals of the White Sea seal population shows that in 2003 there were about 350 thousand newborn pups, and in 2008 - less than 120 thousand.

Ecotourism could become an alternative to seal hunting.

Day of spring equinox

The spring equinox heralds the full return of the vital forces of nature. The vernal equinox is one of the most unique phenomena of nature, the essence of which, in scientific terms, is that “at the moment of the equinox, the center of the Sun in its apparent movement along the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator.” From 2010 to 2014, the spring equinox occurs on March 20. On the Day of the Spring Equinox, the New Year begins for many peoples and nationalities of the Earth: Iran, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan. The day of the spring equinox was especially revered in the pagan faith. It was believed that on this day, in the annual cycle, Spring, personifying the revival and rebirth of nature, replaces Winter.

Earth Day

There are two main dates for Earth Days: March (the vernal equinox) and April 22nd. Earth Day is originally celebrated in many countries on the vernal equinox to mark the start of spring (in the Northern Hemisphere) or autumn (in the Southern Hemisphere).

On February 26, 1971, U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations, signed a special proclamation dedicated to this event. Every year on March 20-21, the Peace Bell tolls at the UN Headquarters in New York.

March 20 - International Forest Day

This date was founded by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at the initiative of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. Since then, the International Day of the Forest has been celebrated every year at the initiative of the United Nations. World Day of Forests is celebrated on the day of the spring equinox. The main objective of the International Day of the Forest is to raise awareness of the inhabitants of our planet about the importance of forest ecosystems, their protection, reproduction, and restoration. The processes of deforestation and degradation have become international problems that require a joint solution by all countries of the world.

International Forest Day is also actively celebrated in Russia. The forest is the national wealth of our country. According to international experts, Russia accounts for 2/9 of the world's forests and about the same part of the world's timber reserves.

In many countries of the world, along with the International Day of the Forest, the Day of the Tree is also celebrated. On this day, every self-respecting person should plant at least one tree.

March 22 - International Day of the Baltic Sea

The average depth of the Baltic Sea is approximately 51 meters, and the greatest is 470 meters. Today the Baltic Sea is the most important transport corridor linking Russia, Europe and Asia. It washes the shores of Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Finland. In recent years, according to environmentalists, this water corridor is littered with debris and is in dire need of cleaning.

History and celebration of the Baltic Sea Day

At the 17th meeting of the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) in 1996, a decision was made to celebrate the Day of the Baltic Sea. The main purpose of the celebration is to inform the population, draw the attention of scientists, politicians, and the public to environmental issues in the Baltic region. The date of the Baltic Sea Day coincides with the signing of the 1974 Helsinki Convention and World Water Day.

Since 2000, the celebration of the Baltic Sea Day has been held in St. Petersburg. The holiday gradually transformed into forums. And now St. Petersburg hosts the annual International Ecological Forum of the same name – Baltic Sea Day. In 2011, more than 500 people took part in the Forum - representatives of various ministries and departments, the HELCOM Secretariat, various companies, research institutes and universities, public organizations and the media, as well as representatives of the European Commission, the Nordic Council of Ministers, IFIs, etc.

As part of the Forum events, international videoconferences, exhibitions, competitions of school and student works dedicated to the environmental problems of the Baltic Sea, and other events designed to preserve the unique historical natural and cultural ensemble - the Baltic Sea are also held.

March 22 - World Water Day (Water Day)

The idea of ​​holding a World Water Day was first voiced at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), which took place in 1992 in Rio de Janeiro.

The General Assembly of the United Nations, by adopting a resolution of February 22, 1993, declared March 22 as World Water Day. In accordance with the recommendations of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, this day has been celebrated since 1993.

In 2003, the General Assembly declared the period 2005-2015, starting with International Water Day on 22 March 2005, the International Decade for Action "Water for Life".

Among ecological significant dates, this day is especially important, since fresh water reserves on the planet are depleted catastrophically. According to UN experts, approximately one sixth of the world's population does not have access to clean drinking water, and one third - to water for domestic needs. According to UNEP estimates, Russia has a third of the world's fresh water reserves and is second only to Canada. Water Day is a reminder to everyone about caring for water bodies, about the need to rationally and economically spend our natural resources. In Russia, this day was first celebrated in 1995 under the motto "Water is life".

March 23 - World Meteorology Day

Every year on March 23, World Meteorological Day is celebrated - the professional holiday of hydrometeorologists from all over the planet. This is the day of entry into force in 1950 of the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and its formation to replace the former International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established back in 1873. The motto of the holiday: "Weather, climate and water in the information age." World Meteorological Day has been celebrated annually on March 23 since 1961.

In Russia, the official "start" of the hydrometeorological monitoring system was given 170 years ago by decree of Emperor Nicholas I.

Every year on March 23, specialists of the Russian Hydrometeorological Service celebrate their day. This professional holiday was established by Decree of the President of the Russian Federation No. 812 “On the Day of the Hydrometeorological Service Workers” dated May 19, 2008.

to come back to the beginning

April

April 1 - International Bird Day

"Day of the Birds" - this abbreviated name can mean several different holidays and international days that are directly related to birds. Among them, the most famous "bird" dates are: International Bird Day - April 1, Bird Day - May 4, May 12 (the second Saturday of May) - International Day of Migratory Birds.

International Bird Day is celebrated every year on April 1st since 1927. Despite the name, the holiday is practically not known outside the Russian Federation. In our country, it is the most famous of the "bird" holidays.

At the beginning of the twentieth century, on March 19, 1902, the "International Convention for the Protection of Birds Useful in Agriculture" was signed, which entered into force on December 12, 1905. Actions for the protection of birds were taken by the Russian Committee for the Acclimatization of Animals as early as the middle of the 19th century, and in 1910 the first demonstration bird stations were organized at the Moscow Zoo and at the Petrovsky Agricultural Academy.

In 1918, Soviet Russia signed the International Treaty on Migratory Birds, which is still in force today. On October 18, 1950, in the capital of France, the city of Paris, the "International Convention for the Protection of Birds" was signed. It replaced the document of 1902, in which, in addition to “useful” birds, “harmful” birds were also named, which included, in particular, almost all hawks (now some of these species have been lost, and some are listed in the Red Book).

For the first time Bird Day was held in 1924 under the guidance of the teacher Mazurov at the Yermolinsk school in the Smolensk region. It is believed that this youthful spring holiday in the USSR was established in 1926, and the following year it was held in all districts of Moscow, where 1098 artificial nests were hung. In 1928, 65,000 children all over the country took part in the Day of Birds, who hung out 15,182 birdhouses, and almost a quarter of a century later, more than 5 million schoolchildren in the RSFSR alone. Since then, such an event has become massive, and it was celebrated on the first Sunday of April.

In 1994, thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic ornithologists from the Union for the Protection of Birds of Russia, established in 1993, the holiday received a second life. In the spring of 1998, the children's magazine "Ant" proposed to revive the Day of Birds. This call was supported by the Federal Forestry Service and the Union for the Protection of Birds of Russia, and the holiday was timed to coincide with April 1.

April 4 - World Rat Day

World Rat Day has been celebrated since 2002 at the initiative of ornamental rat lovers in order to draw attention to them, improve their image, and also eradicate many human prejudices towards these extraordinary animals. The date of April 4 was not chosen by chance - it coincides with the opening of the site dedicated to rats by James Kittock and Robin Arthur. All true rat lovers know that the image of these animals suffers greatly from the ignorance of public opinion. And they try on this day, by addressing through the media and organizing parties, the main character of which are rats, to show and explain to as many people as possible how they are mistaken about these animals.

An Indian legend says that just thirty kilometers north of Bikaner, in the small town of Deshnok, in fact, a large village, stands the world-famous rat temple of Sri Karni Mata. The sign at the entrance declares it the eighth wonder of the world. According to legend, there was a girl named Karni Mata, she was one of the incarnations of the goddess Durga. Trying to save the child from the hands of the god of death Yama, she temporarily moved his soul into a rat. And she liked leaving the powerful god without prey so much that she began to repeat this procedure with enviable frequency, moving the souls of dead children into rats. The locals greatly revere these rats with baby souls and built them a small, bright temple, where gray, lop-eared and long-tailed animals feel more than at ease, having round-the-clock food and shelter.

April 7 - World Health Day (WHO)

World Health Day is celebrated annually on April 7, the day the World Health Organization (WHO) was founded in 1948. In the time that has passed since that historical moment, 191 states of the world have become members of the World Health Organization (WHO). The annual celebration of Health Day has become a tradition since 1950.

April 15 to June 5 - All-Russian days of environmental protection from environmental hazards

On April 15, the All-Russian days of protection from environmental hazards officially start. Their goal is to draw the attention of citizens, public, state and commercial organizations to the consequences of environmental violations, disasters and catastrophes, their impact on the environment and human health.

The idea of ​​holding All-Russian Days of Protection from Environmental Hazard was born in Kuzbass in 1993, it was initiated by public organizations. On the proposal of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the initiative was supported by the Government of Russia, and in the same year, on April 15, the action started and took place in 40 constituent entities of Russia. Two years later, all subjects of the Russian Federation participated in the Days. In 1996, the public initiative was consolidated at the level of the Government by the Decree of June 11, 1996 "On holding the Days of Protection from Environmental Hazards". In the same years, foreign countries became interested in Russian experience. In 1996, the first Ecological Safety Days were held on Czech and Chinese soil, and then in many other countries, and soon the Days became international.

To date, in Russia, the Days of Protection are traditionally held annually from April 15 to June 5 under the motto: "Environment - Safety - Life". Their holding has become a good tradition, which reflects the desire of millions of people to live in harmony with nature.

April 19 - Snowdrop Day

The very first, warmed by the early rays of the sun, among the snowdrifts in the deciduous forests, snowdrops bloom. Many species of this plant are listed in the Red Book.

April 18-22 - "March of the Parks"

Since 1990, national parks have become the theme of Earth Day in the United States. On this day, fundraising is carried out in support of protected natural areas. The holiday has acquired a new meaning, and with it a new name - the March of the Parks. Since 1995, on the initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Center, reserves and national parks of Russia have joined the holiday. In 1996, the March of the Parks was held in more than 120 nature reserves, national parks and conservation organizations, with about a hundred thousand people participating. The purpose of this holiday is to attract people to participate in the conservation activities of nature reserves and national parks. During the March of the Parks, people around the world hold a variety of activities, but environmental education remains the most important. It is necessary to show people that nature reserves and national parks preserve for us the most beautiful landscapes, thousands of rare species of plants and animals.

April 22 - Earth Day

(Not to be confused with International Mother Earth Day)

In 1969, millions of tons of oil spilled from a well near Santa Barbara in the United States, killing many birds and marine animals. In memory of this catastrophe, at the suggestion of D. Hayes, Earth Day is held every year on April 22, which since 1994 has been declared worldwide. In that year, many scraps of matter with inscriptions and drawings in defense of nature were carried across our planet. Of these, they made up the flag of the Earth with an area of ​​660 square meters, symbolizing the unity of people in caring for the future of the planet and calling for respect for the world around us.

The first "one-time" action on this day was held in 1970 in the United States. Its success inspired the organizers, and since then the celebration has become a regular one. A well-known American politician and activist, Senator Gaylord Nelson, created a group of students led by Dennis Hayes (a Harvard student). Since it was a time of active student movements, the initiative attracted a lot of attention. In 1971, due to the success of the first Day, Senator Nelson proclaimed "Earth Week" (during the 3rd week of April) as an annual event that became extremely popular among the US population. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, a joint ascent of Everest by climbers of the USSR, the USA and China was timed.

In Russia, Earth Day is celebrated as part of the Days of Protection from Environmental Hazards.

Symbolism

Earth flag. The flag of the Earth is not an official symbol of anything (since there is no official planetary government or state). It is a photograph of a planet from space against a dark blue background. Traditionally, the Flag is associated with Earth Day and many other environmental, peacekeeping and civil international events.

Earth Day Symbol

The symbol of the day is the green Greek letter Theta on a white background.

Peace Bell on Earth Day

On Earth Day, the Bell of Peace traditionally sounds in different countries, calling on the people of the Earth to feel the universal community and make efforts to protect peace on the planet and preserve the beauty of our common home. The Peace Bell is a symbol of tranquility, peaceful life and friendship, eternal brotherhood and solidarity of peoples. And at the same time, it is a call to action in the name of preserving peace and life on Earth, preserving man and culture.

The first Peace Bell was installed at the UN headquarters in New York in 1954. It is cast from coins donated by children from all continents and is a symbol of the global solidarity of the people of the Earth. Orders and medals, other honorary signs of people from many countries are also fused into it. The inscription on the Bell reads: "Long live universal peace throughout the world." In 1996, the same bell was installed at the UN in Vienna. In Russia, the action "Bell of Peace on Earth Day" has been held since 1998 on the initiative and under the patronage of the USSR pilot-cosmonaut, Hero of the Soviet Union A. N. Berezovoi at the International Center of the Roerichs.

April 22 - International Mother Earth Day

(Not to be confused with Earth Day)

International Mother Earth Day, since 2010, is celebrated annually on April 22. The International Day of Mother Earth was established by the UN General Assembly in 2009 (resolution No. A/RES/63/278). The resolution notes that the term "Mother Earth" is generally accepted in many countries, that it reflects the relationship between the planet, its ecosystems and humans. Inviting all UN member states, international and non-governmental organizations to celebrate International Mother Earth Day, the General Assembly draws attention to the fact that Earth Day is already celebrated annually in many countries.

The tradition of celebrating Earth Day dates back to the 1940s, when the founder of the movement, J. Sterling Morton, moved with his family to Nebraska. In the new place, they saw endless prairies with lonely trees, which should have been used to build houses and firewood. Morton and his wife immediately took up planting trees and launched a campaign to promote such activities. After becoming secretary of the Nebraska Territory, at a meeting of the State Department of Agriculture in 1872, Morton proposed that a day be appointed for the citizens of the state to devote to landscaping. The idea received widespread support, and on the first Tree Day, the people of the State planted about a million trees.

In 1882, Nebraska declared Tree Day an official state holiday, celebrated on April 22nd. Since 1970, the main activity of celebrating the Day of the Tree has been based on promoting the importance of nature, on informing the population about the ongoing destruction of the natural resources of the Earth. The holiday was given a new name - Earth Day.

Since 1990, the theme of Earth Day in the United States of America has been national parks. On this day, fundraising is carried out in support of protected natural areas. The holiday has acquired a new meaning, and with it a new name - the March of the Parks. Reserves and national parks of Russia have joined the holiday, which has become traditional in the United States. In our country, the March of Parks is timed to coincide with April 22 - Earth Day.

April 24 - World Day for the Protection of Laboratory Animals

This date was established by the International Association Against Painful Experiments on Animals (InterNICH) back in 1979. It was from this year that activists from various organizations began to actively oppose experiments on laboratory animals. Eight Russian universities signed an agreement with InterNICHE to stop the use of animals in the educational process. InterNICHE has pledged to provide video cassettes and computer programs that will replace animal dissection, and this will save the lives of many representatives of the animal world.

April 26 - Day of Remembrance for those killed in radiation accidents and disasters

It stands in a special series of memorable dates. Established by the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Russian Federation on April 22, 1993 No. 4827-1. It is celebrated in connection with the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which can be considered the largest catastrophe of our time, a nationwide disaster that affected the fate of millions of people living in vast territories. During work on one of the security systems of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant at 1:23 am on April 26, 1986, the world's largest nuclear accident occurred. As a result of violation of the plant control instructions by the personnel, an explosion occurred, which led to the complete destruction of the reactor core. Damage to the building of the 4th unit of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant led to the release of radioactive substances into the environment with a total activity of tens of millions of curies. Only after 10 days of strenuous efforts undertaken by various ministries and departments, the uncontrolled release of radionuclides was reduced by a thousand times, and then measures were taken to eliminate the consequences of the accident. Radioactive fission products ejected from the destroyed reactor core were carried by air currents for hundreds and thousands of kilometers. The bulk of the radionuclides settled in the 30-kilometer zone around the station, outside of which the territories were contaminated in 16 regions and five republics of the Soviet Union.

The IAEA described this event as the greatest disaster in human history. About 190 tons of radioactive substances were released into the atmosphere. Dangerous radioactive substances were released into the environment due to a fire that lasted almost two weeks. The population of Chernobyl was exposed to 90 times more radiation than the population of Hiroshima after the fall of the atomic bomb. There was pollution of 160 thousand square kilometers: the northern part of Ukraine, the west of Russia and Belarus. Dead people, undermined health, pollution of the territory - this is the trace of Chernobyl. About 400 thousand people were evacuated from the disaster area.

The scale of the disaster would have been much greater if it were not for the courage and dedication of the participants in the liquidation of the accident and its consequences. Among the thousands of people who performed in one impulse the titanic work of protecting people's lives from an invisible enemy, few realized the extreme danger of their working conditions. Risking their lives and health, they protected people from the harmful effects and further spread of radiation.

Russia and all countries of the world, all mankind have learned a serious lesson from the Chernobyl catastrophe, because nuclear energy is the future, and the issues of safe operation of nuclear power plants are in the first place today. The bitter experience of eliminating the consequences of the radiation accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant should help future generations to build the right relationship with the peaceful atom. Modern technological solutions, accumulated experience, professionalism of nuclear scientists should become a reliable guarantee that a tragedy like Chernobyl will never happen again.

April 26, our country and the entire civilized world will celebrate the Day of Remembrance of those killed in radiation accidents and disasters.

April 28 - Chemical Safety Day

On April 28, Russia celebrates Chemical Safety Day. The date April 28 was not chosen by chance - in 1974, on this day, during the production of chemical weapons in Novocheboksarsk (Chuvashia), a fire broke out at the production of chemical weapons. Many aerial bombs were burned, filled with very dangerous and toxic V-gas. It was only by a lucky chance that this man-made disaster did not take on an even larger scale - the accident did not break out of the Khimprom production association. According to the most conservative estimates, several tons of poisonous substances got into the environment. The incident and its consequences were hidden from the population of Chuvashia, information became available to the inhabitants of Russia only in the 90s at the initiative of environmental activists. To date, the consequences of this extraordinary event have not received an objective medical scientific assessment.

Since 1997, environmental activists in Russia have been celebrating April 28 every year as the Day of Chemical Safety, as a day of critical analysis of our relationship with "chemistry" - both dangerous and useful.

The decision to celebrate this day every year was made in August 2004 at the International Conference of the Social and Ecological Union in Kyiv. Every year on Chemical Safety Day, environmental and environmental organizations once again remind us of the consequences of man-made disasters in chemical and military industries, and stand for the openness of information about such emergencies.

Third/Fourth week of April - Spring Week of Kindness

Spring Week of Kindness is an annual Russian week of volunteers, held in Russia on the initiative "from below" through the efforts of volunteers and non-profit organizations in partnership with the business community and government. As a Russian week of volunteers, the Spring Week of Kindness has been implemented at the interregional and national level since 1997-1998. (before that time, it was initiated and carried out since 1992 by volunteers of Moscow (TsDMDM) as a charity Easter Week).

Spring Week of Kindness is held annually in the third/fourth week of April.

to come back to the beginning

May

May 3 - Day of the Sun (UNEP)

Since 1994, the European branch of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES-Europe) has been organizing an annual Sun Day on a voluntary basis to draw attention to the possibilities of using renewable energy sources.

The history of this holiday begins in 1894 in the United States of America, in the state of Pennsylvania. The initiator and organizer of the celebration is the inspector of schools in the small American city of Oil City, Charles Babcock. He decided to arrange a children's holiday, called it "Bird Day" and combined business with pleasure (teaching children and building houses for birds and bird feeders). The idea of ​​Charles Babcock at the beginning of the 20th century spread throughout the country, and then in the Old World. Bird Day is still celebrated in the United States today.

Second Saturday in May - International Migratory Bird Day

International Migratory Bird Day is an international ecological holiday celebrated in a number of countries around the world (most widely in Canada and the USA) annually, on the second Saturday of May. This date appeared on the calendar in 1993 at the initiative of ornithologists from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology (USA).

In 1918, the International Treaty on Migratory Birds was signed, but it did not solve all the problems associated with the migration of birds. According to the organizers of the holiday, the International Day of Migratory Birds should draw the attention of the world community to one of the global environmental problems - the need to ensure a free and safe way for migratory birds between their summer and winter homes.

May 20 - Volga Day

Volga (maar. Yul, Tat. Idel, Chuvash. At?l, old Slav. Vlga, Kazakh. Edil, Kalm. Idzhil-gol, German Wolga) - a river in the European part of Russia, one of the largest rivers on Earth and the largest in Europe. Length - 3530 (before the construction of reservoirs - 3690 km). The area of ​​the basin is 1360 thousand km². In terms of length, it ranks 5th in Russia and 16th in the world. The Volga has about 200 tributaries, including such large ones as the Oka and Kama, and more than 150 thousand rivers and streams. The area of ​​the Volga basin is 8% of the territory of the Russian Federation, about 45% of the industrial and approximately 50% of the country's agricultural production is concentrated in this area. The Volga is more than 20% of the fish caught in the rivers of the country, 9 reservoirs with hydroelectric power plants, more than 70% of the goods transported by river transport.

In 2008, the UNESCO office in Moscow declared 20 May Volga Day. The purpose of the Volga Day is to draw attention to the problems of this great river, to unite efforts to preserve its resources. On this day, events dedicated to the Volga and its tributaries are held in various Volga regions and cities.

From year to year, the geography of the Volga Day is expanding, and now the holiday is already widely celebrated in Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Volgograd, Saratov, Astrakhan, Yaroslavl, Kazan. In the future, it is planned to celebrate the Day of the Volga in all cities located on its banks.

Today, according to the Moscow office of UNESCO, the anthropogenic pressure on the great Russian river Volga is five times higher than on all Russian aquatic ecosystems. That is why the Russian ecological holiday Volga Day is very important and significant. Environmentalists note that if effective measures are not taken today to preserve this great Russian river, then in the near future a threat to its ecological well-being may hang over the Volga.

Third Sunday in May - World AIDS Day of Remembrance

Every year on the third Sunday of May, AIDS Day is celebrated around the world. It was first organized in 1983 in San Francisco (USA) by a group of Americans who were personally or their loved ones affected by the problem of AIDS. The symbols of the AIDS movement also came from San Francisco - a red ribbon pinned to clothes, and quilts - multi-colored hand-embroidered canvases like patchwork quilts in memory of victims of a terrible disease.

The first mention of AIDS appeared in the 80s of the last century. Since 1982 they began to diagnose "AIDS". They started talking about him loudly in 1983. And soon it was called the plague of the twentieth century and declared a pandemic. At an international conference in Paris in 1986, it was decided to call the identified microorganism the human immunodeficiency virus - HIV, and the disease itself - AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 42 million people on Earth who are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Every day, another 14,000 people are added to this horrifying figure. And every second on the planet one person dies of AIDS. The majority of HIV-infected people are young people under the age of 30. Over the past twenty-five years, about 25 million people have died from AIDS, of which more than a million and a half are children. Most of the AIDS patients in Africa, approximately 2/3 of all cases. Scientists say that every third adult is infected there. There are countries on the dark continent where 99% of the total population is infected with AIDS.

AIDS is steadily sweeping the planet, conquering more and more new countries. Russia did not escape this fate either. Currently, there are already about 500,000 people infected with HIV in our country. And every day in our country more than 100 new cases of HIV infection continue to be registered.

The epidemic has already claimed the lives of almost 20,000 Russians.

May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity has been observed annually on May 22 since 2001. This International Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1995 in a special resolution (No. A / RES / 49/119) based on the recommendation of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which took place in 1994. The resolution set the date of the International Day - 29 December, the day the Convention enters into force. But later, the UN General Assembly postponed the International Day for Biological Diversity to May 22, the day the Convention was signed (resolution No. A/RES/55/201). The purpose of the postponement, made on the recommendation of the Conference of the Parties to the 2000 Convention, was to draw more attention to this event.

In the last 100 years, the process of destruction of ecosystems has rapidly increased its pace. The World Conservation Union identifies seven major factors contributing to biodiversity loss:

loss and fragmentation of the natural environment; competition from invasive species; environmental pollution; global climate change; desertification; population growth and overconsumption; reckless use of natural resources.

May 24 - European Parks Day

Since 2000, the European Community has decided to celebrate European Parks Day on 24 May. This date was not chosen by chance, it was on May 24, 1909 that the first of nine European National Parks was created in Sweden.

May 24 - International Day of Nature Reserves

It is celebrated annually at the initiative of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Reserves are called parts of the territory or water area, forever withdrawn from all types of use and preserved in the mode of natural ecosystems.

The world's largest nature reserve is located in Africa. It was created in 2002 by combining three national parks - the Kruger National Park in South Africa, the Limpopo National Park in Mozambique and the Gonarejo National Park in Zimbabwe. Their total area was 35 thousand square kilometers. The idea of ​​creating a reserve belongs to Nelson Mandela.

And the smallest reserve is located in Russia. Its area is only 2.3 square meters. km. The reserve consists of six sections: Galichya Gora, Morozova Gora, Plyushchan, Bykova neck, Voronov Kamen and Vorgolsky rocks. The reserve "Galichya Gora" was founded on April 25, 1925 in order to protect the unique flora and fauna of these places.

May 25 - Seal Day (celebrated on Lake Baikal)

"Seal Day" is a children's and youth project in defense of seals and their cubs. The organizer is the Irkutsk city youth public organization "School of the Young Leader". The purpose of the events is to educate the younger generation in respect for the nature of Lake Baikal and the Baikal seal, to instill a sense of love and compassion for living beings. The project is carried out with the support of Greenpeace Russia, the Irkutsk branch of Alfa-Bank OJSC, the Committee for Youth Policy of the Administration of the Irkutsk Region.

May 31 - World No Tobacco Day

"The World Health Organization in 1988 declared May 31 World No Tobacco Day. World No Tobacco Day was proclaimed at the 42nd session of the World Health Assembly (resolution No. WHA42.19). World No Tobacco Day is included in the system of world and international days of the UN.

According to the World Health Organization, about 300,000 people die prematurely in Russia each year from smoking-related causes. This is more than traffic accidents, drug use or AIDS.

to come back to the beginning

June

June 5 - World Environment Day

World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5, is one of the main ways for the United Nations to draw the attention of the world community to environmental issues, as well as to stimulate political interest and related action aimed at protecting the environment. The holiday was established according to a resolution adopted in June 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on Environmental Problems. The celebration of this Day is designed to awaken in every person the desire to contribute to the protection of the environment.

June 5 - Ecologist's Day

A professional holiday for all Russian environmentalists, environmentalists, public figures and environmental activists. It is celebrated annually on June 5, World Environment Day.

Ecologist's Day in Russia was established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on July 21, 2007, at the initiative of the Committee on Ecology of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

June 8 - World Oceans Day

World Oceans Day is a memorable UN day. The World Oceans Day was established by the UN General Assembly on February 12, 2009 (resolution No. A/RES/63/111). Celebrated annually on June 8th. Officially, at the highest interstate level, the idea of ​​holding a World Oceans Day was first voiced in 1992 at an international summit held in Brazil in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

June 15 - Day of creation of the youth movement in Russia

The reason for establishing this ecological date was the holding of an excursion in Moscow on June 15, 1918 for young nature lovers in Sokolniki. This day became the day of the organization of the Station of young nature lovers in Moscow, and later - the Day of the creation of the youth movement in the country.

Currently, in the Russian Federation, over twelve thousand specialists work with young naturalists and ecologists in 477 stations for young naturalists and ecological and biological centers. In 23,000 associations, over 300,000 students are engaged in naturalistic, environmental, and experimental work; conduct research in 170 scientific societies and 278 specialized environmental camps, participate in the work of more than 3 thousand school forestries.

June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

On January 30, 1995, the UN General Assembly proclaimed June 17 as World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, in connection with the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification on June 17, 1994. World Day to Combat Desertification and Droughts was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 1994 (resolution 49/114). In the same year, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was adopted. States are invited to dedicate this day to raising awareness of the need for international cooperation in combating desertification and the effects of droughts and on the implementation of the Convention to Combat Desertification.

June 20/21 - Summer Solstice

Summer day June 20 is special. It is perceived by astronomers, geographers as an important astronomical and geographical event taking place in the solar system. This is the day of the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere of the Earth and the beginning of winter in the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year. In the middle latitudes, the longitude of the day exceeds 16 hours, and beyond the Arctic Circle the sun does not set at all. Midsummer (summer solstice) is the celebration of the final victory of the sun in the annual cycle and the full manifestation of the vital forces of nature, which originated during the winter solstice. Midsummer is the longest day of the year.

June 27 - World Fisheries Day

World Fisheries Day has been observed every year on June 27 since 1985. The holiday was established by the decision of the International Conference on the Regulation and Development of Fisheries, held in July 1984 in Rome.

to come back to the beginning

July

First week of July - World Captive Dolphin Week

The initiative to establish Captive Dolphin Day comes from animal rights activists who consider it unacceptable to use dolphins and other marine mammals for militaristic purposes and keep them in captivity.

Even at the beginning of the last century, ideas began to appear to use marine animals for military purposes. It was proposed to create special detachments of dolphins to undermine enemy ships, detect mines, and neutralize enemy reconnaissance swimmers. Similar projects have been implemented since the 1960s in the USA and the USSR. Fighting dolphins were used by the Americans in the Vietnam War and during special operations in Iraq. In the USSR, detachments of specially trained bottlenose dolphins searched for mines and training torpedoes in the Black Sea.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, this activity in our country was discontinued. But in the United States, to this day, there are as many as five Navy centers that are actively engaged in the preparation of combat marine mammals. The work of these centers is classified, but conservationists cite information that experiments are being carried out on captive dolphins and their lives are in real danger.

The maintenance of marine mammals in oceanariums and dolphinariums also has its negative side. In nature, a dolphin travels 100 or more kilometers during the day and dives to depths of 200 meters or more. No dolphinarium is capable of providing such opportunities to the "prisoner". The ultrasound emitted by the dolphin while moving, distorted and repeatedly reflected in the conditions of the pool, disorients it, and causes great damage. Chlorinated water damages the skin and organs of vision. As a result, keeping animals in captivity shortens their lifespan by 5–6 times.

International Captive Dolphin Day aims to draw public attention to this issue in order to ensure the rights of animals to live freely in their natural habitat.

Why is it wrong to keep dolphins in captivity?

In the natural environment

Dolphins are free to move. Their bodies are made for speed, these playful creatures get great pleasure from fast movement! Without rest or stopping, dolphins cover up to 40 miles a day at a speed of about 3 to 7 miles per hour. Dolphins spend most of their time underwater and only 10 to 20% of their time on the surface. They hold their breath for up to twenty minutes and dive to a depth of more than five hundred meters.

Dolphins are forced to exist in a space smaller than a normal human pool. When trying to pick up the usual speed or just move, the dolphin runs the risk of immediately crashing into a wall or a mesh fence. Captured dolphins, especially those kept in cement pools, spend most of their time in a state of stupor, swimming in circles or simply lying on the surface of the water. Just as bad is the case with dolphins, which are kept in mesh barriers. Animals in captivity never experience joy and family comfort. They are doomed to emotional isolation. The only close bond they have - the bond with their mothers - breaks too quickly, young dolphins are often transferred to a separate pool or sold to another park or aquarium.

In nature

Dolphins are free to train their amazing ability - sonoristic sensitivity. They use sonar to learn about the world around them, study labyrinths and creatures lurking in coral reefs, get information about fish and other dolphins, and spot predators lurking. Sonar tells the dolphins everything they need to know. It is as important to dolphins as the eyes are to humans.

Dolphins are limited in their use of sonar. It is useless for finding live fish - they only have access to dead fish, which the trainers feed them "as a reward". Dolphins cannot use sonar to explore the underwater world - there is nothing to explore in a shallow enclosed pool. It's like forcing a person to become blind for the rest of his life.

Second Sunday in July - Action Against Fishing Day

In 2003, during the Second All-Russian Congress of Animal Rights Defenders, which took place from 1 to 15 July 2003 in Anapa, it was decided to declare a Day of Action against Fishing. This day was timed to coincide with the Day of the Fisherman, traditionally celebrated on the second Sunday of July. On July 11, 2003, the first Day of Action against Fishing took place in the city of Novorossiysk. Anti-Fishing Action Day is expected to become an annual event and there are already early steps towards this. In July 2004, an action against fishing took place in the Black Sea city of Sochi.

July 23 - World Whale and Dolphin Day

July 23 is World Whale Day. This holiday was established in 1986, when the International Whaling Commission (IWC), after 200 years of merciless extermination, imposed a ban on whaling. The ban is still in effect today and means that all over the world, whale hunting, as well as the trade in whale meat, is prohibited.

July 23 is considered the day of protection not only of whales, but of all marine mammals. Every year on this day, various conservation groups hold actions to protect whales and other marine mammals. Often environmentalists come together and dedicate this day to the protection of one unique species that is in mortal danger.

This day is of particular importance for Russia, since several dozen species of whales, dolphins and seals live in the seas of our country. Many of them are endangered and are listed in the Red Book of the Russian Federation and the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It is noteworthy that July 23 is not the only date, many countries establish national whale days. For example, Australia decided to celebrate National Whale Day on July 2, while in America World Whale Day is traditionally celebrated during the summer solstice.

to come back to the beginning

August

August 2 - Deer Day

The celebration of the Deer Day has long become a good tradition in the Nenets Okrug***. Deer Day was first celebrated in August 1932. The program of the holiday includes competitions in national sports: jumping over sleds, throwing tynzei (lasso) and reindeer sled racing. At the festival, the best reindeer herding teams are honored, meetings with famous reindeer herder dynasties are held, amateur art groups perform, drawing competitions and folk festivals that have become traditional are held.

*** The Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug is a constituent entity of the Russian Federation (as part of the Tyumen Region), and is part of the Ural Federal District.

August 16 - International Day of Homeless Animals

This day was included in the international calendar according to the proposal of the International Society for Animal Rights of the United States.

In Europe, the problem of homeless animals is solved by sterilizing them, creating shelters for them.

There are about 120 thousand homeless animals in Russia - these are the data of the Vita animal rights center. There are shelters in only 10 cities, and the extermination of street animals is often carried out by barbaric methods.

to come back to the beginning

September

Second Sunday of September - World Crane Day

For many years now, Russia has been celebrating Crane Day - a holiday dedicated to the departure of cranes for wintering in warm countries. It is in autumn that one can observe large pre-migratory concentrations of cranes in the fields, meadows, where the birds rest and gain strength before a long journey. Refined elegant appearance, amazingly musical voice, a special sense of dignity and nobility - all this has long attracted people's attention to these birds.

Crane Day in Rus' since ancient times was a holiday of seeing off cranes and summer.

In the old days, flying cranes were seen off and even tried to detain, linking their departure with the onset of cold weather. It was a kind of magical rite in the hope of prolonging the summer. The village boys, seeing the crane wedge, ran after him, shouting: “Road by wheel!” It was believed that this way you can turn them back.

World Crane Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September. The crane was first used as a symbol of conservation organizations in the United States. There, in order to save the endangered crane, the scientists laid their eggs in the nests of cranes of other populations, which went to nest in safe places. The day when a whole brood of rescued birds set off for nesting became an ecological holiday.

Second Sunday of September - Baikal Day

December 5, 1996 Baikal was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. In 1997, after Lake Baikal was included in the World Natural Heritage List, the "green" community of the Baikal region had an idea, a dream, an understanding that a holiday was needed that would draw attention to the problems of Baikal. And in 1999, this DAY appeared: the initiative of the public organization "Baikal Ecological Wave" was supported by the legislative bodies of the subjects of the Baikal region: the Duma of the Irkutsk region, then the Duma of the Chita region, the People's Khural of the Republic of Buryatia and the Duma of the Ust-Orda Buryat Autonomous Okrug. On August 22, in Irkutsk, the solemn establishment and the first celebration of the regional holiday Day of Baikal took place, which was decided to be celebrated every fourth Sunday of August. On the same day, the Baikal Film Festival "Man and Nature" was opened, which became an annual event. Since 2008, by the decision of the Legislative Assembly of the Irkutsk Region, Baikal Day has been moved to the second Sunday of September. Over time, the holiday has received all-Russian and global recognition, has become an important and popular date on the calendar .

Interesting information about Lake Baikal

Baikal is the deepest lake in the world. Its average depth is about 730 meters. The greatest known depth of Baikal is 1637 meters.

Scientists believe that the age of Baikal is 20-25 million years.

Baikal water is tasty and clean, because the lake has powerful self-purification defense mechanisms. Residents of Baikal villages and settlements often take water from Lake Baikal for domestic needs and cooking. Baikal water contains few dissolved and suspended substances, therefore its transparency surpasses all lake reservoirs in the world.

September 11 - Birthday of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

On September 11, 1961, in the small Swiss town of Morgues, where the headquarters of the International Union for Conservation of Nature is located, WWF arose, the purpose of which was proclaimed the preservation of life on earth. Created by a community of businessmen, scientists and government leaders, with the support of Prince Bernard of the Netherlands and the Duke of Edinburgh, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has grown into an influential and independent international organization.

In 1962, the Foundation appealed to all countries to sign the World Charter for the Conservation of Wild Animals. The World Wildlife Fund is an international public organization working in areas related to the conservation, research and restoration of the environment. The symbol of the World Wildlife Fund is the giant panda.

September 15 - Greenpeace birthday

September 15, 1971 - the day of the first organized action of environmentalists against nuclear tests - is considered the day of creation (the day of the beginning of activity) of the international environmental organization Greenpeace (Greenpeace - "Green World").

The founder of Greenpeace is David Fraser McTaggart. He was called "the first warrior of the green army." Before founding Greenpeace, he did business in Canada. It was under his leadership that the campaign against French nuclear tests in the South Pacific began.

In 1971, a small group of environmentalists "declared war" on the US government, which was conducting nuclear tests on the island of Amchitka (Alaska) - this was the first organized environmental protest. It was the members of this group, led by David Taggart, who soon came up with the idea of ​​creating the environmental organization Greenpeace.

David Fraser McTaggart served as the permanent president of Greenpeace from 1979 to 1991, and in recent years has been the honorary president of the organization (he died in a car accident in March 2001).

During its existence, Greenpeace has grown from a group of enthusiasts to a powerful international environmental organization that is active around the world. The work of ecologists includes the following areas: Campaign for biodiversity; Campaign for the protection of the atmosphere; anti-nuclear campaign; Campaign on Toxic Substances.

In its activities, Greenpeace is guided by the following principles:

action protest - organization and holding of actions that draw public attention to environmental problems and to those who are guilty of their occurrence;

non-violence - all the actions of Greenpeace are the implementation of peaceful protest;

Independence - Greenpeace is not affiliated with any political party and does not accept donations from government organizations, commercial structures and political parties.

The organization and its branches are financed exclusively by personal voluntary donations from supporters of the movement in the world. The main governing body is the Greenpeace Council, which consists of representatives of all the offices of the organization, which exist in more than 40 countries around the world. Among them is Greenpeace Russia, established in 1992.

September 16 - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

In 1985, the Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer was signed in Vienna. In September 1987, Canada adopted the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Contribute to the Depletion of the Ozone Layer, and in 1990, the London Supplements to it. On September 16, 1987, 36 countries, including Russia, signed a document according to which the participating countries must limit and completely stop the production of ozone-depleting substances. In 1994, the UN General Assembly proclaimed September 16 as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer. The day is set to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. The motto of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer was the words: "Save the sky: protect yourself - protect the ozone layer".

The problem of preserving the ozone layer, which protects all life on Earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, is one of the priorities for all countries of the world. Today, 173 states have joined the Vienna Convention.

3rd Sunday of September - Forest Workers Day

Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR of October 1, 1980 N 3018-X "On holidays and memorable days". On the third Sunday of September, the professional holiday of people who, with their noble work, increase our forest resources and contribute to their rational use, is celebrated. Today the Day of Forest Workers is celebrated in Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine.

It is estimated that forests cover about a third of the land area, and the total area of ​​forests on Earth is 38 million square meters. km. Half of this forest zone belongs to tropical forests, the fourth part is located in the northern hemisphere. The area of ​​forests in Russia is approximately 8 million square meters. km.

September 21 - International Bat Night

The night of September 20-21 is celebrated as International Bat Night. Since 2003, it has also been held in Russia (Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnoyarsk). One of the most unusual environmental festivals has been celebrated in Europe for about 10 years, and its main goal is to attract the attention of the population to the problem of the protection of bats and to popularize these animals, which many people experience superstitious fear of. Night (at this time of the day the mice are especially active) September 21 was chosen as a "professional" holiday for bats not by chance: at the time when autumn comes into its own, mice begin to migrate to wintering grounds. It is these places that need special protection, since bats gather there in large numbers and are most vulnerable.

Many species of bats in Europe have already been on the verge of extinction and are listed in various Red Books. People persecute bats because of elementary illiteracy and prejudice, considering them dangerous. In fact, all bats living in Europe and the Urals are exclusively insectivorous animals and are very important in ecosystems. Bats are the least studied group of mammals. This is due, first of all, to the secretive way of their life. The study of bats is carried out using an ultrasonic detector and a computer program for analyzing ultrasonic signals. Thanks to this, it was possible to identify very important and interesting ecological patterns of animal habitats.

September 21 - 27 - Week of the World Action "We clean the world" (Let's clean the planet from garbage)

A worldwide action, which was first held by the inhabitants of Australia in September 1993, cleaning the ocean beaches. Gradually, people from many countries joined it, and now every year hundreds of thousands of people participate in it in all parts of the globe.

September 22 - World Car Free Day

For the first time this day was celebrated in 1998 in France (according to most information sources), when car traffic was stopped in a number of cities. In the following years, this tradition was supported by other European countries and cities, and in recent years by some non-European countries (for example, Canada, the USA).

The purpose of such an event is to draw attention to the problems of air pollution by vehicles, reduce the concentration of exhaust gases in urban air, reduce noise pollution, and promote the development of alternative modes of transportation.

autumnal equinox

Harvesting and preparation for winter (autumn equinox) is the culmination of the natural cycle, when some things come into the world, and others disappear, only to be reborn again. The end of this period is marked by Winter Night, which completes the annual cycle. This is one of the greatest holidays, along with the Summer and Winter solstices.

Fourth Sunday of September - Amur Tiger and Amur Leopard Day

For the first time in Vladivostok, this holiday was celebrated in 2000 at the initiative of the Primorsky writer and hunter V. I. Troinin. The holiday was supported by the World Wildlife Fund. On this day in Vladivostok, they organize a carnival procession - several thousand people walk in costumes through the streets of the city.

In 2001, Tiger Day was given the status of a citywide holiday. The head of the administration of the city of Vladivostok signed a decree on holding the holiday annually, on the fourth Sunday of September, and its celebration has become a universal tradition. Every year new cities join the city of Vladivostok. Since 2003, the holiday has grown into an event held both on the territory of the Russian Federation and abroad.

The purpose of the holiday is to attract public attention to these rare animals. Amur tigers and Amur leopards have survived in the wild only in the Russian Far East. Both species are listed in the Red Book. Amur shooting ranges are the largest cats on Earth, they live in the mixed forests of Primorye. Far Eastern leopards are the rarest cats in the world. Currently, their population is on the verge of extinction. In the wild, no more than 40 individuals have survived.

September 27 - International Rabbit Day

It is no coincidence that this day was chosen by charitable organizations in order to draw our attention and the attention of the whole public to the problems associated with rabbits. Animal advocates are pushing to reduce the use of rabbit fur and rabbit meat in fur coats in catering; Animal welfare organizations around the world are also calling for more humane treatment of rabbits in their breeding and population control. On Rabbit Day, it is necessary to show humanity as much as possible to both domestic rabbits and rabbits living in the wild, to show and show concern for their well-being and health.

September 27 - World Tourism Day

World Tourism Day was established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization (WTO, now UNWTO) in 1979 in the Spanish city of Torremolino. The holiday has been celebrated in most countries of the world for over 30 years. Interestingly, the world's first travel agency was opened in 1841 by Thomas Cook.

Last week of September - World Maritime Day

World Maritime Day was established at the 10th session of the Assembly by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The World Maritime Day has been celebrated since 1978 and is included in the system of world and international days of the UN.

World Maritime Day is dedicated to the problems of environmental safety of maritime transport, the conservation of bioresources. Until 1980, it was celebrated on March 17, but then it began to be celebrated on one of the days of the last week of September. In each country, the government itself determines a specific date.

The purpose of World Maritime Day is to draw the attention of the international community to the irreparable damage to the seas and oceans caused by uncontrolled fishing, water pollution and global warming. The two most important tasks are to improve maritime safety and to prevent pollution of the marine environment, in particular by oil.

About 70% of the planet is covered with water. The biomass of all marine life - from algae to blue whales - is 90% of the biomass of all living organisms on the planet. The existence of most representatives of various types of marine flora and fauna is associated with coral reefs. According to the UN, over the past 100 years, fish species such as tuna and cod have been caught by 90%. About 21 million barrels of oil are poured into the seas and oceans every year. Synthetic waste dumped into large bodies of water kills one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals a year. Due to global warming over the past 100 years, the water level in large reservoirs of the planet has risen by 10–25 cm.

Many residents of Russia know about the existence of ecology holidays, but not everyone will name more than a couple of dates. But at the moment their number exceeds 50. The fact is that people in Russia do not attach much importance to environmental holidays, while the opposite is observed all over the world.

On the dates of these holidays, it is customary to hold various events in order to emphasize their importance. We bring to your attention the most significant ecological holidays.

June 5 is World Environment Day

The event was established at a forum on environmental hazards in the capital of Sweden in 1972. It was on this date that a resolution on the protection of nature was adopted. The memorable date reminds people of the need to protect nature and the environment.

According to the document, on the date of the celebration, it is necessary to organize actions on the territories of the states of the world that will confirm the intentions to protect and preserve nature. From year to year, the theme of the holiday and the slogan are proclaimed, and the capital is chosen for the international celebration. For example, in 2010 the motto was: “A huge number of inhabitants of the planet. United Earth. One tomorrow."

June 5 is the Day of Ecologist in Russia

This day is a Russian holiday of specialists, activists and public figures associated with the protection of nature. It is celebrated exactly on the same date as the holiday, which we talked about above. The event was established by the President of Russia in the summer of 2007. The initiators of the establishment of this holiday were representatives of the Committee on Ecology of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

March 21 is World Earth Day

On the first day of spring 71, this holiday was established by the UN Secretary General. It is noteworthy that on the same date day and night have the same duration. Various events take place in all countries of the world, including Russia: seminars, exhibitions, flash mobs, etc.

Motorists are advised to refuse to travel in their cars on this day, and in some cities the streets are even closed, where the most dense traffic flows are observed day after day. Defenders of ecology are engaged in cleaning natural areas from pollution, and also plant trees and shrubs on the streets of their cities.

March 21 is International Forest Day

The event, celebrated on the date of the holiday described above, was established jointly by the Food Organization for Agriculture and the United Nations. The European Agricultural Confederation of 1971 served as the basis for the establishment of the holiday.

Since the territory of Russia is rich in forests (more than 20% of the world's forest area and wood reserves), this holiday is also revered in our country. The essence of the holiday is to show the public that wood is not only a valuable raw material, but also an important part of the biosphere, which affects the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide, which creates comfortable conditions for life on our planet.

April 15-June 5 - days of protection from environmental hazards

In Russia, these days are of great importance - they are designed to inform our residents about the environmental threat hanging over humanity. Between April 15 and June 5, various holidays are celebrated with specific environmental directions: Earth Day (March 21), Water Day (March 22), etc. Each holiday is accompanied by the organization of round tables, at which certain environmental problems are discussed, and solutions are sought to save the ecology of our planet.

Ecological holidays are very important for mankind. The more people will be concerned about environmental problems, the greater the chance of saving nature from harmful man-made impacts.

In addition to the main ones, there are many more ecological holidays:

• January 11 - Day of Reserves.
• January 31 is World No Meat Day.
• February 2 is World Wetland Day.
• February 19 - International Day for the Protection of Marine Mammals.
• March 20 - World Water Day.
• March 23 - World Meteorological Day.
• March 29 - Earth Protection Day.
• April 1 is International Bird Day.
• April 7 - World Health Day.
• April 18 - International Day of Monuments and Historic Sites.
• April 18-22 - March of the Parks.
• April 24 is World Laboratory Animal Day.
• April 26 is the Day of Remembrance for those killed in radiation accidents and catastrophes.
• May 15 is International Climate Day.
• May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity.
• May 31 is World No Tobacco Day.
• June 1 - World Children's Day.
• June 8 - World Oceans Day.
• June 15 - Day of the creation of the youth movement.
• June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Droughts.
• June 27 - World Fisheries Day.
• July 11 - World Population Day.
• July 14 - Fisherman's Day.
• August 6 - World Day of Action for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.
• August 16 is International Homeless Animal Day.
• 1st Wednesday of September – Day of action against waste.
• A week in September is the World Action "Let's Clean the Planet of Garbage".
• The second Sunday in September is World Crane Day.
• The 3rd Tuesday of September is the International Day of Peace.
• September 16 is the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer of the Earth.
• September 19 - Forest Workers Day.
• September 22 is International Car Free Day.
• September 26 - Animal Day.
• September 27 is World Tourism Day.
• September 29 - World Maritime Day.
• October 1 - World Habitat Day.
• October 3-4 is World Bird Watching Day.
• October 4 is International Animal Protection Day.
• October 6 - World Day of Protected Areas.
• 2nd Wednesday of October is the International Day of Action for Disaster Reduction.
• October 14 - Day of workers of state natural reserves.
• October 18 - World Water Monitoring Day.
• November 6 is the International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in Wars and Armed Conflicts.
• December 1 - World AIDS Day.
• December 3rd is International Pesticide Day.
• December 5 - World Volunteer Day.
• December 29 - January 7 - Christmas bird counts.

MBU "MTENSKAYA INTER-SETTLEMENT REGIONAL LIBRARY IM. I. S. TURGENEV"

Calendar of environmental dates

JANUARY
. January 11 - Day of Reserves and National Parks (since 1997)
. January 29 - Day of mobilization against the threat of nuclear war (since 1985)
FEBRUARY
. February 2 - World Day of Wetlands (since 1997)
. February 19 - World Day for the Protection of Marine Mammals (since 1986)
. February 19 - World Whale and Dolphin Day (since 1986)

MARCH
. March 1 - Cat Day in Russia (according to a spontaneous tradition)
. March 14 - Day of action against dams in defense of Rivers, Water and Life (since 1998)
. March 15 - International day for the protection of seals (since 1986)
. March 20-21 - Spring Equinox Day, Earth Day (since 1971)

March 21 - International Forest Day (since 1971)
. March 22 - World Water Day, or World Water Day (since 1993)
. March 22 - International Day of the Baltic Sea (since 1986)
. March 23 - World Meteorology Day (since 1961)
. March 24 - World TB Day (since 1993)
. March 24 - Planetarium Day (since 1996)
. March 29-30 - Earth Protection Day.

APRIL
. April 1 - Birds Day (international environmental action), officially - since 1994.
. First Sunday - Geologist's Day (since 1966)
. April 7 - World Health Day (the day the WHO Constitution was adopted) since 1948.
. April 15 - June 5 - All-Russian days of environmental protection from environmental hazards
. April 15 - Day of Ecological Knowledge (within the framework of ecological days)

April 18 - International Day for the Preservation of Monuments and Historic Sites (since 1984)
. April 19 - Snowdrop Day (English holiday, since 1984)
. April 22-24 - March of the Parks (Days of Reserves and National Parks) since 1995
. April 22 - World Earth Day (international environmental action) since 1972.
. April 24 - World Day for the Protection of Laboratory Animals (since 1979)
. April 26 - Day of Remembrance for those killed in radiation accidents and catastrophes (since 1986)
. Fourth Saturday - Biologist's Day (since 2001)
. April 28 - Day of the fight for human rights from chemical hazards (Chemical Safety Day) since 1997.
MAY
. May 3 - Day of the Sun (MOSE) since 1994
. Second Saturday - All-Russian Forest Planting Day (since 2011)

Second Saturday and Sunday - World Migratory Bird Day
. May 12 - Environmental Education Day (since 1992)
. May 15 - International Climate Day (since 1992)
. May 15 - June 15 - Unified Days of Action for the Protection of Small Rivers and Water Bodies (at the initiative of the Russian River Network)
. May 24 - European Parks Day (since 1999)
. May 25 - Nerpenka Day (since 2003)
. May 31 - World No Tobacco Day (World No Tobacco Day) since 1988.

JUNE
. June 1 - World Children's Day (since 1925)
. The first Sunday is International Water Cleanup Day (since 1995), in Russia it has been held on a large scale since 2003.
. June 5 - World Environment Day (since 1972), Ecologist Day (since 2007)
. June 8 - World Oceans Day (since 1992)
. June 15 - Day of creation of the youth movement in Russia
. June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Droughts (since 1995)
. June 24 - Ivan Kupala Holiday
. June 26 - International Day Against Drug Addiction and Drug Trafficking (since 1987)
. June 27 - World Fishing Day (since 1985)

August 8 - World Cat Day
. August 9 - World Day of Indigenous Peoples of the World (since 1994) Seto people (Setu)
. August 16 - International Day of Homeless Animals
SEPTEMBER
. September 9 - World Beauty Day (in Russia since 1999)
. A week in September
. Second Sunday - Baikal Day
. September 11 - Birthday of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
. September 15 - Greenpeace birthday
. Third Sunday - Forest Workers Day, Russian Forest Day (since 1980)
. September 16 - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer (since 1994)
. September 21 - International Day of Peace (Day of ceasefire and non-violence) since 1982.

JULY
. July 4 - International Captive Dolphin Day (since 2007)
. July 11 - International Population Day (since 1989)
. Second Sunday - Action Against Fishing Day
. July 23 - World Whale and Dolphin Day (since 1986)

September 22 - World Car Free Day (France, since 1998)
. September 27 - World Tourism Day (since 1979)

September 27 - World Maritime Day (celebrated on one of the days of the last week of September) since 1978.
OCTOBER
. October 1 - World Vegetarian Day (since 1977)
. October 2 - World Day of Farm Animals
. October 2 - Children's Health Day
. October 4 - World Animal Protection Day (in Russia since 2000)
. October 5 - Day of formation of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (since 1990 - the World Union for Conservation of Nature)
. October 6 - World Habitat Day (since 1979)
. Second Wednesday - International Day for Protection from Natural Disasters (since 1999)