Syria’s national day for the environment, organized by the State Ministry of Environmental Affairs, kicked off on Sunday under the slogan ‘Our Environment Under Our Protection’.
The celebrations, which are marked on the first day of November every year across several provinces, include a number of symposiums on the environment, science and health, as well as training sessions on sanitation awareness, and water and electricity consumption and rationing. The event also included interactive activities for children.
The activities, which will continue for several days, include afforestation and cleaning campaigns, sporting performances, marathons, cycling, children paintings competitions, and training courses.
Speaking in Damascus on Sunday, State Minister for Environment Affairs Nazira Sarkis said the national day is an indication of Syria’s understanding of the importance of collective environment protection, as well as the need for deepened environmental awareness among all citizens, particularly those in environmental NGOs and school clubs.
Sarkis pointed out the importance of Syria’s youth and their participation in protecting the environment through a number of activities.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in cooperation with the governorates of Damascus and Damascus countryside, have also scheduled a joint exhibition as part of the annual event.
UNICEF’s representative in Syria, Hanna Singer, highlighted the importance of paying attention to environmental issues to protect the health of citizens, particularly during childhood. Singer noted the role of UNICEF in monitoring potable water levels and spreading awareness among schoolchildren, through whom other individuals could be reached.
This article was edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
