On February 2, 1971, the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Especially as Waterfowl Habitat, was adopted in Ramsar, Iran. The UN General Assembly officially approved February 2 as the UN World Wetlands Day in 2021 by resolution 75/317. According to Ramsar Convention wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
Today, 172 countries have joined the Convention, the number of Ramsar sites is 2525, and their total area is 257529712 hectares. Armenia joined the Ramsar Convention on November 6, 1993, becoming the 70th member country. Armenia now has three Ramsar sites: Lake Sevan, Lake Arpi and Khor Virap Marsh.
https://www.ramsar.org/
Environmental Calendar
March 3 is celebrated worldwide as World Wildlife Day. The date is the day of the adoption of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. World Wildlife Day once again emphasizes the invaluable role of nature in human life and calls on humanity to once again pay attention to the conservation of wild fauna and flora. A caring attitude towards nature should become an integral part of our daily lives and activities. We are obliged to pass on an intact natural world to future generations.
Every year, 18 March is celebrated as Global Recycling Day, which aims to remind people of the importance of protecting the environment and giving waste a second life. Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste, conserve natural resources and combat climate change. Global Recycling Day is a great opportunity to reflect on our lifestyles and promote responsible waste sorting.
An annual observance dedicated to the conservation of forests. It was proclaimed by a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly on 21 December 2012 and was first marked on 21 March 2013. The International Day of Forests serves as a global platform promoting the conservation and sustainable management of forests, as well as the mitigation of the impacts of global climate change.
Every year on 22 March, one of the United Nations agencies is appointed as the coordinator of activities organized worldwide within the framework of World Water Day. Each year, events dedicated to World Water Day are held under a new theme in order to highlight the diversity and importance of water resources. Our daily lives depend on water; however, in human consciousness, its importance has often diminished. Water has increasingly become a consumer good, and we frequently take it for granted. In different parts of the world, attitudes toward water and its use vary depending on traditions, local customs, and social values.
Since 1961, 23 March has been celebrated as World Meteorological Day on the initiative of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). In the Republic of Armenia, it is also observed as Meteorologist’s Day in accordance with the Government of the Republic of Armenia Resolution No. N 936-Ն of 3 June 2004.
The goal of the day is to highlight the important role of meteorological services in weather forecasting and the monitoring of climate and water resources, as well as in the development of early warning systems and the ensuring of public safety.
Every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour is observed as a global environmental initiative held from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, during which millions of people, organizations and cities around the world turn off their lights for one hour in a symbolic act of environmental protection.
The initiative was launched in 2007 in Australia by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and has since grown into a global movement uniting more than 190 countries. The goal of Earth Hour is to raise public awareness about climate change, energy conservation and the responsible use of natural resources, serving not only as a symbolic action but also as a call to reconsider daily habits and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle.
As part of the initiative, lights are also switched off in famous buildings and landmarks worldwide, alongside awareness-raising events, campaigns and public activities.
Every year on 30 March, the International Day of Zero Waste is observed, following its establishment by the United Nations General Assembly in 2022 and its first commemoration in 2023.
The day aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, reduce waste generation, and advance the principles of a circular economy. It also seeks to raise awareness of the importance of effective waste management, particularly in the context of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution.
Across countries, a range of awareness-raising campaigns, educational programmes, and initiatives are organized to encourage more responsible, resource-efficient behaviours.
On 1 April 1906, the International Convention for the Protection of Birds was signed. Since 1600, approximately 100 bird species have become extinct worldwide, and today many species remain critically endangered or face a high risk of extinction.
Many countries have adopted legislation for the conservation of migratory birds and participate in relevant international agreements. However, a major threat to birds is not hunting, but rather human-made infrastructure and activities such as skyscrapers, television towers, and other high-rise structures, which pose fatal obstacles to migratory birds. Oil spills at sea also cause severe damage to seabird populations. Environmental pollution is also an equally serious threat.
Geologist’s Day is a professional holiday traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday of April. It was established by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR on 31 March 1966, in recognition of the achievements of Soviet geologists. It is widely believed that the first Sunday of April was chosen because geological expeditions typically begin in mid-April. The day is observed across geological and mining organizations in the former Soviet Union. In addition to geologists, it is also considered a professional holiday by surveyors, explosives engineers, miners, and all those involved in the exploration and extraction of mineral resources, whose work is closely linked to the complex and demanding field of natural resource extraction.
The history of Earth Day began in 1840, when J. Sterling Morton and his family moved to the state of Nebraska. The vast prairies, with their sparse tree cover, the wind and sun from which it was impossible to escape, and the dry soil led Morton to the idea of greening. He proposed establishing a day dedicated to tree planting and offering prizes to those who planted the most trees.
Since 1882, 22 April has been declared an official greening holiday.
Since 1970, Earth Day celebrations have placed strong emphasis on environmental protection, environmental education, and environmental awareness-raising.
World Migratory Bird Day is an annual series of awareness-raising events highlighting the importance of migratory birds and the need to conserve their habitats. It has a global reach and serves as an effective tool for raising awareness of the threats facing migratory birds, their ecological importance, and the need for international cooperation to protect them. The day is celebrated twice a year, in May and October.
The world observes International Climate Day on 15 May. Climate protection is one of the major global challenges facing humanity. Climate change and global warming are accompanied by natural disasters, loss of human lives and habitats, crop losses, water scarcity, and increased rates of disease. Armenia is also vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change.
On 20 December 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, as the International Day for Biological Diversity. Over the past century, the destruction of ecosystems has accelerated, increasing the risk of biodiversity loss and the depletion of flora and fauna. Scientists estimate that more than 5 million species may exist on Earth, many of which have yet to be described. The rate of species extinction is alarming: it is estimated that 15–20% of all species could disappear as a result of tropical forest destruction. Currently, around 22,000 species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.
www.cbd.int/ibd/2007/
In 1972, the UN General Assembly declared 5 June as World Environment Day, which has become one of the most important dates in the international environmental calendar and is celebrated annually in more than 100 countries. In the same year, the Stockholm Conference established the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Modern technological development has led to significant environmental pollution. Daily economic and military activities, accidents at industrial facilities, and weapons testing all cause damage to the natural environment. Many compounds released into the environment do not occur naturally but are artificially synthesized by humans.
On 17 June 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was adopted. In commemoration of this event, 17 June was proclaimed the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.
The purpose of the day is to raise awareness of the challenges of land degradation and desertification, which threaten food security and ecosystem stability, and to promote international cooperation in land restoration and drought mitigation.
**3 July** is the International Day Without Plastic Bags, providing an opportunity to once again raise public awareness that a world with less plastic is possible and that practical alternatives to single-use plastic bags are available.
Plastic bags discarded into the environment persist for many years and do not biodegrade, resulting in long-term environmental pollution. They accumulate in water bodies, remain on land, and cause irreversible damage to the environment, wildlife, and human health. Even in landfills, they continue to harm the environment by releasing hazardous gases when exposed to sunlight or as a result of spontaneous combustion.
Since 2007, 31 July has been celebrated as World Ranger Day. The day was established by the International Ranger Federation (IRF) to recognize the invaluable contribution of rangers to nature conservation. Thanks to their dedicated work, people are able to enjoy clean air, fresh water, and a healthy planet.
Since 1999, the last Sunday of August has been celebrated annually as Lake Sevan Day. Lake Sevan is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in the world. It has a unique ecosystem and is of great strategic importance not only for Armenia but also for the wider region.
Lake Sevan Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the lake and the ways to address them. Raising public awareness is essential for the successful implementation of measures aimed at preserving the lake’s ecosystem, as everyone shares responsibility for protecting Lake Sevan through their actions.
On December 19, 2019, the United Nations General Assembly declared September 7 as the International Day of Clean Air.
Air pollution knows no borders. We all share and breathe the same air, so we all have a responsibility to protect the atmosphere and ensure clean air for all.
Air pollution directly affects human health and ecosystems.
The message of the day is to draw countries' attention to the problem of air pollution, educate the public to avoid possible air pollution, and unite for clean air.
On 2 September 2021, the Government of the Republic of Armenia adopted a resolution establishing the Day of Specially Protected Natural Areas in the Republic of Armenia.
Armenia’s system of specially protected natural areas of includes 3 state reserves (“Khosrov Forest”, “Shikahogh” and “Erebuni”), covering 35,439.6 hectares or 1.19% of the country’s total area; 4 national parks (“Sevan”, “Dilijan”, “Lake Arpi” and “Arevik”), covering 236,802.1 hectares or 7.96% of the total area; 27 state sanctuaries and 232 natural monuments, covering 114,812.7 hectares or 3.95% of the total area.
In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 16 September as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer to commemorate the signing of the Montreal Protocol.
The Ozone Layer protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, making its preservation essential for human health and biodiversity. To this end, the international community is taking action to gradually phase out the production and use of ozone-depleting substances.
World Water Monitoring Day was established on 18 September 2003 by the American Clean Water Foundation (ACWF) as a global educational and awareness programme. The programme was later renamed the “Global Water Monitoring Challenge”, aimed at raising public awareness of water resource issues and promoting the protection of water resources from pollution.
The programme enables people to carry out basic monitoring of local water resources by collecting water samples, assessing water quality, and gaining a better understanding of the condition and safety of their local water bodies.
4 October is celebrated worldwide as World Animal Day. The date marks the anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi in 1226, who is regarded as the patron saint of animals and nature.
His compassion for all living creatures and his deep respect for nature made him one of the most widely revered saints. The St. Francis Prize is awarded in recognition of individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving animal welfare and advancing animals’ status in human society
The decision to celebrate World Animal Day was made in 1931 at the International Congress for the Protection of Animals held in Florence. Since then, animal welfare organizations around the world have marked the day each year by organizing events aimed at promoting respect for animals and encouraging a sense of responsibility for all living creatures.
13 October is the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly on 22 December 1989 as part of the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction. In 1999, the General Assembly decided to observe the second Wednesday of October each year as an international day to promote a global culture of disaster risk reduction and to encourage disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness.
Emphasizing the importance of promoting a culture of energy and resource conservation, the international educational project SPARE (International School Project on Application of Resources and Energy) declared 11 November as the International Day of Energy Saving in 2008.
Each year, around 20 countries mark the day by organizing press conferences, flash mobs, charity concerts, meetings, exhibitions, competitions, and other awareness-raising events.
Energy saving is a way of life that can make a significant contribution to addressing environmental challenges at both local and global levels.
International Mountain Day highlights the importance of mountain ecosystems and their significance for humanity. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly following the International Year of Mountains and has been observed annually on 11 December since 2003.