Although Earth Day has been observed on April 22 around the world for many years, it was only last year, in 2009, that the United Nations designated April 22 as International Mother Earth Day (A/RES/63/278). The UN General Assembly acknowledged that “the Earth and its ecosystems are our home, and convinced that in order to achieve a just balance among the economic, social, and environmental needs of present and future generations, it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.” As for the terminology used, the General Assembly recognized that “Mother Earth is a common expression for the planet earth in a number of countries and regions, which reflects the interdependence that exists among human beings, other living species and the planet we all inhabit.”
As we celebrate International Mother Earth Day for a second time, here are some suggestions for action:
- read the Earth Charter;
- explore the dynamic website of The Earth Charter Initiative, for example by looking up your national Earth Charter website;
- pray Our Earth Prayer which was adapted from the Earth Charter;
- plant a tree and register it with the Plant for the Planet: Billion Tree Campaign;
- explore the website of the International Year of Biodiversity 2010;
- watch the presentation by Rolland G. Smith at the 2007 DPI/NGO Conference;
- find out what is happening on Earth Day in your country and, if possible, participate in one action;
- share these and your own suggestions with family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, etc.
Cecile Meijer, rscj
NGO Office, April 2010
