As we bid farewell to the unforgettable year of 2022 and welcome the 2023 Lunar New Year, Sulco Environmental Protection extends heartfelt gratitude to leaders at all levels for their long-term care and support! We also send New Year’s blessings to our partners and collaborators! Wishing everyone a joyful, healthy, and prosperous 2023!

 2February 2: World Wetlands Day

On February 2, 1971, the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat (Ramsar Convention) was signed in Ramsar, Iran. This groundbreaking intergovernmental treaty became the first global agreement focused on protecting a specific ecosystem.

In October 1996, the Ramsar Convention designated February 2 as ?World Wetlands Day? to encourage governments, organizations, and citizens worldwide to raise awareness about the ecological value of wetlands and promote conservation efforts.

3March 12: China Arbor Day

Arbor Day, observed in many countries, aims to inspire love for forests, advance land greening, and protect the ecological environment vital to human survival.

The modern Arbor Day originated in Nebraska, USA. On April 10, 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed the idea at a meeting of the Nebraska Horticultural Society. The state adopted the initiative, marking April 10 as its Arbor Day. In 1932, Nebraska issued the world’s first Arbor Day stamp, depicting two children planting a tree.

In February 1979, China’s Sixth Session of the Fifth National People’s Congress Standing Committee designated ?March 12? as ?China Arbor Day?.

3March 22: World Water Day

On January 18, 1993, the 47th United Nations General Assembly established ?March 22? as ?World Water Day?.

Following the enactment of China’s Water Law in 1988, the Ministry of Water Resources initially designated July 1–7 as ?China Water Week?. To align with the themes of World Water Day, the observance was shifted to ?March 22–28? starting in 1994, amplifying the global call for water conservation.

4March 22: World Earth Day

The first Earth Day was held on ?April 22, 1970?, initiated by Harvard student Denis Hayes. Over 20 million Americans participated, including 10,000 schools and 2,000 universities, sparking a global environmental movement.

Earth Day gained momentum after the 1972 UN Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and the establishment of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973. China has commemorated Earth Day with public awareness campaigns annually since 1990.

5March 22: International Day for Biological Diversity

The Convention on Biological Diversity came into force on December 29, 1993.

 Biodiversity encompasses the variety of life across ecosystems, species, and genes—a foundation for human survival shaped over billions of years of evolution.

5May 31: World No Tobacco Day

In 1987, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated ?May 31? as ?World No Tobacco Day? to highlight the health risks of smoking.

6June 5: World Environment Day

From June 5–16, 1972, the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm led to the Stockholm Declaration and a global action plan. The UN later declared ?June 5? as ?World

Environment Day?, with annual themes addressing pressing ecological issues. The day features campaigns, reports, and awards like the Global 500 Roll of Honor.

6June 11: China Population Day

China’s population grew from 500 million in 1949 to 1.248 billion by 1998, accounting for 21% of the global population. ?June 11? marks ?China Population Day?, reflecting on demographic challenges and policies like family planning.

6June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

In response to escalating desertification, the UN adopted the Convention to Combat Desertification on June 17, 1994. Since 1995, ?June 17? has been observed to mobilize action against land degradation, particularly in Africa.

7June 11: World Population Day

The UN established ?July 11? as ?World Population Day? in 1988 to address rapid population growth,

which surged from 1 billion in 1800 to 5 billion by 1987.

9September 16: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

On September 16, 1987, 46 nations signed the Montreal Protocol to phase out ozone-depleting substances. The day underscores global efforts to protect the ozone layer and human health.

10October 4: World Animal Day

Inspired by St. Francis of Assisi’s legacy of animal welfare, ?October 4? was designated ?World Animal Day?.

China has participated in this observance since 1997.

10September 16: World Food Day

Established in 1981, ?October 16? raises awareness about global food security amid population growth and shifting consumption patterns.

The day urges reflection on sustainable food systems and equitable resource distribution.