The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, is planning to celebrate World Environment Day 2023 with a focus on the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Mission LiFE was introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26, where he emphasized the need for adopting sustainable lifestyles and practices globally.
Various organizations and institutions across India are actively promoting Mission LiFE themes and conducting awareness programs and cleanup drives to engage the public in environmental conservation. Here are some examples:
- National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM): NCSCM organized a cleanup drive at Arichal Munai and Dhanushkodi beaches on Rameswaram Island in the Gulf of Mannar. They sensitized visitors and tourists about the significance of clean beaches, pollution-free seas, and eco-friendly lifestyles. Litter was collected and handed over to a material recovery facility, and awareness was raised about reducing single-use plastics, responsible tourism, waste segregation, water and biodiversity conservation, and adopting a sustainable lifestyle.
- National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE): The North East Regional Centre (NERC) of NIHE organized an awareness program and cleanliness drive at Himalayan University in Arunachal Pradesh. The program aimed to create awareness about biodiversity conservation and the harmful effects of plastic pollution in the Himalayan region. Participants, including research scholars, students, and faculty, took the pledge to adopt a healthy lifestyle and say no to single-use plastic.
- Zoological Survey of India: The Zoological Survey of India in Digha, West Bengal, organized a Mission LiFE mass mobilization program at the Digha Science Centre to raise awareness among tourists about the objectives of Mission LiFE. Visitors were motivated to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
- National Museum of Natural History: The Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH) in Bhubaneswar organized a program on International Museum Day to raise awareness about the importance of museums. Participants were briefed about the role of museums in promoting sustainability and well-being. In Mysore, RMNH, along with the Department of Archaeology, Museums and Heritage, conducted an event under the theme ‘Museums, Sustainability, and Well-being’ to highlight the role of natural history museums in shaping sustainable futures.
These initiatives aim to engage people from different backgrounds and age groups, spread awareness about the importance of environmental conservation, and encourage the adoption of sustainable practices in daily life.