Mission LiFE | Awareness program organised on the occasion of World Turtle Day

World Environment Day, celebrated on June 5th every year, is a significant occasion that brings people together to raise awareness and take action for the environment. In 2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the Government of India focused on celebrating World Environment Day with a thrust on the Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). This concept was introduced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister during the World Leaders’ Summit at the 2021 UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow, where he called for a global pursuit of adopting sustainable lifestyles and practices.

To promote Mission LiFE, various organizations and institutions across India organized events and activities. Here are some examples:

1. National Museum of Natural History (NMNH): NMNH conducted an “Introduction to Insect Life” activity as part of Mission LiFE. The activity aimed to create awareness about insect species by describing their external morphology and habitats to 40 students and general visitors.
2. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI): ZSI collaborated with the Zoological Garden in Kolkata to organize an awareness program on World Turtle Day. The program focused on spreading the message of Mission LiFE and included an address by Dr. Dhriti Banerjee to an audience of students, researchers, scientists, wildlife conservationists, and the general public. An art competition was also organized on the occasion.
3. GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (NIHE): The Centre for Socio-Economic Development of NIHE organized an awareness campaign program for mushroom cultivation under the Mission LiFE theme of “Adopt sustainable food system” and “Adopt healthy lifestyle.” The program aimed to promote environmentally friendly lifestyles and sustainable practices in the Indian Himalayan Region.
4. National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM): NCSCM organized a beach clean-up and awareness event at Kanyakumari Triveni Sangamam as part of the mass mobilization movement for the LiFE mission. The event aimed to educate tourists, local communities, and vendors about the negative impacts of litter on beaches and coastal ecosystems. It also highlighted the importance of responsible and sustainable tourism and encouraged visitors to follow environmentally friendly lifestyles.
5. NCSCM also partnered with the sea turtle hatchery at Besant Nagar on World Turtle Day to spread awareness and educate coastal fishermen and the local community about sea turtle conservation. The event emphasized the need to protect nesting sites, combat pollution and illegal wildlife trade, and engage local communities in conservation efforts.
6. NCSCM organized an awareness program for students of Anna University in Chennai, focusing on sustainable living, reducing single-use plastics, protecting the oceans, and practicing responsible consumption. The event aimed to sensitize students about environmental issues and encourage them to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives.

These initiatives and events were aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyles, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and mobilizing people to take action for a better future.