World Nature Conservation Day falls annually on July 28This day was officially declared at the UN Conference on the Environment in Stockholm in 1972. It was created as a global appeal for environmental protection - to maintain the balance between between man and nature and to protect valuable ecosystems and endangered species. It also commemorates the adoption of the UNESCO World Heritage Convention in 1972, which emphasized the need to protect natural beauty for future generations. The aim of this day is to raise public awareness of the importance of healthy ecosystems and natural resources for the stability of society, and to motivate people to take specific conservation actions.

Significance in the context of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss

The current state of nature requires more urgent action than ever before. The climate crisis is accelerating biodiversity loss, destroying habitats, and climate change is threatening the entire life cycle of many animals and plants. Scientists warn that the rate of species extinction is now 100 to 10 thousand times higher than natural (observed studies report an increase in animal and plant mortality due to human activity). More than 70 % coral reefs are threatened or destroyed, and since 1970 the number of wild animals on the planet has been reduced by about half. At the same time about 80 % oxygen, which we breathe, is produced by organisms in the oceans (plankton, algae). These data show that protecting biodiversity and natural resources is also protecting the resources on which human nutrition, health, water and climate depend. World Nature Day therefore points to these threats: "in the context of accelerated biodiversity loss, ecosystem pollution and the climate crisis, this day becomes an opportunity for action".

Celebrations and initiatives in the Slovak Republic

In Slovakia, on the occasion of World Nature Day, events are organized by the state and non-governmental organizations. The Ministry of the Environment and the Slovak Environmental Agency (SAŽP) often prepare awareness-raising campaigns in the media and schools, professional seminars or competitions on nature topics. The State Nature Conservation Agency (ŠOP SR), for example, has planned a series of events for 2025 to mark its 25th anniversary - although the main event "Day with Conservationists" (commemorating the work of nature rangers) will be on June 5, 2025 in Banská Bystrica. Activities on July 28 usually include voluntary planting of trees and meadow flowers, cleaning of sites along rivers or in parks, or lectures for schools on endangered species. Slovak non-profit organizations (such as OZ Človek a príroda, BROZ or WWF Slovensko) can organize children's art competitions, outdoor games in nature or volunteer brigades to protect local habitats. It is also worth mentioning the involvement of companies and foundations - for example, U. S. Steel Košice published tips and instructions on how to celebrate the day on its website: it pointed out that everyone can participate in protecting the Earth, for example by saving water, recycling, reducing waste or supporting renewable sources. Universities and museums also traditionally prepare exhibitions or lectures about nature - for example, in 2024 the Slovak Museum of Nature Conservation and Speleology organized an exhibition on the 100th anniversary of Slovak education in conservation.

Celebrations and initiatives in the European Union

Within the EU, World Nature Day usually follows on from the June environmental campaigns (World Environment Day) and is linked to activities commemorating the EU Green Deal and the 2030 Biodiversity Strategy. European institutions and civil society organisations use this date to highlight common goals – for example, at the national level, countries can organise seminars on sustainable management or conservation camps. At the European level, online campaigns are often held on this day (e.g. through the hashtags #WorldNatureConservationDay), as well as meetings of environmental foundations and universities. Citizens' initiatives in the EU focus on various topics: they can promote the principles of the circular economy, green shopping habits or support the restoration of agricultural land according to the European "Farm to Fork" model. Organisations such as the European Environment Agency, the European Commission (DG Environment) or the European Parliament often share infographics on biodiversity loss in the media and recall European environmental legislative achievements (e.g. statutes on the protection of natural habitats). Although there is no specific central event for 28 July in the EU, the EU Green Week 2025 (a conference on the circular economy, 3–5 June) and other activities related to nature protection that are aimed at meeting the EU Green Goals (e.g. restoring ecosystems or supporting biodiversity) can be considered a coherent framework.

Celebrations and initiatives in Latin America

Latin America, which is exceptionally rich in biodiversity, pays great attention to nature conservation. Countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Mexico have numerous national parks and reserves where they organize educational programs and volunteer activities. In 2025, the International Year of Glacier Conservation – UNESCO points out that Latin American Andean countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru) are organizing thematic events this year to save glacial waters and water resources. For example, Argentina has prepared a regional meeting for International Glacier Day and World Water Day in March 2025. In addition, local environmental communities (e.g. Amazon conservation groups, indigenous tribes) use this date to emphasize the need for sustainable management of forests and water. In Latin America, July 28 is therefore an opportunity for campaigns such as planting endangered tree species, monitoring dolphin or caiman habitats, and organizing seminars on climate adaptation. In general, the day is accompanied by mass activities aimed at nature conservation – in many places they are made tree seedlings and cleaning of parks or beaches, they are organizing lectures and workshops on environmental topics, school projects and drawing competitions, but also online campaigns on social networks with hashtags #WorldNatureConservationDay.

How to get involved

Every individual can contribute to nature conservation, not only on this day, but year after year. Recommended activities include:

• Resource saving: Use water and energy efficiently - repair leaking taps, use more energy-efficient appliances, or use renewable resources.
• Waste reduction: Minimize disposable packaging (by purchasing durable or compostable alternatives), sort and recycle or reuse items.
• Habitat protection: Join volunteer groups to plant trees, clean up sites, or maintain reserves. Support forest and wetland restoration projects in your area.
• Education and community engagement: Study information about local flora and fauna, discuss it with friends or family, and share educational materials. Children and youth can prepare projects and presentations on nature conservation for schools.
• Active citizenship: Join NGOs or public initiatives – for example, citizen water quality monitoring, sustainable agriculture campaigns, or petitions for stricter environmental laws. Support non-profits by volunteering or donating.
  After all, as environmental sources point out, World Nature Day is meant to "inspire individuals, communities, and nations to take responsibility for the health of the planet" – for example, by promoting alternative transportation (by bus, bike, or walk) and respecting legal logging limits.

Broader ecological and social significance

World Nature Day is not just a symbolic event – it reminds us of the broader context ecological and social health. Preserving biodiversity and clean nature is essential for food security, climate stability and the economy. Ecosystems provide us with important services – fresh air, clean water, soil suitable for growing crops and medicinal plants. When ecosystems are balanced, people live healthier and societies are more resilient to disasters. Conversely, the loss of biodiversity reduces the natural productivity of the country and increases the risk of the spread of diseases or resource shortages. Therefore, the challenge is to deal with nature sustainably, and this day reminds us that each of us can participate in this. Let us remember that nature is the foundation of our being – without its protection, humanity would lose the vital reserves and stability on which we rely. Therefore, July 28 also serves as a call for solidarity and responsibility – our joint actions today will affect whether our children will have a healthy planet from which they will be able to draw resources for their lives. JRi

Sources: Official and professional publications about World Nature Conservation Day; statistics and comments on climate change and biodiversity; news articles and websites of the Ministry of the Environment of the Slovak Republic, the Slovak Forestry Commission and environmental organizations.