Since 1970, people in 192 countries have celebrated Earth Day to demonstrate worldwide support for environmental protection and to raise awareness regarding key environmental challenges, including pollution, endangered species and, in the 21st century, climate change.
In this spirit, the ILCN/ELCN Earth Day Plenary will highlight the importance of leadership at all levels of society – from national, subnational, and local government to civic and grassroots initiatives – to protect natural and cultural resources for the benefit of present and future generations. On the fiftieth anniversary of what has become a global tradition, this raising of awareness and moving forward with appropriate urgency and resolve, is more important than ever.
Two leaders in building the resilience of our places and our planet, Marta Subirà, Secretary of Environment and Sustainability of the Government of Catalonia and Wade Crowfoot, California Secretary for Natural Resources, will share reflections on the achievements of the nature conservation community, current challenges, and paths towards a brighter future in their regions. The session will conclude with an introduction of an ILCN/ELCN webinar series that will take place over the course of 2020, and a collective celebratory toast to thank all present for their dedication and contribution.
In these times of almost unimaginable change across countries and communities, it is more important than ever to bring together the global civic land conservation community using the tools at hand to reflect on our work, support our colleagues, and reinforce our commitment to voluntary private and civic action.
We hope you will join us online to celebrate this important milestone with our extraordinary network of individuals and organizations.