Environmental dates and holidays. Ecological dates and holidays Ecological calendar of Belarus for a year

23.06.2020

Page 1 of 4

In order to attract public attention to the issues of preserving natural heritage sites and in connection with the 100th anniversary of the creation of the first state natural reserve in Russia in 2017, by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation V.V. Putin dated 01.08.2015 No. 392 2017 was announced in the Russian Federation « The Year of Specially Protected Natural Areas". In accordance with the Fundamentals of State Policy in the Field of Environmental Development of the Russian Federation for the Period up to 2030, approved by the President of the Russian Federation dated April 30, 2012, in order to draw public attention to the issues of environmental development of the Russian Federation, conservation of biological diversity and ensuring environmental safety, Presidential Decree Of the Russian Federation dated January 05, 2016 No. 7 2017 was additionally announced in Russia and Year of ecology.

We bring to your attention an annotated calendar of environmental dates for 2017. (Prepared based on materials from the Internet).

January April July October

February May August November

March June September December

Under the auspices of the UN

The General Assembly decided to proclaim 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

2008-2017 year- Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty
2010-2020 year- United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification
2011-2020 year- Decade of Action for Road Safety
2011-2020 year- Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism
2011-2020 year- United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
2013-2022 year- International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures
2014-2024 year- Decade of Sustainable Energy for All
2015-2024 year- International Decade for People of African Descent

JANUARY
11	World Day for Nature Reserves On January 11, 1916, the first reserve, Barguzinsky, was created on the territory of Russia. Since then, this day has been celebrated as the Day of Nature Reserves in our country.
FEBRUARY
1 to 9	Memorial days for people who died protecting animals Since 2009, events have been held in various countries in memory of people who died protecting animals. These days they remember Jill Phipps, Mike Hill, Tom Vorby and other activists who passed away in different years. Many Russian animal activists support actions in memory of them, as well as recently lost loved ones.
2	World wetland day It was established in 1971 in connection with the signing in the city of Ramsar (Iran) of the "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Mainly as a Habitat of Waterfowl."
2	Groundhog Day (USA) In the XVIII century. German settlers, who settled in the small town of Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, brought with them a new tradition to America: on February 2, you need to watch a marmot crawling out of its burrow. By his behavior, one can judge the proximity of the onset of spring. In 1886 the holiday became official.
	World sick day It was established on May 13, 1992 on the initiative of the late Pope John Paul II. This is a kind of social step aimed at supporting people who have fallen into the sad category of patients.
	International Day for Spontaneous Acts of Kindness An unofficial holiday initiated by a number of international charitable organizations. The organizers of the Day of Spontaneous Acts of Kindness call on this day to be not just kind and responsive to someone else's misfortune, but kind, boundlessly and unselfishly.
19	World Marine Mammal Day (Whale Day) It was established in 1986 when, after 200 years of ruthless extermination of peaceful sea giants, the International Whale Commission imposed a ban on whaling. It is still in effect and means that hunting for large whales, as well as the trade of whale meat, is prohibited all over the world. In Russia, the Day of the Whale has been celebrated since 2002.
	Birthday of the Association of Reserves The birthday of the Association of Reserves and National Parks of North-West Russia, the largest public association of specially protected natural areas (SPNA) in Russia. Celebrated since 1995.
MARCH
1	World cat day This holiday appeared thanks to the Moscow Cat Museum, the museum was organized by the gallery of contemporary art "INTER" in March 1993. The idea to create such a museum came to mind of two artists Andrey Abramov and Ekaterina Efimova. A little later, on their own initiative, the Moscow Cat Museum, with the support of the UN, proclaimed World Cat Day, which has been celebrated on March 1 since 2004.
14	International Day against Dams International Day Against Dams is celebrated at the initiative of the International Rivers Network (USA) under the motto "For rivers, water and life."
	World Day Against Seal Hunting World Day Against Hunting for Harp Seals (Harp Seal Cubs) was initiated by the International Fund for the Protection of Animals (IFAW). On this day, the international community and numerous environmental organizations carry out various activities to protect the seal.
20	Earth Day Historically, Earth Day is celebrated in the world 2 times: March 20 and April 22. The first holiday has a peacemaking and humanistic orientation, the second - an environmental one.
	International Meat Free Day Many countries have been celebrating since 1985. On this day, shops and restaurants refuse to sell meat, and activists promote vegetarianism, as well as the ideas of compassion for animals and the protection of the environment.
21	International day of the forest The idea of celebrating the International Day of Forests first appeared at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. A year later, the World Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supported the idea of an International Day of Forests as an occasion to inform the public about the importance of forest conservation. It was decided to celebrate this day every year around the world on March 21 - the day of the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
22	International Day of the Baltic Sea On March 22, 2000, the International Day of the Baltic Sea was celebrated for the first time in St. Petersburg by the decision of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection. The purpose of the Baltic Sea Day is to popularize the ideas of the Helsinki Convention, inform the public and specialists about the activities of HELCOM, and expand the understanding of the impact of the megalopolis on the Baltic water area.
22	World Water Day (Water Day) World Water Day has been celebrated since 1992. at the suggestion of the International Water Users Association and its President Alfred Rasted. This proposal was enshrined in the decision of the participants of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held from 3 to 14 June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. In 2003, the UN General Assembly declared 2005 - 2015. International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, and therefore the international importance of World Water Day has increased dramatically.
23	World meteorological day This day is dedicated to the formation of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) instead of the former International Meteorological Organization, created in 1873, and the entry into force of the WMO Convention on March 23, 1950. The holiday motto is “Weather, Climate and Water in the Information Age”.
	Earth Hour Global annual international action, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which is held annually on the last Saturday of March. It lies in the fact that on this day at the appointed time, people in different countries of the world turn off the lights and other electrical appliances for one hour.

Under the auspices of the UN

2010-2020 year- United Nations Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification
2011-2020 year- Decade of Action for Road Safety
2011-2020 year- Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism
2011-2020 year- United Nations Decade on Biodiversity
2013-2022 year- International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures
2014-2024 year- Decade of Sustainable Energy for All
2015 - 2024- International Decade for People of African Descent

JANUARY

– 11 –

World Day for Nature Reserves
Since 1997, at the initiative of the Center for Wildlife Conservation and the World Wildlife Fund, on January 11, Russia celebrates the Day of Reserves and National Parks. On this day in 1916, the first state reserve, Barguzinsky, was formed in Russia, which received international recognition.

FEBRUARY

– 2 –

World wetland day
It was established in 1971 in connection with the signing in the city of Ramsar (Iran) of the "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Mainly as a Habitat of Waterfowl." In our country, on the territory of the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, more than 40 such lands have been taken under protection, which are of the greatest recreational, economic and cultural value.

– 19 –

World Marine Mammal Day (Whale Day)
It was established in 1986 when, after 200 years of ruthless extermination of peaceful sea giants, the International Whale Commission imposed a ban on whaling. It is still in effect and means that hunting for large whales, as well as the trade of whale meat, is prohibited all over the world. In Russia, the Day of the Whale has been celebrated since 2002.

– 25 –

Birthday of the Association of Reserves
February 25, 1995 is considered the date of birth of the Association of Reserves and National Parks of North-West Russia. The idea of its creation was put forward in August 1994 at the Vodlozersky NP, at the Russian-American seminar on the management of protected areas in Russia. The initiative was supported by the participants of the All-Russian seminar on the problems of protected areas in Adler in December 1995. Today it is the largest public organization, uniting 23 participants.

MARCH

– 1 –

World cat day
This holiday appeared thanks to the Moscow Cat Museum, the museum was organized by the gallery of contemporary art "INTER" in March 1993. The idea to create such a museum came to mind of two artists Andrey Abramov and Ekaterina Efimova. A little later, on their own initiative, the Moscow Cat Museum, with the support of the UN, proclaimed World Cat Day, which has been celebrated on March 1 since 2004.

– 21 –

International day of the forest
The idea of celebrating the International Day of Forests first appeared at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. A year later, the World Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supported the idea of an International Day of Forests as an occasion to inform the public about the importance of forest conservation. It was decided to celebrate this day every year around the world on March 21 - the day of the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

– 22 –

International Day of the Baltic Sea
On March 22, 2000, the International Day of the Baltic Sea was celebrated for the first time in St. Petersburg by the decision of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection. The purpose of the Baltic Sea Day is to popularize the ideas of the Helsinki Convention, inform the public and specialists about the activities of HELCOM, and expand the understanding of the impact of the megalopolis on the Baltic water area.

– 22 –

World Water Day (Water Day)
World Water Day has been celebrated since 1992 at the suggestion of the International Water Users Association and its president, Alfred Rasted. This proposal was enshrined in the decision of the participants of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held from 3 to 14 June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. In 2003, the UN General Assembly declared 2005 - 2015. International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, and therefore the international importance of World Water Day has increased dramatically.

APRIL

– 1 –

International bird day
In Russia, Bird Day has been celebrated since 1927. In 1927, in the USSR, Bird Day was established as a Yunnatsky spring holiday. In recent years, this wonderful conservation action has been somewhat forgotten. In the spring of 1998, the children's magazine "Ant" proposed to revive the Day of Birds. This call was supported by the Federal Forestry Service and the Union for the Conservation of Birds of Russia, and the holiday was timed to April 1 - to the massive arrival of birds from warm regions.

– 7 –

On this day, the Charter of the World Health Organization (WHO) entered into force. The annual health day has become a tradition since 1950. It is held so that people around the world can understand how much health means in their lives and decide what needs to be done to improve their health. Each year, a theme is chosen for World Health Day that reflects a priority public health problem in the world.

– 15 –

Environmental Knowledge Day
Day of Environmental Knowledge was founded by UN representatives in 1992 at the Conference on the Environment. In the Russian Federation, the holiday was first celebrated in 1996. Traditionally, on this day, educational events, seminars, exhibitions and other events are held in educational institutions, scientific organizations and libraries. Children and adolescents are involved in training so that they learn to protect the environment from an early age.

– 18-22 –

March of the Parks
International holiday of specially protected natural areas: national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and natural monuments. The MarchforParks campaign is timed to coincide with Earth Day (April 22) and is held annually in April in many countries around the world. In 1995, the "March of Parks" took place for the first time in Russia.

– 19 –

Snowdrop day
Snowdrop Day was first celebrated in England. The holiday has been celebrated since April 18, 1984. The Latin name of the plant "Galanthus" means "milk flower". Many species of this plant are included in the Red Book.

– 22 –

World earth day
Historically, Earth Day is celebrated in the world 2 times: March 20 and April 22. The first holiday has a peacemaking and humanistic orientation, the second - an environmental one. This day is intended to unite people in the protection of the environment. This initiative arose in 1970 in the United States and over time gained international distribution. In 2009, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the International Day of Mother Earth, deciding to celebrate it on April 22.

– 26 –

Day of participants in the elimination of the consequences of radiation accidents and disasters and the memory of the victims of these accidents and disasters
Celebrated in memory of the events of April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The establishment of a memorable date perpetuates the memory of the victims and pay tribute to the living participants in the liquidation of the consequences of radiation accidents and disasters.

– 28 –

Chemical Safety Day
On April 28, 1974, in Chuvashia, at the production of chemical weapons in Novocheboksarsk, an unfinished finished product workshop caught fire. Several tons of toxic substances have entered the environment. In 1997, on this day, the international Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction entered into force. Since 1997, April 28 has been annually celebrated in Russia as the day of chemical safety, as the day of critical analysis of our relationship with "chemistry" - both dangerous and useful.

– 3 –

Sun day
The annual Sun Day has been organized since 1994 by the European Chapter of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES-Europe) to draw attention to the possibilities of using renewable energy sources.

– 15 –

International Climate Day
Celebrated to commemorate the proclamation by meteorologists of the need to protect the climate as a resource for the well-being of present and future generations.

– 20 –

Volga Day
Since 2006, the UNESCO Moscow Office, in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Eurasia, has been implementing the Living Volga environmental program in the Russian Federation. They proposed to include the annual Volga Day in the international ecological calendar in order to coordinate efforts to take decisive measures to protect the ecology and biodiversity of the Volga River and to involve the general population in this movement.

– 22 –

International Day for the Conservation of Biological Diversity (flora and fauna of the Earth)
On December 20, 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed May 22, the day of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, as International Day for Biological Diversity (Resolution 55/201).

– 31 –

World no tobacco day
No Tobacco Day was established in 1988 by the World Health Organization (WHO). On this day, events are held to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco consumption.

JUNE

– 5 –

World environment day
On December 15, 1972, the General Assembly, in resolution 2994 (XXVII), declared June 5 as World Environment Day, which will be celebrated with a view to enhancing public awareness of the need to preserve and improve the environment. The choice of this date is based on the fact that on this day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) opened.

– 5 –

Ecologist day
The holiday was established on December 15, 1972 at the initiative of the UN General Assembly in order to "draw public attention to the need to preserve and improve the environment." The choice of this date is based on the fact that on this day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) opened.

– 8 –

World oceans day
Proclaimed in 1992 at the Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro. By proclaiming this holiday, the UN emphasized the vital importance of the oceans to the planet, as well as the need to take care of their condition.

– 15 –

Day of the creation of the youth movement in Russia
June 15, 2008 marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Yunnat movement in Russia. On June 15, 1918, the staff of the Station for Young Nature Lovers in Sokolniki (Moscow), which emerged in the same year, conducted the first organized excursion. This day became the official date for the creation of the first out-of-school institution - the Station for Young Nature Lovers (Biostation for Young Naturalists - BYUN).

JULY

– 11 –

International Population Day
It has been celebrated since July 1987, when the world's population reached 5 billion people. It is intended to draw public attention to the urgency and importance of solving demographic and other related problems.

– 11 –

Action day against fishing
In 2003, during the Second All-Russian Congress of Animal Rights Defenders, it was decided to hold a Day of Action against Fishing and to coincide with the Day of the Fisherman. The goal is to draw attention to the brutality of the fishing industry.

AUGUST

– 6 –

World Day for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (Hiroshima Day). International Day "Doctors of the World for Peace"
The day of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima began to be celebrated by the international community as the World Day for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. This day is also celebrated as the international day "Doctors of the World for Peace" - established by the decision of the Executive Committee of the International Movement "Doctors of the World for the Prevention of Nuclear War" on the day of the bombing of Hiroshima. This day serves as a reminder of the human tragedy, of the role of doctors in the struggle for peace and in the prevention of war in general.

– 18 –

Horse feast
In Russia, the holy martyrs Florus and Laurus are venerated as patrons and healers of domestic animals. According to legend, with the discovery of the relics of Florus and Laurus, the death of livestock stopped. Then the veneration of these saints began as patrons of horses. In many churches and museums in Russia, icons of Saints Florus and Laurus, where there are images of horses, have been preserved. On the Horse Festival, horses were brought to the churches. After the prayer service to the holy martyrs Florus and Laurus, the horses were sprinkled with holy water right there in front of the church.

– 19 –

International day of homeless animals
The day entered the international calendar according to the proposal of the International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) USA. It has been celebrated in Russia since 2000.

– 27 –

Baikal Day
Celebrated since 1999 on the fourth Sunday in August, various public events are held on this day in Russia. These are numerous cultural, scientific, sports events, as well as creativity contests, quizzes, and Olympiads.

SEPTEMBER

– 11 –

Birthday of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
On September 11, 1961, in the small Swiss town of Morgue, where the headquarters of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature is located, the WWF emerged, the purpose of which was proclaimed to preserve life on earth. Created by a commonwealth of business leaders, scientists and government leaders, with the support of Prince Bernard of the Netherlands and the Duke of Edinburgh, WWF has grown into an influential and independent international organization. The foundation started working in Russia in 1994.

– 15 –

Greenpeace - Greenpeace - The Green World is the most famous independent international public organization. Greenpeace is fighting against nuclear tests, industrial waste pollution, destruction of rare species of animals and plants, deforestation, etc. The Greenpeace organization was founded in 1971 in Canada.

– 16 –

International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
On September 16, 1987, in Montreal, representatives of 36 countries signed a protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, called the Montreal Protocol. It called for freezing the production of the five most widely used CFCs at 1986 levels and then phasing them out.

– 22 –

Car-Free Day, European Pedestrian Day
It was first held in Paris in September 1999. On September 22, motorists (and motorcyclists) are invited to stop using fuel-consuming vehicles for at least a day; in some cities and countries specially organized events are held. It has been celebrated in Russia since 2008.

– 27 –

International Tourism Day
International holiday established by the General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization in 1979 in the Spanish city of Torremolinos. Celebrated on September 27. It has been celebrated in Russia since 1983. The purpose of the holiday is to promote tourism, highlight its contribution to the economy of the world community, and develop ties between peoples of different countries.

OCTOBER

– 4 –

World animal day
In 1931, in Florence, at a forum dedicated to the protection of animal rights, October 4 was proclaimed International Day for the Protection of Animals. This decision was supported by organizations created to protect animals in different countries of the world.

– 6 –

World Habitat Day
The holiday was approved in 1979 under the Convention for the Conservation of Wild Fauna and Flora and Natural Habitats in Europe.

– 31 –

International Black Sea Day
On October 31, 1996 in Istanbul (Turkey), representatives of the governments of Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Georgia signed a strategic action plan to save the Black Sea.

NOVEMBER

– 9 –

Day of anti-nuclear actions
Under the motto "We choose a future without radiation!" On this day, protests are held against the development of nuclear energy, for increasing its safety, the use of alternative energy sources, anti-nuclear camps are set up near dangerous facilities, signs of radiation danger are erected in places with a high radiation background.

– 11 –

International Day of Energy Saving
Celebrated since 2008 at the initiative of the International Educational Project "School Program for the Use of Energy and Resources" (SPARE). Energy Saving Day received its international status not by chance: about 20 countries, including Russia, expressed their desire to participate in the action. The main goal of the events is to draw the attention of the authorities and the public to the rational use of resources and the development of renewable energy sources. Energy conservation plays an important role in conserving natural resources, reducing environmental pollution and bringing economic benefits.

– 21 –

International smoking cessation day
Was established by the American Cancer Society in 1977. The goal is to help reduce the prevalence of tobacco dependence, involve all segments of the population and doctors of all specialties in the fight against smoking, prevent tobacco smoking and inform society about the harmful effects of tobacco on health.

– 29 –

Day of the creation of the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation (VOOP)
On the initiative and with the participation of prominent Russian scientists, public and state figures, the All-Russian Society for the Conservation of Nature, the largest public environmental organization in Russia, was created in 1924.

– 30 –

World pet day
The custom of congratulating your winged and tailed pets came from Spain. Valorous bullfighters celebrated it on the Day of St. Anthony - the patron saint of domestic animals.

DECEMBER

– 1 –

It was first celebrated on December 1, 1988, after a call for social tolerance and increased exchange of information on HIV / AIDS was made at a meeting of ministers of health of all countries. In April 1991, to draw public attention to the problem of AIDS, the artist Frank Moore creates a red ribbon - the official international symbol of the fight against AIDS.

– 5 –

International Volunteer Day
The UN General Assembly in 1985 invited governments to celebrate 5 December annually, the International Day of Volunteers for Economic and Social Development.

– 10 –

International Animal Rights Day
The Universal Declaration of Animal Rights is based on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and aims to end the exploitation and killing of animals. International Animal Rights Day was established on this day in 1998, the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Human Rights.

– 11 –

International Mountain Day
Proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in a resolution dedicated to the outcome of the International Year of Mountains, the purpose of which was to raise international awareness of the global importance of mountain ecosystems. Celebrated annually on December 11, starting in 2003.

It was decided to call 2017 the year of ecology in Russia, as well as the Year of Specially Protected Natural Areas and an anniversary. The reason lies in the need to educate the public that the environment must be protected. The ecological calendar for 2017 by months, like a regular calendar, starts in January, impressing with the number of busy days.
The world decided to celebrate the anniversary of sustainable tourism in 2017. The environmental dates calendar for 2017 allows you to find out the numbers that are of particular importance. The ecological year as a whole is aimed at preserving the surrounding area, they help people understand the importance of protecting flora and fauna.

First celebration 1.01 - Peace date. It was approved by His Holiness Father Paul the Sixth in 1967. This date was deliberately chosen as it is the beginning of the year.
11.01 is called the World Reserves Date. It was first celebrated in Russia in 1916. The first reserve in the Russian Federation appeared on January 11 - this is the Barguzinsky reserve.
01.22 - the celebration of the snow, which was approved only in 2012.
January 28 is considered the Date of the Discovery of Antarctica. It was discovered in 1820 by a Russian expedition under the command of M. P. Lazarev and F. F. Bellingshausen. They traveled on boats "Mirny" and "Vostok", having discovered the last and most mysterious continent of the planet. Also
28.01 and 29.01 are considered the days of the Big Winter Bird Census. It is traditionally held on the last two weekends of the month, so the dates may change. For the first time, the day was introduced in 1990 at the initiative of Frank Chapman of the editorial staff of the bird-lore journal of the United States.

2.02 has two memorable dates at once. This is World Wetlands Day. Also February 2 is considered Groundhog Day. This is a kind of memorable date for those who care about weather conditions and signs that help to establish them. For city dwellers, this is just one of the holidays.
17.02 - Date of the cat, set in Europe. The initiator was Claudi Angeletti, an Italian journalist working for Tuttogatto magazine. The celebration has been celebrated since 1992.
February 18 - The number of the whale. The date is set to protect living creatures that live in water resources. The celebration was established in 1986.
27.02 is called the number of the polar bear. It is often referred to as Polar Bear Day. We installed it to spread information about them and the need to protect them.

1.03 - The number of cats. In 1933, a cat museum was opened in Moscow, and later they took the initiative to celebrate the celebration.
3.03 is considered the Wildlife Number. The celebration was established in 2013 at the initiative of the UN. The purpose of establishing such a day was to convey to the public the main questions regarding the preservation of the wild environment.
14.03 is called the Number of actions aimed at protecting Water, Rivers and Life, preventing the construction of dams, which is celebrated in various states to protect the biosphere of the planet. The global action began in 1998, and today it has covered over 20 countries.
03/15 - The number of seal protection. It is celebrated annually, and it was initiated by the Animal Protection Fund.
03.20 The UN has established to celebrate the Solemnity of the Earth. This holiday has several directions at once: peacekeeping and humanistic.
03.21 - The triumph of the forest, which the UN decided to establish back in 1971. This allows us to tell people how important the forest and its preservation are for the planet.
22.03 is called the Water Conservation Number. It is often referred to simply as Water Day. This date was set in 1993.
23.03 - Meteorological number, which was established in 1947 at the Convention, where there were representatives of the meteorological international organization. The document became effective only three years later, and the celebration has been celebrated annually since that moment.
On March 25, the "Earth Hour" promotion is held in each country. The celebration is scheduled for the last Saturday in March, so numbers are subject to change. The action has a symbolic meaning, representing a call to people to preserve the climate.

7.04 - World Environment and Health Day, celebrated since 1950 with the aim of educating people about how important their health is. Each year, a priority topic is specially selected, and the public is told about it.
15.04 - The date of knowledge on ecology, when the campaign "Days of protection from environmental hazards" starts throughout the territory of Russia. It lasts until June 5.
18.04-22.04 - March of the parks. This is an international celebration that is timed to coincide with Earth Day. It is celebrated in various states; for the first time, the 1995 holiday was celebrated in the Russian Federation.
04.22 - Earth Festival. This is the triumph of Mother Earth, the UN was the initiator of the establishment.
24.04 - the number of protection of animals that are used in experiments. It was founded in 1979 at the initiative of the InterNICH Association and with the support of the UN.
28.04 is the Day of Chemical Safety. The celebration was established in 1997 after the tragedy of 1974 at the production site of Chuvashia, where chemical weapons are being created. Then there was a leak of several tons of toxic substances after a fire in an unfinished workshop.
04.29 - Date of commemoration of the victims of the use of chemical weapons. The celebration was established in 2005.

2.05 is the tuna day, which is considered the youngest among other environmental dates. We decided to celebrate it only in 2016 in order to educate the population about the value of tuna.
3.05 - Date of the Sun. It was installed not by chance, but in order to inform and remind people that there are free sources of energy, for example, solar.
12.05 - Day of Environmental Education. This date is very important, since today the negative impact on the biosphere and atmosphere reaches high levels. At the same time, people do not understand the value of nature.
14.05 - All-Russian Day of Forest Planting. It has been held every year in every corner of the country since 2011.
15.05 - Climate action. This is an unofficial holiday that is called to protect the planet's climate.
20.05 - Volga Festival. The celebration was established by the UNESCO office located in Moscow with the aim of protecting biodiversity and the ecology of the water resource.
05.22 - Date of biological diversity, which calls for the preservation of life on the planet in its many manifestations and forms.
23.05 - Turtle holiday. The holiday was established in 2000 with the aim of saving turtles from extinction.
05.25 - Feast of the Seal. This holiday is considered one of the most touching, and it is celebrated on the shores of Lake Baikal. It is there that you can find seals - seal cubs.
05.31 is the No Tobacco Day established by WHO in 1988.

4.06 - Celebration of the purification of reservoirs. It was installed in 1995 in order to receive a cleanup for the purification of rivers and lakes.
5.06 - Date of the ecologist or the day of the environment. It was installed in 1972, and was initiated by the UN.
8.06 - Celebration of the Oceans. In 1992, it was installed at a conference held in Rio de Janeiro.
15.06 - The day when the junior direction was created. 2018 will mark the centenary of this memorable date. The same date is considered the day of the wind.
17.06 - Day of Combating Droughts and Desertification. It was installed in 1995.
06.21 - Flower Festival. The history of this beautiful holiday is unknown. In Russia, the celebration takes place under the chamomile emblem, characterized by flower parades, florist contests and various festivals.

4.07 - Day of captive dolphins. The celebration is timed to the actions in defense of captive dolphins.
9.07 - Day of action against fishing in Russia.

6.08 - Hiroshima Date. The celebration was created to prevent the use of nuclear weapons.
08.29 - Day of Action Against Nuclear Tests.

1.09 - Date of commemoration of species of flora and fauna destroyed by man. This was created in order to prevent the destruction of other representatives of the living world.
11.09 - Date of foundation of the Wildlife Fund (WWF).
09.15-17.09 - Russian Forest Days. They are usually associated with planting forests and carrying out actions in order to protect forests.
09.16 - Day created for the protection of the atmospheric ozone layer. It has been celebrated since 1987 in 26 countries.
09.21 - Week of the action “We clean the world, which is celebrated today in almost all countries of the world, and Australia became the initiator of education.
09.22 - A holiday aimed at refusing to use cars. It was formed in 1999 to purify the atmosphere.

5.10 - Date of formation of the Interstate Union for Conservation of Nature.
6.10 - Day of protection and protection of habitats. This holiday contributes to the preservation of the habitat of living beings on the planet.
7.10 - Bird watching holiday. Dates are subject to change, as the celebration is officially scheduled for the first weekend of the month.
13.10 - Day dedicated to disaster risk reduction, which began to be celebrated in 1989.
26.10 - Day without paper. The purpose of the celebration is to show the world that it is possible to eliminate the need for wood processing.

9.11 - Day of actions against nuclear weapons. The celebration is set to tell about the existence of natural energy sources.
11.11 - Celebration of energy saving.
12.11 - Sinichkin day. The creation was initiated by the Union for the Protection of Birds on the Territory of the Russian Federation.
11.15 - Celebrating material recycling to bring the issue to the attention of the administration.
21.11 - Day of smoking cessation. It was established in 1977 to reduce public tobacco dependence.
24.11 - Festival of the walrus. The goal was the need to protect these animals.
11.29 - The day of the creation of the VOOP, which is engaged in nature protection. The initiators were scientists who were members of the All-Russian Society for Nature Conservation.
30.11 - Holiday of pets. For the first time, the idea of establishing a celebration was invented back in 1931 for protective purposes.

3.12 - Date of rejection of the use of pesticides. They are characterized by the emission of harmful substances, which negatively affects the atmosphere.
11.12 - Day of the Mountains, which was initiated by the UN in order to protect the mountain ecosystems of the world.

The ecological calendar for 2017, presented by months, is an opportunity to be aware of the significant dates prepared by the Year of Ecology. Human, surround nature with attention to protect it!

Under the auspices of the UN

International Decades declared by the UN:

2005–2015 - International Decade for Action “Water for Life”;
2006–2016 - Decade of rehabilitation and sustainable development of the affected regions (third decade after Chernobyl);
2008–2017 - Second United Nations Decade to End Poverty;
2010–2020 - UN Decade for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification;
2011–2020 - Decade of Action for Road Safety;
2011–2020 - UN Decade on Biodiversity;
2013–2022 - International Decade for the Rapprochement of Cultures;
2014–2024 - Decade of Sustainable Energy for All.

UN General Assembly proclaimed 2015

International Year of Soils. Noting that soils are the foundation of agricultural development and food security, and thus are key to sustaining life on Earth, recognizing that the sustainability of soil management is key to addressing the challenges of population growth, the United Nations has decided declare 5 December as World Soil Day and declare 2015 the International Year of Soils. >>>

International Year of Light and Lighting Technologies. Recognizing the importance of light and light technology to the lives of citizens around the world, noting that 2015 will be a jubilee for a number of important milestones in the history of the science of light, and believing that celebrating the anniversaries of these discoveries in 2015 will open up vast opportunities to celebrate a continuous the nature of the process of scientific knowledge in various fields, the United Nations decided to declare 2015 the International Year of Light and Light Technologies. >>>

2015 was declared the Year of the Snow Leopard at the World Snow Leopard Conservation Forum (with participation from the snow leopard range countries). The snow leopard or irbis is one of the most mysterious and little-studied animals on the planet. Its habitat today includes the territories of 12 countries of the world - Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan. In Russia, this graceful cat lives mainly within the Altai-Sayan ecoregion - in the mountains of the Republics of Altai, Tyva and Buryatia and in the south of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. According to experts, there are from 3.5 to 7.5 thousand snow leopards in the world, while in Russia their number does not exceed 70-90 individuals. The global population of the snow leopard is steadily declining, and the conservation of this species requires coordinated efforts from all countries in its range. On the eve of the forum, experts from WWF and the Russian Academy of Sciences developed a national snow leopard conservation strategy in Russia for 2014-2022. In addition, October 23 is declared the Day of the Snow Leopard in 12 countries participating in the World Forum.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree according to which 2015 was declared the Year of Literature in the Russian Federation. The Year of Literature is aimed at increasing the efficiency of publishing, increasing interest in reading and increasing the popularity of Russian literature in the country and abroad. It is assumed that all efforts and funds will be distributed through the established Foundation for the Support of Literature and grants. >>>

International Day of Mobilization Against the Threat of Nuclear War;

World Wetlands Day;

Day of action against dams. Day of Action in Defense of Rivers, Water and Life;

World Water Day;

World Earth Day;

International Bird Day;

Week in September - Global Action “Cleanse the Planet of Garbage”;

2nd Wednesday of October - International Day for Prevention of Natural Disasters;

January 29 – Mobilization Day Against the Threat of Nuclear War ... This day is celebrated on the anniversary of the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on January 28, 1985, which calls for an end to the nuclear arms race, the reduction and subsequent elimination of nuclear arsenals and the elimination of the very threat of nuclear war. It was adopted at the meeting of the heads of state and government of India, Argentina, Greece, Mexico, Tanzania and Sweden, held in the capital of India.

February 2 - World wetland day celebrated since the 2 February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar was signed a convention, which received the official name "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, Mainly as Habitats of Waterfowl" and became the first international treaty on the protection and rational use of natural resources. The Ramsar Convention was initiated by the International Bureau for the Study of Wetlands and Waterfowl.

The title of the treaty reflects the original emphasis on the conservation and wise use of wetlands, primarily for the provision of waterfowl habitat. However, over the years, the Convention has expanded the scope of its activities, covering all aspects of the protection and wise use of wetlands, highlighting them as ecosystems that are extremely important for the conservation of biodiversity and the maintenance of the well-being of the world's population.

The Treaty entered into force in 1975 and by January 2000 there were 117 Contracting Parties and 1,011 sites were included in the List of Sites of International Importance (Ramsar Sites) created under the convention. The status of these sites is kept in the International Bureau of Wetlands and Waterfowl Database and is constantly updated. One of the main conditions for joining the Ramsar Convention is the declaration by the government of the country of at least one Ramsar site on its territory.

UNESCO serves as Depositary of the Convention and its administrative functions are entrusted to a secretariat known as the "Ramsar Office", which is managed by IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (Gland, Switzerland) under the direction of the Standing Committee of the Convention. - Unreasonable destruction of forests and drainage of swamps can lead to the emergence of new deserts. According to the Society for the Conservation of Nature, the area of forests on Earth has halved over the past hundred years. However, if the value of a forest seems obvious, then swamps are usually viewed exclusively as useless, even harmful, natural formations. Only in the seventies of the last century, environmental scientists began to talk about the fact that swamps play a huge role in the life of waterfowl - as their nesting places. The total destruction of swamps inevitably entails a reduction in the number of birds, and puts some species on the brink of extinction. Therefore, it is important that some marshes are definitely preserved: they are of economic, cultural, scientific and recreational (habitat) value.

March 14th - Action Day Against Dams ... International Day Against Dams is celebrated at the initiative of the International Rivers Network (USA). "For rivers, water and life" is the motto of this day.

Over the past half century, 30-60 million people have been displaced as a result of the construction of large dams around the world. Due to the construction of dams, a total of 400 thousand square meters were flooded. km. the most fertile lands and valuable forests. Dams are the main reason that one-fifth of the world's freshwater fish species are either extinct or endangered.

22 march - World water day (World Day for the Conservation of Water Resources). This holiday is celebrated all over the world on March 22nd. The tradition dates back to 1922, when, in the framework of the UN Conference on Environmental Protection, held in Rio de Janeiro, the UN General Assembly announced that events related to the protection and development of water resources should be held annually on March 22. In our country, the Day of Water was first celebrated in 1995 under the motto “Water is life”. For the first time in the museum, Water Day was celebrated in 2002. International Decade for Action "Water for Life" (2005-2015). On 23 December 2003 (International Year of Freshwater), the General Assembly proclaimed the period 2005-2015, commencing on 22 March 2005, as the International Decade for Action “Water for Life” (resolution 58/217). Water is vital for maintaining the health of ecosystems, for sustainable development and human survival. Already today it is lacking in many parts of the world. According to UN experts, approximately 1/6 of the world's population does not have access to clean drinking water, and 1/3 to domestic water. Every eight seconds a child dies from water-related diseases. 10% of all fresh water consumed on the globe goes for domestic purposes, about 20% - for industrial needs and about 70% is used for irrigation. Therefore, the lack of water in the near future may lead to a food crisis. The reduction of fresh water reserves on the planet is due to wasteful water use, population growth, destruction of forests, and environmental pollution. Global climate change could further complicate the water supply situation. In the current state of affairs, by the middle of the 21st century, at least 2 billion people from 48 countries of the world will face water shortages. In the worst case, according to UN experts, it will affect 7 billion people from 60 countries. Due to the growing global water scarcity, today's oil wars may be replaced by water wars in the future. The goal of the Decade is to further develop international cooperation to address pressing water-related problems and to contribute to the achievement of agreed water targets. The lead organization for coordinating the activities of all stakeholders is the Commission on Sustainable Development.

March 30 - Earth protection day ... Celebrated annually by the Arab population of the occupied territories and Israel in memory of the patriots killed by the Israeli police in 1976 during a protest against Israel's forcible confiscation of Arab lands.

April 1 . - Bird day... The "oldest" of the holidays in the ecological calendar is the Day of the Birds. The lines “Letting the bird go free” belong to A. Pushkin. And he referred us to the "custom of antiquity." But in Pushkin's time, the festival of birds was not ecological, but seasonal in nature: the arrival of rooks, starlings and other migratory travelers marked the onset of spring. On this day, it was customary to sculpt larks out of dough and sing special chants. The Day of Birds acquired an ecological character by the end of the 19th century. One of the articles of the magazine "Kindergarten" for 1875 tells about the Dutch holiday, at which children gather in the square and take a solemn oath not to kill small birds and destroy their nests. Apparently, this activity was widespread fun among the child population (a kind of children's hunting), if you had to fight it with the help of special measures. The first International Convention for the Conservation of Birds was signed in 1906. After the revolution, Russia was not up to the observance of conventions of this kind. But Bird Day was celebrated in schools and youth circles. For the first time, the Day of Birds was held in 1924 under the guidance of teacher Mazurov at the Ermola school in the Smolensk region. In 1928, 65 thousand children took part in this holiday, and in 1953 - 5 million schoolchildren (only in the RSFSR). In the United States, one day was not enough. For several decades there has been a special center for the rescue of waterfowl suffering from oil spills from damaged tankers. Volunteers catch birds smeared with oil and wash them 10-15 times in a bath with soapy water. Birds, washed of adhering oil, are returned to their usual habitat. In the spring of 1998, the children's magazine "Ant" proposed to revive the Day of Birds and to coincide with April 1.

April 22 - International earth day ... Tree day. The birth of the Earth Day tradition dates back to 1840 in the United States, when J. Sterling Morton moved with his family to Nebraska. In Nebraska, their gaze opened up endless prairies with lonely trees that were supposed to be used for firewood or building houses. There was nowhere to hide from the sun and wind, and the parched land yielded a meager harvest.

Morton and his wife went straight to planting trees and launched a landscaping campaign. Morton, later the editor of the first newspaper in Nebraska, championed the idea of green space to stimulate life in this vast barren plain. Morton suggested that the citizens of Nebraska, then a newly formed state, set up a day to be dedicated to landscaping - a kind of Tree Day.

The idea met with universal support. During the first Tree Day, state residents planted nearly a million trees.

In 1882, Nebraska declared Tree Day an official holiday celebrated on Morton's birthday, April 22.

Starting in 1970, the main activities for the celebration of the Day of the Tree began to be based mainly on the idea of environmental protection and familiarization of the population with the ongoing depletion of natural resources. The holiday received a new name - Earth Day - and became nationwide. The organizers of Earth Day sought to initiate a massive environmental movement that could change consumption patterns and industrial production practices. Earth Day was proclaimed by the UN Secretary General in 1971. Since 1998, Earth Day has been officially recognized by the Russian Federation.

In Russia, Earth Day has been celebrated since 1990 hectares. Film festivals, exhibitions, concerts, press conferences, street processions, performances in schools, work with the media are organized, appeals and petitions are being prepared.

“Thinking globally - acting locally” is the capacious and deep slogan of the Earth Days. Of course, it is impossible to solve all the problems of interaction between nature and humanity, and it is not necessary to set such a task for oneself on the move. Another thing is more important - to bring concrete benefit with your own hands, no matter how small it may seem. Doing anything for the good of nature, know that you are not alone.

The Goldsman Environmental Foundation, San Francisco, is presenting the Earth Day award to "women and men who are imaginative and courageous and willing to take any risk to save the environment." Among its laureates is a citizen of Russia - Svyatoslav Zabelin, chairman of the Socio-Ecological Union (SES) - the most famous and authoritative public environmental organization in the territory of the former Soviet Union.

April 30 – Fire brigade day (See the article. The profession of courageous: April 30 - Day of fire protection // OBZH. - 2005. №16-20.)

May 3 - Sun day... On May 3, according to the decision of UNESCO, the Day of the Sun is celebrated.

To draw attention to the possibilities of using renewable energy sources, the European Chapter of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES-Europe) has been organizing an annual Sun Day on a voluntary basis since 1994. Enthusiasts and professionals, public organizations and companies throughout Europe organize various events related to the demonstration of the possibilities of solar energy. Early in the morning - the ceremony of welcoming the sunrise, and then before the evening dawn solar fairs, races of cars powered by solar energy, song festivals and at the same time serious scientific conferences, where the prospects for the use of solar energy are assessed. Sun Day is celebrated annually in 14 countries.

According to the press service of the Ilmensky State Reserve, the staff of the reserve, together with specialists from the Institute of Mineralogy, on the website of the Institute of Mineralogy "Malachite Box" have prepared a new virtual exhibition of photographs by Sergei Malkov "I came to this world to see the sun ... ".

June 5th - World environment day .

Established at the 27th session of the UN General Assembly on December 15, 1972, VDOS contributes to raising public awareness of environmental problems and contributes to raising the level of environmental knowledge of each person.

June 17 - World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought ... The huge Sahara Desert, as scientists believe, was once a blooming steppe. It turned into a desert thanks to the growth of the well-being of a human pastoralist. Huge herds of animals, which people began to breed, ate and mercilessly trampled down the steppe plants. And at the same time, no one cared that they had time to recover. As a result, the steppe ecosystem was completely destroyed. And where there was a flowering field, there is now a sandy sea. To avoid the emergence of new sugar, an ecological holiday was introduced to combat desertification.

8 july - Action day against fishing. Fisherman's day ... Celebrated on the second Sunday of July on the basis of the Decree of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR dated 01.11.88.

Starting from childhood, from Pushkin's wise fairy tale "About the Fisherman and the Fish", all our lives until old age, we all love fishing - in all its manifestations. Many of us are real fishermen, albeit amateurs. Many are familiar with the romance of early sunrises on the lake, and the quiet evening dawn, the best for biting.

For professional fishermen and workers of fishing enterprises, Fisherman's Day is the main holiday of the year.

In 2003, during the Second All-Russian Congress of Animal Rights Defenders, it was decided to hold a Day of Action against Fishing and to coincide with the Day of the Fisherman.

First day of action against fishing. On July 11, 2003, the first Day of Action against Fishing took place in the city of Novorossiysk. The city authorities, in order to avoid drawing attention to the cruelty of the fishing industry, refused to issue permission for the rally in a crowded place, sending animal rights defenders to the seaside embankment, where there were practically no people. Nevertheless, with the support of local environmentalists and with the participation of representatives of the media, the action was successful and included not just picketing and distributing leaflets, but also an interesting performance. The performance was as follows: "the fish swam carelessly, but a fisherman tracked them down, and throwing his net, he caught defenseless fish in it, and those that did not fall into the net began to be caught with a hook. Red blood of the caught fish appeared, which splashed on the sides. On white gloves. red spots appeared. Having caught the fish, he loudly shouted rejoicing at the catch. "

16 of September - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer .

Life on Earth is unthinkable without the ozone layer, which protects all life from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the Sun. The disappearance of the ozonosphere would lead to unpredictable consequences of outbreaks of skin cancer, destruction of plankton in the ocean, mutations of flora and fauna.

September 20 - Forest workers day .

The 4th of October . - Animal protection day ... This is the second "oldest" holiday of the ecological calendar, which has been celebrated since 1926. In 1926, Europeans celebrated the 700th anniversary of the death of one of the greatest Christian saints, Francis of Assisi. Francis of Assisi was the first among the Christians of the Middle Ages who refused to condemn nature as a devilish obsession and dared to call animals his brothers: "my brother Wolf", "my brother Leo." Legends tell that Francis had an incredible ability to come into contact with wild animals, which not only did not harm him, but obeyed the saint and protected him. And he, in turn, urged people not to harm animals.

The legendary hermit who lived in medieval Italy is revered not only as the founder of the Franciscan order, but also as a patron and protector of animals. It is not for nothing that many of the Renaissance canvases depict Saint Francis surrounded by forest animals and birds. Subsequently, in many countries, members of societies for the protection of animals declared their readiness to celebrate this date annually by organizing a variety of public events. Their goal is to raise public awareness of the need to protect the environment and animals. In many Western countries, it is generally accepted that pets are members of the family, as "full-fledged" as people. The animals received medical attention, healthy food, their own holidays and even beauty contests. At the same time, a number of Russian animal rights activists believe that the issues of keeping both wild and domestic animals in our country are being resolved unsatisfactorily. In particular, there is still no federal law on the protection or maintenance of "our little brothers". There is also a legislative gap in this area in Moscow. These issues are regulated by only a few resolutions of the Moscow government, but they are practically not implemented, experts say. Thus, it is not difficult to guess that due to the lack of a legislative framework, the life of animals, as well as their owners, is not protected.

The decision to celebrate this day was made at the International Congress of Supporters of the Nature Movement, held in Florence in 1931. Then, animal welfare societies in many countries of the world declared their readiness to organize a variety of public events every year. In Russia, this date has been celebrated since 2000 at the initiative of the International Fund for the Protection of Animals. Animal Day was established with the aim of raising public awareness of the need to protect the environment, increasing activity in protecting animals. In many Western European countries, pets are considered to be part of the family and have the same rights as other family members. Russia firmly holds the second place in the world after the United States in the number of domestic animals. Every third Russian family has "smaller brothers".

October 14 - Day of workers of state nature reserves ... Celebrated since 1997 at the initiative of the Wildlife Conservation Center, the World Wildlife Fund in honor of the first Russian reserve - Barguzinsky, which opened in 1916.

December 1 - World AIDS Day ... Almost 20 years ago, the world learned about the existence of a new incurable disease - acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Over the years, unprecedented financial and intellectual efforts have been spent on the fight against this disease, but the world community is still suffering a crushing defeat. According to the latest UN data, 40 million people of the planet are sick or are carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus, and in the last year alone, 3 million people have died from this disease.

December 3 - International Pesticide Day ... International Pesticide Day is celebrated on December 3rd, commemorating a major accident at a pesticide plant in India. It was on this day in 1984 that an environmental disaster occurred at a pesticide plant in Bhopal, India. To raise awareness of the challenges posed by the production and use of hazardous chemicals, the Latin American Pesticide Activists Network has declared December 3 as Pesticide Pollution Day, which will soon become international.

In May 2001, the Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was adopted in Stockholm, Sweden by 127 governments. The Stockholm Convention, which is international and legally enshrines the global elimination of pesticides, industrial chemicals and gases, the production and use of which causes great harm to all life on earth, will enter into force after ratification by 50 countries. To date, there are only two countries that have ratified the Convention - Canada and Fiji. And therefore, environmentalists from different countries are holding actions around the world on December 3 to remind governments that the Convention needs to be implemented as soon as possible.

December 29th - International Day for the Conservation of Biodiversity ... Celebrated since 1993. Its main goal is to once again draw the attention of the inhabitants of the planet to the need to preserve the biological diversity of life on Earth. A special symbolic cemetery was set up at the New York Zoo: 200 tombstones were installed there with the names of animals that have disappeared from the face of the earth over the past 400 years. Scientists predict that by 2050, another 20,000 plants will disappear. In 1966, data on extinct and endangered species of animals were published under the title "Red Book". Unfortunately, the list of endangered animal species is being replenished. But there is also reason for optimism: there are “green pages” in the Red Book. Species saved from extermination are entered there.

December 29th – international day for biological diversity ... In 1992, the UN Conference in Rio de Janeiro brought the diversity of living species, ecosystems and landscapes to the forefront of the attention of politicians and the public around the world. Biological diversity has been recognized as an essential part of the world heritage of mankind, the lifeblood of its economic and social development. At the same time, today there is a great threat to the existence of species and entire ecosystems. Human-induced extinction of species continues at an alarming rate. In this regard, the countries participating in the Conference, including the Republic of Belarus, signed the Convention on Biological Diversity.

The date December 29 was chosen to commemorate the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This day was established on the recommendation of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention held in Nassau in 1994. To date, 188 states from 194 countries of the world are Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, which have committed themselves to achieving the following goals: biodiversity conservation; sustainable use of biodiversity components; sharing, on a fair and equitable basis, the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. The Republic of Belarus ratified the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1993. Since then, she has been actively participating in all international events and contributing to the development of the provisions of this international document. To achieve the objectives of the Convention, Belarus is improving environmental legislation related to biodiversity conservation. The country adopted and entered into force such legislative acts as the Law "On Specially Protected Natural Areas and Objects" (as amended on May 23, 2000), the Law of the Republic of Belarus "On Environmental Protection" (as amended on June 17, 2002 No. ), The Law of the Republic of Belarus "On the Plant World" (June 14, 2003), Forest and Land Codes. A number of other legislative acts are being prepared that are designed to provide a legal and economic basis for the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity, for example, bills on safety in genetic engineering, on the treatment of animals, a new version of the law on the protection and use of wildlife, provisions on the Red Book Of the Republic of Belarus, other regulatory legal acts. In Belarus, the National Strategy and Action Plan for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, approved by the Government of the Republic of Belarus in 1997, is being implemented. In accordance with the Scheme for the rational placement of specially protected natural areas, approved in 1995, the system of these areas is being expanded and the National Ecological Network is being formed on its basis. Also, a network of specially protected natural areas of international importance for the conservation of biodiversity is being created - key ornithological, botanical, Ramsar (seven territories: Olmansky swamps, Middle Pripyat, Zvanets, Sporovsky, Osveisky, Kotra and "Yelnya"), transboundary natural areas, biosphere reserves. Habitats and habitats of rare and endangered species of wild animals and wild plants are preserved. In total, 2,291 habitats and habitats of 360 rare species of animals and plants listed in the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus are under protection in the republic. In 2003, 140 new similar places were identified in the republic and transferred to the protection of land users. Today in Belarus, with the financial support of the Global Environment Facility, a national biosafety system is being developed, a National Coordination Structure of the Clearing House Mechanism is being created to ensure the exchange of information in the field of international scientific and technical cooperation. A network of non-governmental government organizations is developing, which are actively involved in solving the global problem of preserving biological diversity. In 2004, work is underway to prepare the third edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Belarus, which is planned to be published this year. It will include 156 new species of animals and plants subject to protection, and 88 species will be excluded from the second edition. The new lists of animals and plants have been prepared taking into account the modern criteria for assessing species developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, 2001).

Page 1 of 4

We bring to your attention an annotated calendar of environmental dates for 2017. (Prepared based on materials from the Internet).

January April July October

February May August November

March June September December

Under the auspices of the UN

The General Assembly decided to proclaim 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development

JANUARY
11	World Day for Nature Reserves On January 11, 1916, the first reserve, Barguzinsky, was created on the territory of Russia. Since then, this day has been celebrated as the Day of Nature Reserves in our country.
FEBRUARY
1 to 9	Memorial days for people who died protecting animals Since 2009, events have been held in various countries in memory of people who died protecting animals. These days they remember Jill Phipps, Mike Hill, Tom Vorby and other activists who passed away in different years. Many Russian animal activists support actions in memory of them, as well as recently lost loved ones.
2	World wetland day It was established in 1971 in connection with the signing in the city of Ramsar (Iran) of the "Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Mainly as a Habitat of Waterfowl."
2	Groundhog Day (USA) In the XVIII century. German settlers, who settled in the small town of Punxsutawney in western Pennsylvania, brought with them a new tradition to America: on February 2, you need to watch a marmot crawling out of its burrow. By his behavior, one can judge the proximity of the onset of spring. In 1886 the holiday became official.
	World sick day It was established on May 13, 1992 on the initiative of the late Pope John Paul II. This is a kind of social step aimed at supporting people who have fallen into the sad category of patients.
	International Day for Spontaneous Acts of Kindness An unofficial holiday initiated by a number of international charitable organizations. The organizers of the Day of Spontaneous Acts of Kindness call on this day to be not just kind and responsive to someone else's misfortune, but kind, boundlessly and unselfishly.
19	World Marine Mammal Day (Whale Day) It was established in 1986 when, after 200 years of ruthless extermination of peaceful sea giants, the International Whale Commission imposed a ban on whaling. It is still in effect and means that hunting for large whales, as well as the trade of whale meat, is prohibited all over the world. In Russia, the Day of the Whale has been celebrated since 2002.
	Birthday of the Association of Reserves The birthday of the Association of Reserves and National Parks of North-West Russia, the largest public association of specially protected natural areas (SPNA) in Russia. Celebrated since 1995.
MARCH
1	World cat day This holiday appeared thanks to the Moscow Cat Museum, the museum was organized by the gallery of contemporary art "INTER" in March 1993. The idea to create such a museum came to mind of two artists Andrey Abramov and Ekaterina Efimova. A little later, on their own initiative, the Moscow Cat Museum, with the support of the UN, proclaimed World Cat Day, which has been celebrated on March 1 since 2004.
14	International Day against Dams International Day Against Dams is celebrated at the initiative of the International Rivers Network (USA) under the motto "For rivers, water and life."
	World Day Against Seal Hunting World Day Against Hunting for Harp Seals (Harp Seal Cubs) was initiated by the International Fund for the Protection of Animals (IFAW). On this day, the international community and numerous environmental organizations carry out various activities to protect the seal.
20	Earth Day Historically, Earth Day is celebrated in the world 2 times: March 20 and April 22. The first holiday has a peacemaking and humanistic orientation, the second - an environmental one.
	International Meat Free Day Many countries have been celebrating since 1985. On this day, shops and restaurants refuse to sell meat, and activists promote vegetarianism, as well as the ideas of compassion for animals and the protection of the environment.
21	International day of the forest The idea of celebrating the International Day of Forests first appeared at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. A year later, the World Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) supported the idea of an International Day of Forests as an occasion to inform the public about the importance of forest conservation. It was decided to celebrate this day every year around the world on March 21 - the day of the autumnal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere and the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.
22	International Day of the Baltic Sea On March 22, 2000, the International Day of the Baltic Sea was celebrated for the first time in St. Petersburg by the decision of the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Environmental Protection. The purpose of the Baltic Sea Day is to popularize the ideas of the Helsinki Convention, inform the public and specialists about the activities of HELCOM, and expand the understanding of the impact of the megalopolis on the Baltic water area.
22	World Water Day (Water Day) World Water Day has been celebrated since 1992. at the suggestion of the International Water Users Association and its President Alfred Rasted. This proposal was enshrined in the decision of the participants of the UN Conference on Environment and Development, held from 3 to 14 June 1992 in Rio de Janeiro. In 2003, the UN General Assembly declared 2005 - 2015. International Decade for Action “Water for Life”, and therefore the international importance of World Water Day has increased dramatically.
23	World meteorological day This day is dedicated to the formation of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) instead of the former International Meteorological Organization, created in 1873, and the entry into force of the WMO Convention on March 23, 1950. The holiday motto is “Weather, Climate and Water in the Information Age”.
	Earth Hour Global annual international action, organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), which is held annually on the last Saturday of March. It lies in the fact that on this day at the appointed time, people in different countries of the world turn off the lights and other electrical appliances for one hour.