Mr Rewat explained that the United Nations established June 5 as World Environment Day to commemorate global environmental cooperation, first observed on June 5, 1972. This year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has focused on ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’.
The event in Phuket aimed to emphasise the importance of land restoration and drought resilience in Phuket and foster environmental awareness and conservation among the youth and citizens of Phuket
The PPAO’s initiative was supported by several local organisations, including Phuket City Municipality, Rassada Municipality, Phuket Provincial Environmental Office, Phuket Natural Resources and Environment Office, Phuket Land Development Station, Phuket Agricultural Office, Phuket Public Health Office, Marine National Park Operation Center 2 (based at Sirinath National Park), the Mai Khao Sustainable Foundation, Rotary Club of Phuket, Prince of Songkla University Phuket Campus, Phuket Rajabhat University other local educational institutions along with government agencies, private sectors, and volunteer environmental groups.
The activities held yesterday aimed to engage 350 participants and included:
- Exhibitions on environmental care, land restoration, and drought adaptation
- A painting contest reflecting soil restoration themes
- Displays of eco-friendly products
- A panel discussion on ‘Global Warming… Can Phuket Stay Cool?’
- A youth forum on the topic ‘Future Sustainable City’
Mr Rewat expressed hope that the event would raise environmental awareness and inspire collective action among all sectors in Phuket. He emphasised the need for behavioural changes to ensure sustainable environmental preservation.
Global environmental crises such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution were critical issues, Mr Rewat said.
He called for collective efforts to nurture environmental consciousness among youth and foster a culture of sustainable resource use. “By setting a good example, adults can help make Phuket a livable and sustainable city for future generations,” he said.