ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) commemorated World Environment Day on 5^th June 2024 in AIDA campus with a series of impactful events, including an awareness program, a plantation drive, and an inter-school quiz competition on the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”.

The primary objective of the celebration was to raise awareness and encourage action for the protection of our environment. While addressing the participants, Rev. Fr. Roy George, Executive Director, AIDA, spoke about the inception of World Environment Day which was originated in 1972 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to mark the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment and the motive of revolving around a central theme annually to focus on a specific environmental issue and take a prominent role in hosting major events and raising awareness for the chosen theme. He added that the host country for World Environment Day 2024is the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Arab Forum for Environment will be organizing the event from 3-4 June in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to explore critical environmental issues in the Arab region, including land degradation and drought as well as to identify potential cooperation opportunities and establish a regional dialogue.

He also encouraged all the participants to be aware of the environmental concerns and be more responsible towards our approach in tackling environmental concerns and make our earth a safe haven for all. In view to mark the day, AIDA staff planted fruit saplings and prepared raised beds for vegetable gardening within the campus, promoting hands-on environmental stewardship. Cleanliness drive was also organised by the AIDA staff. The day also featured an inter-school quiz competition organized by AIDA-Action for Protection of Environment in North East Indian Region (APENIR), attended by members of the AIDA Eco Club representing various educational institutions of Dimapur and Chumoukedima. Mr.Ashim Debnath, Teacher, Vidya Bhavan and Mr.P M Joachim Jack, Project Coordinator, APENIR served as the Quiz master for the competition. Eco Club students from St.Mary’s Hr. Sec.School, Padumpukhuri, were titled as the winners, with the 1^st runner up position bagged by SD Jain Hr. Sec. School and SM High School securing the 2^nd runner up position. Altogether, 51 students 12 staff from the various schools and 25 AIDA staff actively participated in the event.