The term “Mother Earth” makes us aware of the interdependence between human beings, the various living species and the earth we live on. The importance of contributing to a more sustainable economy in harmony with nature is now a necessity.
Several organizations, including the Dicastery for the Service of Integral Human Development and the United Nations (UN), are calling for urgent action on both an individual and collective level.
The UN has launched the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration in 2022. The submission of the first report led to the development of a strategy for ecosystem restoration.
Visit the Decade website to learn more about the many actions being taken around the world. You’ll find a video game and a wealth of information on major initiatives, not to mention news. A short video with English subtitles also highlights the Decade.
These examples are all ways of responding to the call of Pope Francis, who wrote in his encyclical Laudato Si’: “All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.” (LS 14)
Protecting biodiversity
Over the years, Earth Day has become one of the largest participatory environmental movements on the planet, sparking collaborations between countries like Canada and France.
The aim of the 2025 campaign is to encourage as many people as possible to take action, and to continue raising public and organizational awareness of environmental issues.
Under the theme of biodiversity, the campaign aims to demystify the concept and help preserve it. Topics covered include ecosystem balance, food security and resilience in the face of climate change.
Several suggested activities are presented, such as a bioblitz, a biodiversity collage or participation in No Mow May challenge.
For further reflection, see the document prepared by the SNJM Water-Ecology Committee for the 50th anniversary of this day in 2020.