World Environment Day 2023 commenced with great enthusiasm and participation in Côte d’Ivoire, setting the stage for similar events taking place across the globe. The capital city of Abidjan served as the focal point of the celebrations, highlighting this year’s theme: #Beat Plastic Pollution. Various venues, including the iconic Ébérie Lagoon and the Abobo Museum of Contemporary Art and Culture, showcased the efforts of Côte d’Ivoire in addressing pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
The day began with a visit to Abidjan’s renowned Ébérie Lagoon, affectionately known as the ‘pearl of lagoons.’ However, this natural treasure has fallen victim to plastic waste, posing a significant threat to its ecosystem. Against the backdrop of Abidjan’s skyline, characterized by towering office buildings, mosques, cathedrals, and lush greenery, representatives from the Ministry of Environment accompanied Inger Andersen, the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), on a tour of the lagoon. Discussions revolved around the country’s ongoing efforts to combat pollution by implementing improved waste management and treatment strategies.
From there, the delegation proceeded to the expansive Dahliafleur botanical garden, located in Bingerville, a suburb of Abidjan. The garden spans an impressive 148 hectares, equivalent to approximately 365 football fields, and boasts a rich diversity of wildlife, including 69 bird species and 15 mammal species. Despite being one of the country’s smaller natural reserves, it plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity. The visit to Dahliafleur underscored the importance of protecting and conserving these natural habitats to ensure a sustainable future.
The final destination of the delegation was the Abobo Museum of Contemporary Art and Culture, where Francoise Lemarck, the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, extended a warm welcome to Inger Andersen. The museum showcased an art exhibition titled ‘Polymers, Art, Plastics,’ featuring a wide range of paintings, sculptures, fashion items, and other artworks created using plastic waste. The collection vividly portrayed the magnitude and diversity of plastic pollution while highlighting the creative potential of upcycling and recycling. The event garnered significant attention, attracting nearly 100 guests, including government officials such as the Minister of Environment, Jean Luc Assi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kandia Kamissoko Camara, representatives from various UN entities, and local organizations actively involved in the cultural sector.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5th, serves as a global platform to celebrate environmental achievements and inspire action towards a more sustainable world. This year’s event holds particular significance as it commemorates the 50th anniversary since its inception in 1973 under the leadership of UNEP. The 2023 campaign has received support from the Government of the Netherlands, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in addressing pressing environmental challenges.
By shining a spotlight on plastic pollution through these diverse and impactful activities, Côte d’Ivoire and its partners have taken significant strides in raising awareness and mobilizing efforts to combat this global issue. The commitment demonstrated by the government, environmental organizations, and local communities serves as an inspiration for governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide to work together in creating a sustainable and plastic-free future.