As the North American host city for World Environment Day, Montréal, Quebec is marking the occasion by inviting all citizens to take part in numerous activities that focus on preserving biodiversity and the relationship between humans and nature. The City of Montréal is a leader on the global stage in conveying the message locally, nationally and internationally, that urgent action is required to preserve biodiversity in our increasingly urbanized world.

Find the full media release here.

In an op-ed released today by the Mayor of Montréal and ICLEI’s Global Ambassador for Local Biodiversity, alongside mayors from around the world, Valérie Plante asks cities to reimagine their relationship with nature this World Environment Day. Mayor Plante explains that protecting biodiversity is important for sustainability, but also for creating vibrant and equitable communities.  

Read full op-ed here.

This June 5, Carlos Vives, one of the most renowned Colombian musicians, called on everyone to reconnect with nature and start appreciating the valuable contributions of ecosystems.

Colombia, one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, hosts today World Environment Day celebrations. See the full menu of panels and discussions that are taking place today. 

Este 5 de junio, Carlos Vives, uno de los músicos colombianos más reconocidos, hizo un llamado a toda las personas a reconectarse con la naturaleza y comenzar a apreciar las valiosas contribuciones de los ecosistemas.

Colombia es uno de los países con mayor biodiversidad en la Tierra y acoge hoy las celebraciones del Día Mundial del Medio Ambiente. Vea el menú completo de paneles y debates que se están llevando a cabo hoy.

Test your knowledge on Biodiversity and learn more about the intricate services nature provides us.

Take the quiz.

UNEP has just published its press release for this year's World Environment Day:

"Bogotá/Nairobi, 05 June 2020 – As nations of the world strive to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s World Environment Day brings into sharp focus the importance of fundamentally shifting humanity’s relationship with nature to preserve our societies and prevent future pandemics.

Celebrated annually on 5 June, World Environment Day is the United Nations’ biggest event advocating for environmental action and the need to protect our planet. Since it was first observed in 1974, the event has grown to become a global platform for public outreach on the environment in over 100 countries."

Find the full article on the website.

What: A panel discussion featuring: Patricia Espinosa (UNFCCC Executive Secretary), Manuel Pulgar (WWF Global Leader of Energy and Climate), Kate Hughes (Director for International Climate Change in the UK’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy), Carlos Manuel Rodriguez (Costa Rica’s Minister of Environment and Energy) and Graham Watkins (Head of the Inter-American Development Bank Climate Change Division).

Moderator: Ricardo Lozano (Colombia’s Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development)

Organizer: World Wildlife Fund - WWF

In Peru, President Martín Vizcarra travelled on World Environment Day to the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon, to supervise the progress of the production of 741,238 seedlings for reforestation, and enhance support to local communities hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The President was accompanied by the Minister of Environment, Fabiola Muñoz. “We stand firm in the fight against illegal mining and deforestation”, said the Minister.

See more: bit.ly/2Xz26ff

En Perú, el presidente Martín Vizcarra viajó en el Día Mundial del Medio Ambiente a la Reserva Nacional Tambopata en la Amazonía, para supervisar el progreso de la producción de 741,238 plántulas para la reforestación y mejorar el apoyo a las comunidades locales afectadas por la pandemia COVID-19.

La ministra del Ambiente, Fabiola Muñoz, acompañó al presidente. "Nos mantenemos firmes en la lucha contra la minería ilegal y la deforestación", dijo la ministra.

Ver más: /bit.ly/2Xz26ff

Follow LIVE NOW: Pathway2Paris' Virtual Festival for Our Planet to celebrate #WorldEnvironmentDay by clicking this Facebook live link.

From 350.org: "Join a global gathering of incredible musicians, frontline activists, thought leaders, artists and political heroes as we come together to chart a vision for a just recovery."

Gisele Bündchen, one of UNEP's proud supporters, shares a strong message for World Environment Day on her Instagram.

"Environmental Day, and I couldn’t let it pass. The reason we are all here is because of Mother Nature, who supports all of life. She is our greatest teacher, and is always showing us the way, if only we would listen.
She shows us that everything is interconnected and interdependent. When you think about it, her power come from her diversity and it depends on it to survive.Just like with people, our differences are our strengths, and we get stronger when we work together.
Nature doesn’t judge or divide. She nurtures. She reminds us that every form of life is sacred, and important, and has its own special role in creating balance, so all of life can flourish.
What creates unbalance in our world? Division. When man tries to divide nature, she is harmed and weakened and can even die. This is also true of humanity.
Nature has the answers- and by observing her, and mirroring back her example, we can start creating a more loving, supportive world where we can all thrive.
This is our home, and our choices will help to create our future.
#Forhumanity #ForNature ?"

Find the Instagram post here.

From today, 5 June, Apple Watch owners will be able to complete a new ‌Apple Watch‌ activity challenge in celebration of World Environment Day. The challenge requests users to close the blue Stand rings on the Apple Watch Activity app. Completing the challenge will award users with a unique badge viewable in the Awards section of the Activity app. 

Read more here.