United Nations month theme 2015 – ‘International Year of Soils’
The United Nations (UN) will be celebrating its 70th foundation anniversary this October 24. October of every year is known all over the world as UN month. This is also being celebrated in the Philippines, especially at the elementary and secondary levels. The activities are usually led by the schools’ respective Social Studies Departments. The Philippines, it can be recalled, is one of the original 51 UN member-states.
In relation to that, the UN has designated 2015 as “International Year of Soils” (IYS 2015) with the theme “Healthy Soils for a Healthy Life.”
According to a resolution passed during the 68th UN General Assembly (A/RES/68/232), this designation recognizes “the economic and social significance of good land management, including soil, particularly its contribution to economic growth, biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and food security, eradicating poverty, women’s empowerment, addressing climate change and improving water availability.”
1) Raise full awareness among civil society and decision makers about the profound importance of soil for human life;2) Educate the public about the crucial role that soil plays in food security,climate change adaptation and mitigation, essential ecosystem services,poverty alleviation and sustainable development; and3) Promote investment in sustainable soil management activities to develop and advocate for rapid capacity enhancement for soil information collection and monitoring at the global, regional, and national levels.
In the same advisory, DepEd also urged the conduct of relevant activities signifying support to this year’s UN observance. These may include events such as essay writing contests, slogan and poster making competitions, as well as the popular Mr. and Ms. United Nations pageant.
As a refresher, 2014 was declared the International Year of Family Farming. Students and educators can know more about IYS 2015 through the website of Food and Agriculture Organization.
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