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March 21 -World Forestry Day and International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
The idea of celebrating World Forestry Day was mooted at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture in 1971. Since then, March 21 is celebrated every year as World Forestry Day. The objective of this occasion is to increase awareness among the people about the importance of forests. Jungles provide us with innumerable benefits. This is a day to remind us of valuable contribution made by forests in our lives. Rapid industrialization and urbanization has resulted in reckless felling of trees as a result of which our environment is getting adversely affected.
Though, trees are being cut ruthlessly but there is very less number of trees being planted. Deforestation will severely affect our future generations. The adverse effects are already visible in form of global warming. Icebergs are melting and average sea level is rising. Many coastal cities are on verge of vanishing from the face of earth in coming decades. The situation is really alarming. World Forestry Day reminds us of protecting the entire complex, living community of forests. Because of exploitation of forests, they are loosening the soil which in turn is eroding the upper layer of fertile earth. This will lead to uncontrolled rain, flood and agricultural production.
March 21 reminds us of our own wrongdoings and how we can still reverse the situation by protecting forests. Several initiatives are taken on this day. Tree saplings are planted, awareness campaigns are conducted and environmental agencies run promotional drives.
March 21 is also known for International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Initiated by the United Nations’, the day reminds people of negative consequences of racial discrimination. It has always been a huge problem in several countries. Though, we have managed to abolish slavery from the face of earth, but there is still a strong bias against colored people. They are considered as inferior and are not given equal opportunities. 21 March emphasizes upon the necessity of actions needed to be taken by people against racial discrimination.
On International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD), several events and activities are organized all over world. Discussions of human rights are conducted and people from various walks of life present their viewpoints. New ways of fighting racism and promoting tolerance are debated. Campaigns are launched to increase love and bonding between different communities. Essays, photo projects and articles are submitted to promote the fight against this social menace.
International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination came into existence after Sharpeville tragedy that took place in South Africa. The day was March 21, 1960 and total 69 people were killed at a peace demonstration against the apartheid “Pass Laws” in Sharpeville. The brutal incident captured attention of the entire world and as a result of which “International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination” came into existence. A world Conference against Racism and Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance was also organized in 2001. This is an ongoing fight and society must do its best against racial discrimination.
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