Prepared by:By Oko Moses ThankGod, Winnie Barong Ribue, Perpetua Okache Ochuole and the Calabar World Environment Day Volunteer Team
As the world marked World Environment Day 2026 under the theme “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future.”, Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), in collaboration with GreenFaith Nigeria, the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, and other stakeholders, successfully organized a two-day environmental campaign in Calabar, Cross River State.
The programme brought together students, volunteers, environmental advocates, academic staff, and institutional partners in a collective effort to promote environmental sustainability, climate action, and responsible stewardship of natural resources.
The activities, which took place on 4th and 5th June 2026, combined environmental education, practical conservation action, and public awareness advocacy, demonstrating how collaboration and community engagement can contribute meaningfully to environmental protection. Key theme include:
Promoting Environmental Awareness Through Education:
The first phase of the programme focused on environmental education through a symposium held at the Faculty of Agriculture Farm and Agro-Forestry Unit, University of Calabar.
The symposium provided participants with an opportunity to engage in discussions on environmental conservation, climate change, biodiversity protection, and sustainable resource management. It also created a platform for knowledge sharing between environmental practitioners, students, and volunteers.
A major highlight of the symposium was a presentation delivered by Dr. Oko Pius Agaji, Practical Year Coordinator, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar. His presentation emphasized the importance of environmental stewardship, sustainable land management practices, and the role of young people in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and interactive sessions that encouraged critical thinking on environmental issues and explored practical approaches to sustainability.
The symposium attracted over thirty volunteers and students, particularly from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, who demonstrated strong enthusiasm and commitment toward environmental conservation.
Taking Climate Action Through Tree Planting:
Following the symposium, participants proceeded to a tree planting exercise within the Faculty Farm and Agro-Forestry Unit.
Tree planting remains one of the most practical and effective nature-based solutions for addressing climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, improving biodiversity, and enhancing environmental resilience.
The exercise provided participants with an opportunity to translate environmental awareness into tangible action. Beyond the symbolic significance of planting trees, the activity reinforced the importance of long-term commitment to environmental restoration and sustainability.
The enthusiastic participation of students and volunteers reflected a growing recognition among young people that environmental protection requires action as much as awareness.
Raising Public Awareness Through Environmental Advocacy:
The second day of activities focused on community engagement through a World Environment Day Awareness Rally.
The rally attracted more than fifty volunteers, including students from the Department of Environmental Science and the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar.
Participants moved through designated areas carrying banners and sharing messages on climate action, environmental conservation, biodiversity protection, and sustainable living practices.
The rally served as an important platform for extending environmental awareness beyond formal learning spaces and engaging members of the university community and the public in conversations about environmental responsibility.
The energy and enthusiasm displayed by participants demonstrated the growing commitment of young people to environmental advocacy and sustainable development.
Strengthening Partnerships for Environmental Sustainability:
One of the most significant achievements of the programme was the collaboration among multiple institutions and organizations working toward a common environmental goal.
Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation extends its profound appreciation to the University of Calabar, Cross River Forestry Commission, GreenFaith Nigeria, AFSA, the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, the Department of Environmental Science, and all volunteers who contributed to the success of the programme.
Special recognition is extended to Dr. Oko Pius Agaji for his valuable contribution during the symposium and to Dr. Onnoghen, Head of Department, Environmental Science, University of Calabar, for his support and encouragement throughout the programme.
The active participation of students, academic staff, volunteers, and partner organizations demonstrates the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and advancing sustainability goals.
Looking Beyond World Environment Day:
While World Environment Day provides an opportunity to focus global attention on environmental issues, the challenges facing our planet require continuous action throughout the year.
Climate change, biodiversity loss, deforestation, and environmental degradation remain pressing concerns that demand sustained commitment from governments, institutions, organizations, and individuals alike.
The success of the 2026 World Environment Day programme in Calabar serves as a reminder that meaningful change often begins at the community level. Through education, advocacy, partnerships, and practical conservation initiatives, individuals and organizations can contribute significantly to building a more sustainable future.
At Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation, we remain committed to promoting environmental stewardship, empowering communities, and supporting initiatives that contribute to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
As we reflect on this year’s celebration, one message remains clear: protecting the environment is a shared responsibility, and every action, no matter how small, contributes to creating a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.
About Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF): Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF) is committed to promoting environmental sustainability, climate action, conservation, community development, and humanitarian initiatives through education, advocacy, partnerships, and community engagement
