CAPE TOWN, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa on Monday called on all South Africans, particularly the youths, to connect with nature on the World Environment Day.
Molewa made the appeal as the nation joined the global community in celebrating the World Environment Day on June 5.
This year's World Environment Day is celebrated under the theme: "Connecting People to Nature", imploring every individual to appreciate and protect the importance of the natural environment.
The World Environment Day is the United Nations Environment Programme's biggest annual event, with an aim of galvanizing positive environmental action.
"I urge all South Africans to protect and optimally use the natural environment in their communities, for the benefit of the current and the future generations," said Molewa.
Mankind all rely on environment for their wellbeing, she said.
"We are therefore duty bound to be at the forefront of protecting our environment, and ensure that as we derive benefits from natural resources, we do so in a manner that will not compromise the integrity of the environment.
"It is our responsibility to bequeath to the next generation, an environment that will continue to sustain their needs," Molewa said.
She stressed the importance of protecting Africa's biological resources which she said are the backbone of many African economies, providing life-support systems for many people, especially marginalized rural communities.
Africa is a continent endowed with a wealth of unique and diverse genetic resources, species, ecosystems, as well as blessed with diverse people and cultures. The continent contains a quarter of the world's biodiversity and has an extraordinary range of animal and plant species.
South Africa has dedicated the entire month of June to heighten awareness of environmental issues through various pertinent activities.
It is during the month of June that the World Oceans Day on June 8 and the World Day to Combat Desertification on June 17 are celebrated.
