Africa-Press – Cape verde. On Wednesday, the Association for the Defense of the Environment and Development (ADAD) brought together children, youth, and seniors to celebrate Earth Day, reinforcing the message that nature conservation lies in the hands of every citizen.
The activities took place at the 13 de Janeiro School and the Abílio Duarte State School in Palmarejo, featuring tree-planting as a highlight within an atmosphere characterized by intergenerational interaction and a focus on raising awareness about sustainable practices.
Speaking to the press, ADAD representative Ândria Vaz noted that the organization promotes these types of activities every year to foster and disseminate environmental awareness throughout society at large.
“The goal is not merely the symbolic act of planting trees or the theoretical aspect of it, but also to demonstrate that sustainable development—aimed at securing a better future for our environment—rests with each and every one of us, regardless of age,” she explained.
In keeping with this year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” the official issued a call for environmental preservation, emphasizing that the ultimate power to conserve the planet lies in the hands of every individual.
“If we do not conserve now, there will be nothing left in the future—neither for us nor for the generations yet to come,” she stated. She identified the misuse of natural resources and the impacts of climate change as the primary environmental challenges, noting that these issues constitute a growing concern requiring greater awareness and collective action.
The gathering fostered a spirit of intergenerational connection, with 100-year-old João Luís Delgado expressing his delight at participating and highlighting the intrinsic value of trees.
“Trees provide wood, shade, and fruit; they represent progress for our land,” he remarked, arguing that younger generations must step up and assume the responsibility of caring for the environment.
Among the younger participants, Tiana Martins—a third-grade student—underscored the importance of protecting nature and urged her classmates to refrain from littering or damaging plants. Along the same lines, Wagner de Pina—also a third-grade student—expressed the view that planting trees contributes to “good breathing” and a healthy environment, and that their preservation is essential for survival on Earth.
World Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, is an observance established in 1970 by U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson following a major oil spill, mobilizing millions of people in the United States for the environmental cause.
The objective is to draw attention to challenges such as climate change, pollution, deforestation, and the degradation of natural resources, and to encourage actions such as environmental education, tree planting, ecosystem cleanup, and the use of renewable energy.
For More News And Analysis About Cape verde Follow Africa-Press
