Celebrating Earth Day at PBI UK
The Living Earth: Celebrating International Mother Earth Day and those on the frontline of its survival
By Emmanuel Valentine Onu
Every year, on 22nd April, people around the world come together to celebrate International Mother Earth Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting action to protect our planet. Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the Earth for future generations and honouring those who tirelessly work on the frontline of its survival.
Recognizing the Frontline Heroes of the Earth
As we celebrate Earth Day, it's imperative to acknowledge the remarkable individuals and groups spearheading environmental conservation efforts worldwide. From passionate activists and dedicated scientists to tireless community organisers and selfless volunteers, these frontline heroes devote their lives to safeguarding our planet. They tirelessly combat climate change, preserve biodiversity, and advocate for sustainable practices.
Grassroots movements all over the world are making significant strides in protecting biodiversity, combating pollution, and promoting earth-friendly actions. These movements serve as beacons of hope, inspiring positive change and raising awareness of the urgent need to protect our planet.
PBI field volunteer with ARCAH at the second meeting of the National Movement Against ZEDEs and in Defense of Sovereignty.
Honduran Alternative for Community and Environmental Vindication (ARCAH)
We commend the unwavering efforts of the Honduran Alternative for Community and Environmental Vindication (ARCAH) in defending our Earth. ARCAH is more than just a social movement; it's a beacon of resilience, standing against capitalist exploitation, racial injustice, patriarchal oppression, colonial dominance, and class discrimination. Since its establishment in 2017, ARCAH members have courageously resisted projects like the Jiniguare dam, the El Cortijo poultry company, and the Zones for Employment and Economic Development (ZEDE) in various regions of Honduras. Through their steadfast resistance and continuous dialogue with our planet, they champion community rights and protect our shared environment. PBI has supported ARCAH since September 2022.
Members of the ACVC at the celebration of the VI Ecological Camp, a conservation initiative in the Cimitarra River Valley to protect the Sapán route, a native tree that is in danger of extinction.
Small-Scale Farmer Association of the Cimitarra River Valley (ACVC)
Similarly, in Colombia, the Small-Scale Farmer Association of the Cimitarra River Valley (ACVC) stands as a beacon of hope for environmental sustainability. Operating across 120 villages in the Magdalena Medio region, the ACVC has spent over two decades advocating for peasant families affected by Colombia's internal conflicts. By promoting the implementation of the Peace Agreement, the ACVC seeks transformative change in Colombia's rural areas. One of its flagship initiatives involves assisting small farmers in transitioning from coca cultivation to environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Through projects like the "Farmer’s Eco Buffalo" cooperative, which produces and markets buffalo cheese and meat, and initiatives promoting ecotourism, the ACVC and rural families are not only safeguarding the environment but also revitalising local economies and fostering sustainable livelihoods. PBI has supported the ACVC since 2007.
Ogiek people being evicted in Sasimwani, in the Mau forest. Photo: OPDP
The Ogiek Peoples’ Development Program (OPDP)
In the heart of Kenya's Mau region, the Ogiek people have long been custodians of their ancestral lands, nurturing diverse ecosystems amid historical injustices and the looming threat of climate change. The Ogiek Peoples' Development Programme (OPDP), a grassroots movement founded in 1999, has consistently advocated for the rights of the Indigenous Ogiek people and organised educational campaigns, community outreach, and practical strategies like reforestation and sustainable land management to address the devastating impacts of climate change and promote environmental conservation.
Central to the organisation's mission is the recognition of the inseparable link between Indigenous peoples’ rights and environmental protection. By addressing historical injustices and promoting the rights of the Ogiek to land and natural resources, the OPDP lays the foundation for sustainable environmental conservation. Moreover, OPDP strengthens the capacities of environmental defenders within Indigenous communities, empowering them to effectively manage social and environmental risks and advocate for the protection of their lands against external threats.
The organisation's commitment to inclusivity and gender equality in environmental conservation efforts ensures that Ogiek women and youth are actively involved in decision-making processes and conservation initiatives. By amplifying their voices and valuing their contributions, OPDP promotes social cohesion and empowerment within the Ogiek community. Through collaborative partnerships and advocacy efforts, it continues to champion the rights, well-being, and environmental protection of the Ogiek people and Indigenous communities worldwide, serving as a catalyst for positive change in the fight for environmental justice.
The Urgency of Environmental Preservation
The urgency of environmental preservation has never been more apparent. Our planet is facing a multitude of interconnected challenges that threaten the delicate balance of ecosystems and the well-being of all life forms. One of the most pressing issues is climate change, driven primarily by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
Environmental degradation disproportionately affects marginalised communities and exacerbates social inequalities. Low-income and minority populations often bear the brunt of pollution, environmental disasters, and climate change impacts, further widening existing disparities. Environmental justice must be central to our efforts to address these challenges, ensuring that all people have access to clean air, water, and a healthy environment.
Earth Day serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations. Therefore, we recognise the sacrifices and risks undertaken by land and environmental rights defenders, grassroot movements, and other frontline heroes of the earth. We salute their unwavering commitment to preserving our Earth. At PBI, we stand in solidarity with them, committed to supporting their invaluable work in the face of adversity.
What you can do:
You can help our global teams to mobilise, advocate, protect defenders, and uplift their impact by participating in PBI UK’s fundraiser with the Big Give’s Green Match Fund from 18 - 25 April! The Big Give matches your gift pound for pound! You can donate through our Big Give Page.
Express your support for a new UK law to incentivise companies to take action to prevent environmental and human rights abuses from happening, and hold companies accountable if they fail to do so, by signing the Corporate Justice Coalition’s petition and sharing it with others!
