Workshop promotes harmony with nature to achieve just balance

Disna MUDALIGE

A workshop on Using Digital Media for Sustainability was held at Royal College to mark World Earth Day 2012 which fell on April 22.

Earth Day was declared in 1970 to appreciate the value of mother nature. It also caters towards a collective responsibility as called for in the Rio Declaration to promote harmony with nature and the Earth to achieve a just balance among the economic, social and environmental needs of the present and future generations of humanity.

The event to celebrate the Earth Day was jointly organized by the United Nations Information Center, Ministry of Environment, EDEX Think Green, British Council and the Team of Make It Green Again (MIGA).

An environment documentary film named “One Day On Earth” was released as part of the global screening on this day.

Environment Ministry Secretary B M U D Basnayake said the ministry is currently drafting its policy to be presented at RIO+20.

United Nations Information Centre Representative Hiranthi Gunawardena read out the message of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon for World Earth Day in which he had emphasized the importance of making the best use of Rio+20, a once-in-a-generation opportunity, to promote better respect for nature and to cultivate an environment in which all children feel safe and all people can prosper.

The event was attended by UNDP Assistant Resident Representative/Environment and Energy Dr Ananda Mallawathanthri and

EDEX chairman Kamal Abeysinghe. The sessions of the workshop were conducted by eminent speakers in the field of Sustainable Development, Film Making and Social Media,such as, Hemantha Withanage, Taya Diaz, Neshan Gunasekera and Charitha Ratwatte Jr. Members of leading youth organizations in the country participated.