‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, the theme for World Environment 2018, urges governments, industries, communities, and individuals to come together and explore sustainable alternatives and reduce the use of plastic polluting our oceans, damaging marine life and threatening human health.
Keeping with the theme, Islamic Relief India & CERT (Centre for Educational Research and Training), organised a Green Dialogue which was followed by a Green Iftaar on World Environment Day in the national capital.
The Green Dialogue was held within the framework of Talanoa Dialogue to contribute to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. While the Green Iftaar was exemplary and eco-friendly without the use of any plastic disposable items. The event was aimed at educating and urging Muslims to protect environment as integral to the teachings of Islam.
The event is part of Islamic Relief India’s month long campaign during Ramadan- ‘Hifazat’, an initiative by the faith inspired charity’s India chapter to protect the environment.
“Ramadan is about building harmony with yourself and Allah and your surroundings. Islamic Relief in India is implementing a unique project ‘Action on Climate and Consumption’ (ACC) to promote sustainable consumption and production as well as sustainable environment.
Protection of the environment is essential to Islamic beliefs and we as human beings have the responsibility to ensure safe custody of the environment,” said Sibghatullah Ahmed, Islamic Relief India’s officiating Head of Mission.
The event was held at Students Islamic Organisation of India headquarter at Jamia Nagar and was attended by representatives of local NGOs, faith leaders and the Muslim youth.
The event was kickstarted by a plantation drive, followed by a ‘Green discussion’ with key speakers Avinash Kumar, Director of Programs and Policy at WaterAid, Dr Vivek Dikshit of AIIMS associated with Clean Yamuna Mission in Delhi, Abdul Rashid Agwan from Volunteers of Change and Sibghatullah Ahmed, Islamic Relief India’s officiating Head of Mission.
The speakers emphasised about Government’s and people’s role in improving climate and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and how each individual can commit and pledge to protect the environment.
“The government needs to approach the issue of water and climate challenge in a holistic manner by ensuring stringent measures to reduce pollution of water bodies, prevent excessive exploitation of groundwater, promote water recharge measures such as rainwater harvesting, treat wastewater and promote its use for non-critical services and ensure climate resilient water sector planning,” said Avinash Kumar, Director of Programs and Policy at WaterAid.