KATHMANDU, JUNE 5

World Environment Day is being observed today across the globe with the theme 'Alleviating Plastic Pollution: Our Responsibility.' Various programmes have been organized in Nepal and other countries to mark the occasion.

Since 1973, the United Nations has observed June 5 as World Environment Day to raise awareness about environmental protection. This year, South Korea is hosting the official global celebrations.

According to the UN, around 400 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually worldwide, but only 10 percent is recycled. An estimated 11 million tons of plastic waste enter rivers, lakes, and oceans each year.

June 5 is also observed as the International Day for the Fight Against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, a day recognized by the UN General Assembly since 2017 on the recommendation of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The FAO has highlighted that IUU fishing accounts for 11 to 26 million tons of fish caught annually, causing billions of dollars in economic losses and threatening sustainable fisheries.