Environment Day: Not just another day

JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) is encouraging people and communities the world over to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5 in a way that will make a difference both locally and globally.

Unlike many others, this special United Nations Day is one in which every single living species on the planet has a stake, the UN information center said.

As stated by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan in his World Environment Day message: "The theme of this year's World Environment Day, Our Earth -- Our Future -- Just Save It! is an urgent appeal on each and everyone of us to renew our pledge to cherish and respect the planet that sustains us."

"Once a species is extinct, no wishful thinking can bring it back. Not the best landscaping can resurrect the beauty and majesty of the mountain that has been stripped of its forest and vegetation," said UNEP's executive director Klaus Toepfer.