June 5 - World Environment Day

World Environment Day is considered one of the most important events in the ecological calendar. It is celebrated annually on June 5 in more than 100 countries around the world.

On December 15, 1972, the General Assembly declared June 5 as World Environment Day, the purpose of which is to deepen public awareness of the need to preserve and improve the environment. The choice of this date is justified by the fact that on this day the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment (Stockholm, 1972) opened, which was followed by the creation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). World Environment Day has been celebrated on June 5 since 1973.

The annual celebration of World Environment Day helps to draw public attention to environmental issues and emphasizes the urgent need to change humanity's attitude towards natural resources.

On June 5, Belarus celebrates Environmental Protection Day. Its date coincides with the celebration of World Environment Day.

Environmental protection is a very important issue in Belarus, as well as in other countries around the world. Humanity is concerned about preserving the natural ecosystem and landscapes and improving the environmental situation in their countries.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection of the Republic of Belarus is the republican body of state administration of Belarus in the field of environmental management and protection, which implements the state's environmental policy.

The environmental protection system has been functioning in the republic since 1960, since the formation of the State Committee of the Council of Ministers of the BSSR for Nature Protection.

Environmental protection is an integral condition for ensuring environmental safety and sustainable economic development of society.

Certain natural territories of the Vitebsk region have the status of specially protected areas. Their purpose is to preserve unique natural formations, support biological and landscape diversity, and preserve the gene pool of wild plants and animals.

The Vitebsk region is home to: Braslav Lakes National Park, Narochansky National Park (partially), Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, 228 natural monuments, and 91 заказник (nature reserves). Their total area is 401.2 thousand hectares (10% of the region's territory).

The Vitebsk region ranks first among all regions in terms of river network density, the number of lakes, and their total area. Major rivers such as the Western Dvina and the Dnieper flow through its territory.

Despite significant water resource reserves, one of the main activities for the protection and use of the region's water resources is sustainable and rational water use.

The region is observing a positive trend in reducing the volume of water extracted (withdrawn) from natural sources, which lessens the burden on water resources.

In recent years, the Vitebsk region has seen a steady upward trend in the proportion of solid municipal waste utilized out of the total volume generated. In 2021, this figure was 33.5% compared to 6.8% in 2011. Of all production waste generated in the region during the year, 89.6% was utilized.

The activities of the Miory District Inspectorate of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection are aimed at fulfilling the target indicators of the State Program "Environmental Protection and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources" for 2021–2025, approved by Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus of February 19, 2021, No. 99; the priority directions of the Program for Socio-Economic Development of the Republic of Belarus for 2021–2025, approved by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of July 29, 2021, No. 292; and regional programs ensuring environmental quality improvement, ecological safety, and the conservation and efficient use of natural resources.