Earth and Nature Holidays – March 2012

All over the world, people are celebrating and honoring earth, nature and environmental awareness and education in their communities. Here are just a few national and international “green holidays” to liven up your month.

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International Year of Sustainable Energy (2012)

• The United Nations General Assembly declared 2012 the International Year of Sustainable Energy in order to “increase awareness of the importance of addressing energy issues, including modern energy services for all, access to affordable energy, energy efficiency and the sustainability of energy sources and use, for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, sustainable development and the protection of the global climate, and to promote action at the local, national, regional and international level” to work towards ensuring energy access for all and to protect the environment through the sustainable use of traditional energy resources, cleaner technologies and newer energy sources. You can learn more about this project and related events on their website.

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International Holidays

• March 14 — International Day of Action for Rivers
  “March 14 is the International Day of Action For Rivers and Against Dams. Every year hundreds of people around the world lift their voices to celebrate the world’s rivers and the thousands of people who struggle to protect them. The International Day of Action For Rivers is a day to celebrate victories such as dam removal and river restoration. It is a day to take to the streets, demonstrate and demand improvements in the policies and practices of decision makers. It is a day to educate one another about the threats facing our rivers, and learn about better water and energy solutions. Above all, it is a day to unite – by acting together, we demonstrate that these issues are not merely local, but global in scope.” (from the official website)
• March 20 — Vernal / Autumnal Equinox
  Religious and spiritual traditions all over the world celebrate the autumnal/vernal equinox as a holy day in the cycles of the seasons.
• March 22 — World Water Day
  “International World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. An international day to celebrate freshwater was recommended at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The United Nations General Assembly responded by designating 22 March 1993 as the first World Water Day. Each year, World Water Day highlights a specific aspect of freshwater. On this page, we present a brief overview of the different themes that have been the focus of World Water Day celebrations.” (from the official website)
• Mrch 23 — World Meteorological Day
  “The United Nations’ (UN) World Meteorological Day is annually held on or around March 23 to remember the World Meteorological Organization’s establishment on that date in 1950. World Meteorological Day often features various events such as conferences, symposia and exhibitions for meteorological professionals, community leaders and the general public. Some events aim to attract media attention to raise meteorology’s profile. Many countries issue postage stamps or special postage stamp cancellation marks to celebrate World Meteorological Day. These stamps often reflect the event’s theme or mark a country’s meteorology achievements.” (learn more here)
• March 31, 8:30 – 9:30 PM — Earth Hour
  “Hundreds of millions of people, businesses and governments around the world unite each year to support the largest environmental event in history – Earth Hour.

  More than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 alone, sending a powerful message for action on climate change. It also ushered in a new era with members going Beyond the Hour to commit to lasting action for the planet. Without a doubt, it’s shown how great things can be achieved when people come together for a common cause.” (from the official website)

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National Holidays Around the World

• March 1 — Baba Marta (Bulgaria)
• March 1 — International Day of the Seal (USA)
• March 1 — National Pig Day (USA)
• March 1 — Mărţişor (Romania)
• March 1 — St. David’s Day (Wales, International)
• March 3 — Hina Matsuri (Doll Festival) (Japan)
• March 4 – 10 — Sea Week (Australia)
• March 5 — National Tree Planting Day (Iran)
• March 11 – 17 — National Groundwater Awareness Week (USA)
• March 12 — Arbor Day (China, Taiwan)
• March 14 — Dita e Verës (Summer Festival) (Albania)
• March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day (Ireland, International)
• March 17 – 23 — National Water Week (Nepal)
• March 19 — Tree Hugging Day (USA)
• March 20 — World Frog Day (USA)
• March 21 — Nowruz (Persian New Year)
• March 21 — International Day of Tree Planting (Belgium)
• March 21 — National Tree Planting Day (Lesotho)
• March 21 — Festival of Trees (Netherlands)
• March 21 — Arbor Day (Portugal)
• March 22 — North American Wildlife Celebration (USA)
• March 24 — National Tree Planting Day (Uganda)

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Did I miss one? Leave a note (and a link, if you have one!) in the comments letting us know what “green” holidays you’re celebrating this month!