World Environment Day 2003: Water - Two Billion People are Dying for It!

The theme for the 2003 World Environment Day (WED) will be - "Water - Two Billion People are dying for it". The slogan was chosen by the United Nations Environment Programme to highlight the plight of an estimated 2 billion people that do not have an adequate supply of clean, safe water.

The WED, celebrated each year on July 5, is a unique opportunity for local and global action to tackle environmental challenges. Given that 2003 is also the International Year of Fresh Water, the water focus of this years WED, is an important opportunity to carry forward the message of the International Year of Fresh Water to "protect and respect our water resources, as individuals, communities, countries".

This year, Beirut, Lebanon has been chosen to host the main international celebrations for WED. This is the first time in the 30 years of observance of WED that the main celebrations will be held in an Arab country. The celebrations will include the presentation of UNEP's Global 500 Awards. This year eight awards will be made to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the protection and conservation of the environment.

Click here for more information on the World Environment Day

Click here for more information on the International Year of Fresh Water