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European Union launches #GenerationRestoration Movement through Talk Show “EU Environment Day 2021 - 

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Indonesia celebrates World Environment Day (5 June) by conducting a virtual talk show themed “Restoring the Earth's Ecosystem”. This event is expected to increase awareness of the importance of preserving our forests, seas and biodiversity for the restoration of the earth's ecosystem.

The event was attended by the Head of the Legal and Budget Planning Working Group of the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), Didy Wuryanto, and featured a number of environmental activists and experts from various sectors.

Henriette Faergemann First Counsellor for Environment, Climate Action, Digital of the EU Delegation to Indonesia, said,

“World Environment Day is a reminder for us to always preserve the earth. The European Union takes part by involving the general public, especially young people, in the global #GenerationRestoration movement. Ecosystem restoration can start anywhere. We need to involve multiple parties to take action and make smart choices so as to increase our role in restoring
ecosystems.”

As part of EU Environment Day 2021, the EU wishes to inspire youth action to make changes through the Social Media Challenge #GenerationRestoration.

“Healthy ecosystems can prevent the destruction of biodiversity. A well-maintained environment will remain a source of food and livelihood if we maintain a harmonious relationship with nature,” added Mrs Henriette.

Head of the Legal and Budget Planning Working Group of the Peat and Mangrove Restoration Agency (BRGM), Didy Wuryanto expressed his appreciation for the #GenerationRestoration Movement to inspire youth involvement in preserving
nature.

"One of them is through restoration programmes and peat ecosystems as well as rehabilitation of damaged mangroves," she said.

In the Talk Show session, environmental activists, experts and public figures shared their experiences about the smart innovations they had implemented.

On urban areas, the General Chair of Bike to Work, Poetoet Soedarjanto, pushed for policies to realise green transportation. Having cycled for more than 15 years for the sake of health and the environment, Mr Soedarjanto called for using a bicycle not only on weekends but also to work.

Meanwhile, Ajeng Kartika Sari, representing the EMPU Sustainable Fashion and founder of Lestari & Iconic Kid, said that clothing materials also contribute to destroying the ecosystem, therefore we must be good at choosing materials that are safe for the environment.

Musician and researcher, Rara Sekar raised the issue of the importance of using narrow land at home for farming or known as urban farming, in the midst of an urban environment.

On forest and coastal sector, Hari Kushardanto, Program Director of RARE Indonesia, said that the food we consume has a huge impact on the ecosystem, especially marine sustainability, therefore it is very important to continuously campaign for responsible fishing practices.

Meanwhile, Christian (Manager of the Forest Is Indonesia) emphasised that protecting forests is part of our duty as Indonesian people. This is because tropical rain forests in Indonesia are ranked third largest in the world, so efforts are needed to act together to protect our forests.

On Maritime sector, Nadine Chandrawinata, founder of the Seasoldier, highlighted the poor sea conditions because they are filled with plastic waste.

"Educational activities to increase public awareness about the cleanliness of the sea, continue to be carried out both at sea and on land. Young people in particular must continue to fight to maintain Indonesia as a marine country, so that it can be recognised as a clean country and cares about our own waste,” concluded Nadine//Release-VOI