The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), located at Trom near Somanya in the Eastern Region, in partnership with the Church of Pentecost, has held a collaborative dialogue as part of activities to mark this year's World Environment Day, held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.

The dialogue aimed to foster partnerships, share knowledge, and develop integrated strategies for land restoration, desertification prevention, and drought resilience.

Held under the theme "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor of the UESD, said the theme resonated with the shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

He expressed concern that the aftermaths of land degradation and drought are threats to the survival of several people across the globe.

Prof. Nyarko-Sampson stated, "The challenges posed by land degradation and drought are immense and multifaceted. They threaten food security, water availability, biodiversity, and, in fact, the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide."

He noted that science and collaborative efforts, along with the requisite tools and expertise, offer the best chance to efficiently and effectively address the challenges confronting the environment.

The Vice-Chancellor added that the responsibility could not be that of a single entity, as collaboration involving government, private and public agencies, scientists, religious organizations, NGOs, local communities, and international organizations was critical to combating the scourge of environmental degradation.

To address the issue, he called for a reaffirmation of commitments to leverage scientific knowledge and collaborative action to restore lands, combat desertification, and build resilient communities.

On his part, the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group of Companies, Elder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, categorizes environmental degradation as a threat to the sources of livelihood for most families, resulting in low productivity and food insecurity.

Additionally, the General Secretary of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Samuel Gyau Obuobi, while observing the partnership between the church and the university, underscored the need for further collective efforts aimed at providing solutions for the massive environmental degradation.

A dialogue session and a quiz on the environment were held for some selected senior high schools in the area.

As part of activities marking the day, hundreds of trees were planted along the university campus.

World Environment Day 2024 focuses on land restoration, halting desertification, and building drought resilience.