Each year on April 22nd, people around the world come together to celebrate Earth Day. The movement began in 1970 to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire action to protect our planet, and has since activated billions of people through events, education, advocacy and cleanups. This year’s theme is Our Power, Our Planet, calling people to unite around renewable energy.
We are celebrating by taking a look at how some of our travel destinations honor Mother Earth on this day and every day.
Rwanda
Isi
This translates to world in Kinyarwanda. Rwanda is leading the way in sustainability with bold environmental initiatives, including a nationwide ban on single-use plastics and ambitious reforestation programs. The country is committed to becoming a green, climate-resilient economy by 2050, setting an example for sustainable development in Africa and beyond. Many of our lodging partners in Rwanda are 100% solar-powered as part of their commitment to sustainability.
Rwanda organizes a National Environment Week festival end of May and beginning of June leading up to World Environment Day.
Kenya
Mama Dunia
This translates directly to Mother Earth in Swahili. Kenya leads Africa in renewable energy production with more than 92% of its electricity production coming from renewable sources. The country has also implemented many other environmental initiatives, including a sustainable blue economy, which pledges to sustainably control their ocean area and create marine protected areas. Our lodging and safari partners in Kenya make conservation and sustainability a top priority.
In Kenya, Earth Day is celebrated with cleanups, advocacy and other events.
New Zealand
Papatūānuku
This translates to our Earth mother. In Māori tradition, Papatūānuku is the land, a mother earth figure who gives birth to all things of the world and imparts many blessings to her children. She is seen as the birthplace of all things and the place to which they return. We highly recommend including a Māori cultural experience in your New Zealand travels as you’ll learn about their deep reverence for their ancestors and the land.
New Zealanders celebrate Earth Day with festivals, rallies, community cleanups and other events.
Find an Earth Day event near you to be part of the movement and get inspired to make every day Earth Day.
