Every year on July 28, people across the globe come together to celebrate World Nature Conservation Day, a day to remind us how important it is to protect the natural world we all depend on. Our forests, rivers, clean air and animals are precious gifts from nature and it’s our responsibility that we must care for it not just for ourselves but for the generations yet to come. As we mark World Nature Conservation Day 2025, I find myself thinking about a question that changed my life:
“What can I do to protect and heal our planet?”
I asked myself this question five years ago and it sparked a mission that has shaped who I am today. I may only be 11 years old, but I’ve learned that real change begins with small and consistent actions. Every tree planted, every species protected, every choice made with the Earth in mind brings us one step closer to a better and healthier world. Why This Day Matters So Much: Our planet is facing serious challenges like climate change, pollution, deforestation, biodiversity loss and more. These don’t just harm nature infact they affect our lives too. The food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink these all depend on a healthy environment.
That’s why conservation is so important. It means using natural resources wisely and respecting the balance of ecosystems and also making sure we don’t take more than we give back. My Journey: From One Question to a National Movement In 2024, my mission grew into a large-scale campaign when I got to know that “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam”, was launched on World Environment Day and inaugurated by our Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It was a moment of great pride as he planted a sacred Peepal tree in Delhi’s Buddha Jayanti Park, marking the campaign as a national symbol of renewal. Since then, I’ve planted over 50,000 trees and small plants across Delhi, Dehradun, Saharanpur and other regions, each one dedicated to love, care and a promise for a greener tomorrow. But conservation is about more than planting trees. It’s about protecting ecosystems, saving endangered species and ensuring that future generations inherit a thriving planet.
What Conservation Means to Me I believe:
- Saving Wildlife and Biodiversity: Every plant, insect and animal has a role in nature’s balance. We must protect their habitats and stop them from extinction.
- Fighting Climate Change: By using clean energy like solar and wind and reducing pollution, we can help slow down global warming.
- Living Sustainably: We should use less water and electricity, recycle, compost and avoid plastic. These small steps are really required.
Working Together:
Change doesn’t happen alone. Kids, families, schools and leaders all have to give their participation.
Creating Change Through the Saving Earth Club
To spread awareness and encourage action, I founded the Saving Earth Club at my school. Over the past year, I have organized nature walks and workshops in schools, local community, with my friends and cousins. During the PYP Exhibition at Pathways School Noida, I shared solutions to climate and conservation challenges and I was thrilled when many parents signed petitions for stronger environmental laws. I’ve also done campaigns in Schools and local communities for how to save our planet ,better waste systems and the use of renewable energy. My motto has always been: Change starts at home and small small actions leads to a bigger change.That’s why I follow zero-waste living, plant trees regularly and talk to my friends and family about mindful consumption.
What You Can Do
You might think, “I’m just one person, what can I do?” But every action no matter how small , it matters.
Here are a few ways you can celebrate World Nature Conservation Day:
- Plant a tree or start a garden at home or in your school.
- Learn about local wildlife and share what you learn with others.
- Recycle, reduce and reuse to cut down on waste.
- Save water, use less plastic and turn off lights when not needed.
- Speak up! Start a club, write to your leaders or join an environmental campaign.
Looking Ahead: Growing a Greener Future
This day is more than just a celebration, it’s a call to action. Nature is not separate from us but it is our lifeline. By protecting it, we protect ourselves. When we take care of the Earth, it takes care of us in return. So, let’s work together to make conservation a way of life. One seed, one step, one act of care at a time, we can protect nature’s legacy and grow a better world.
This World Nature Conservation Day, I invite you to be a part of the change. Let’s save our planet together. Leisha Sabharwal, student, Pathways School Noida, environmentalist & founder, Saving Earth Club.
