Introduction
Since 2021, the International Organization New Acropolis (IONA) has joined the United Nations initiative for World Earth Day. Activities were organized at all its branches worldwide to raise awareness, educate, repair, or improve the balance and health conditions between humans and the Earth.
Our organization has been carrying out educational work and raising environmental awareness for decades, which is why we joined the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, launched on June 5, 2021.
In 2022, within the framework of SDG 17, “Partnerships for the Goals,” we established 147 partnerships in 27 countries. New Acropolis has received several recognitions for its environmental efforts, such as from the Hackney Borough in London. In almost all cases, we had the support of municipal governments and collaborated with private entities or companies committed to World Earth Day. We also received support from prominent environmental advocates.
Our volunteer work contributes to advancing the goals of SDGs 13 and 15. As the UN document “Making Peace with Nature” states, “transforming humanity’s relationship with nature is key to achieving a sustainable future.” Therefore, we continue to raise awareness and educate the public to generate respect for Mother Earth and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle that protects the ecosystem we live in.
Summary of the activities in 2022
Aware that humans are both the source of all problems and their solutions, and recognizing the need for constant and persistent educational efforts, a large number of talks and conferences were offered as a means of practical environmental awareness.
This vision was presented as a way to address the environmental crisis, not merely through technical understanding, but by rekindling our love for Nature, as was the case in all ancient civilizations.
Our contribution, in line with the wisdom of classical teachings, is that philosophy in action is a viable means of transforming both the individual and the community. By drawing lessons from wisdom traditions and exploring the seven principles of life to act in harmony with the Laws of Nature, we aim to develop a sense of belonging to planet Earth, through a better human being and a better world.
| Activity | Quantity | Volunteers |
|---|---|---|
|
Talks and Conferences |
155 |
8,000 people participated in person or virtually |
|
Reforestation |
23 |
1,418 volunteers, planting 11,082 new trees |
|
Cleanups and Practical Education |
71 |
1,800 volunteers removed approximately 19,100 kg of trash |
In addition to the activities mentioned earlier, events were held to promote our relationship with nature and practical daily actions to address issues such as environmental pollution; for example, numerous recycling activities and hiking.
From an academic perspective, high-level forums and congresses were organized, bringing together the scientific and non-governmental community, such as the “Mother Earth Day Congress” held by New Acropolis Chile and the “Philosophy Forum in Commemoration of International Earth Day” organized by New Acropolis Spain. Both have recordings of the presentations available on their respective YouTube channels.
Dance to the Earth - From East to West
Finally, we mention the inspiration left by symbolic and artistic activities, giving new meaning to humanity’s relationship with nature. With a selection of these representations, we have created this video: