Skopje, 28 July 2024 (MIA) - First Deputy PM and Minister of Environment and Physical Planning Izet Mexhiti has officially launched campaign "Act Now, for Nature!" on July 28-World Nature Conservation Day.

Minister Mexhiti was accompanied by a group of enthusiasts and environmentalists in showing by example how to foster a positive attitude towards nature, which signifies life, better health, place for relaxation and rest, and a home of rich flora and fauna.

Today's event included planting of seedlings, placing trash bins, and rehabilitation of children's playgrounds in the Gazi Baba forest park, the Ministry of Environment and Physical Planning said in a press release.

The campaign will be implemented through various activities over the course of the year, aiming to foster positive and responsible attitudes in nature, stimulate volunteering and care for nature.

"Nature is our biggest treasure and it is our duty to preserve it for the future generations," said Mexhiti.

The year-long campaign will include planting of trees in urban and rural areas nationwide, regular campaigns for cleaning of rivers, forests and parks through mass involvement of communities and volunteers, selection and recycling of waste through development of good practices, and setting up proper infrastructure for waste separation.

In addition, educational programmes will be carried out in schools and across communities, to raise awareness on the importance of environment protection and sustainable lifestyle, along with improvement of the environmental legislation and adoption of new policies that protect nature.

"In this context, 'Act Now, for Nature!' aims to bring about sustainable and visible change in the way we treat and manage the environment," said Mexhiti and called for public support to the campaign.