On April 22nd Shumei International will be observing International Mother Earth Day during an unprecedented time. The United Nations first declared 2020 the start of the Decade of Action for the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, the world has gone on pause to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus with many events around the world being postponed or cancelled. In the midst of this health crisis that has killed tens of thousands and infected nearly two million people globally, there is an environmental crisis taking place with approximately 1 million animal and plant species in danger of extinction. The International Day of Mother Earth puts a spotlight on the urgency of the global situation and encourages the world community to live and act more in harmony with nature.
During these stay at home orders and lockdowns, the global community has been forced to slow down and make difficult decisions to save countless human lives while accelerating actions to find a cure. It is time to do the same for Mother Earth and to make changes to prevent further biodiversity loss and advance ecological restoration. Natural Agriculture teaches us to reconnect with Nature, which many people are discovering has a healing and soothing effect as social distancing forces individuals to isolate, physically separate from one another and reduce physical connection. Nature is a different kind of medicine in this situation.
This year, while individuals cannot gather in large groups to plant trees or garden together, Shumei is asking its global network to recognize International Mother Earth Day as a time to deeply reflect on making peace with the Earth and identifying ways to live in harmony with nature, create intentions for taking care of her, and share these realizations with others. Encouraging friends, family and colleagues to live more sustainably is a way to spread harmony with nature. Join Shumei in celebrating Mother Earth Day by sharing beautiful images of nature with positive, inspiring posts using the hashtag #EarthDay2020 #BeautyinNature #HarmonywithNature.