Sustainability: About

February 2: World Wetlands Day

The United Nations marked February 2 as World Wetlands Day to celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on the same day in 1971.

The event seeks to mobilize governments, organizations and individuals all around the world in efforts to save and restore wetlands that have been faced with degradation and deterioration in the past decades.

De La Salle University-Dasmarinas recognizes the important role that wetlands play in protecting shores from wave action and reducing the impacts of flooding in coastal areas. Through various partnerships with government and non government organizations, mangrove planting is among the major thrusts of the University’s community and social service component to save communities from the impacts of flooding and provide a rich ecosystem for marine wildlife.

Third Saturday of February: World Pangolin Day

Protection of pangolins and their habitats

March 3: World Wildlife Day

The United Nations proclaimed March 3 as World Wildlife Day to celebrate and raise awareness of the world’s wild animals and plants.

Based on data released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, over 8,400 species of wild fauna and flora are critically endangered, while close to 30,000 more are understood to be endangered or vulnerable. Based on these estimates, it is suggested that over a million species are threatened with extinction.

In the Philippines which is considered a key biodiversity area in Asia, governments, environmental groups and educational institutions are doing their part to promote awareness and action on the issue.

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas which is home to over 1,300 trees and 27 species of local, endemic and even endangered species of birds like the Philippine Scops Owl and the Java Sparrow has put in place policies and programs to protect the habitat of wildlife on campus. This includes a ban on cutting down trees, an ecosystem fee for the upkeep of the greens on campus, as well as a ban on incineration.

March 21: International Day of the Forests

March 21st was declared by the United Nations General Assembly as the International Day of Forests in 2012 to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests. On this day, member nations are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas is considered home to over 1,300 trees both endemic and local. Apart from these, the University actively participates in greening programs to revitalize Philippine forests such as the One Million Trees and Beyond project spearheaded by De La Salle Philippines. It has also partnered with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on planting activities in protected areas such as Mt. Palay Palay.

March 22: World Water Day

Water conservation and management

Last Saturday of March: Earth Hour

Climate action through energy saving

April 22: Earth Day

De La Salle University-Dasmarinas joins nations in celebrating Earth Day on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

As one of the most sustainable universities in the Philippines and in Asia, the University actively advocates for sustainability through comprehensive policies and programs to protect the environment as well as biodiversity within the campus.

In 2020, the University solidified its commitment to the cause by signing the United Nations' SDG Accord and participating in the Zero Carbon by 2050 initiative.

Last Friday of April: Arbor Day

Many nations celebrate Arbor Day, a day devoted to planting trees.

In the Philippines, Filipinos celebrate this event on June 25th wherein projects and activities are targeted towards planting trees and ornamental plants as well as driving awareness on its importance to the environment.

With policies such as Proclamation No. 643 later amended to Proclamation No. 396 s. 2003, government agencies, including government-owned and controlled corporations, private sector, schools, civil society groups and the citizenry in tree planting activity.

For its part, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas recognizes the value of tree planting through its active participation in the One Million Trees and Beyond Project by De La Salle Philippines. Faculty, students and staff have planted to date, thousands of mangroves, and fruit bearing trees in different locations, partnering with local communities for the care and upkeep of these trees.

May 12: International Day of Plant Health

Safeguarding plant biodiversity.

May 20: World Bee Day

Protection of pollinators

May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity

Biodiversity Awareness

Second Saturday of May: World Migratory Bird Day

Bird migration and habitat protection

Third Friday of May: Endangered Species Day

Protection of endangered species

June 5: World Environment Day

Global environment protection

June 8: World Oceans Day

Marine ecosystem conservation

June 15: Global Wind Day

Renewable wind energy awareness

June 17: World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought

Soil and land preservation

July 3: Plastic Free July

As part of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas’ University Environment Policy, single-use plastics and straws have been banned from campus to prevent the generation of non-biodegradable waste that later pollutes the ocean and endangers marine wildlife.

The University implemented the ban on plastics and straws as far back as 2011 as part of its proactive drive towards becoming a sustainable campus.

This is part of the University’s thrust to eliminate the use and production of environmentally unfriendly materials starting from its purchase up to disposal.

July 26: International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem

Mangrove conservation

July 28: World Nature Conservation Day

Sustainable use of natural resources

August 12: International Youth Day

Youth engagement in sustainability

Last Week of August: World Water Week

Global water sustainability

September 7: International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies

Clean air advocacy

September 21: Zero Emissions Day

Reducing carbon emissions

World Rivers Day

River ecosystem conservation

Third Saturday of September: World Cleanup Day

World Cleanup Day is observed every third Saturday of September and seeks to raise awareness over mismanaged waste and encourages people to take action by holding clean-up activities. Individuals, governments, corporations, organizations, and institutions are mobilized to tackle the global problem.

Institutionally, DLSU-D addresses the issue of waste through a comprehensive ecological solid waste management program and the encouragement of practices such as clean as you go, voluntary waste segregation, and coastal and community clean-up of waste.

First Monday of October World Habitat Day

Sustainable urban development

Second Saturday of October: World Migratory Bird Day

Bird habitat protection

October 13: International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction

Building disaster resilience

October 24: International Day of Climate Action

Climate awareness campaigns

November 1: World Vegan Day

Veganism is defined as the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals. To promote this practice, World Vegan Day is observed every 1st day of November.

Apart from promoting kindness to animals by going meatless, it also promotes sustainability as fewer animal products means fewer greenhouse gases produced.

In De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, the Project Carbon Neutral Campaign promotes the advocacy for Meatless Mondays to encourage the Lasallian community to go vegan for at least a day to support a more sustainable diet and support the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions.

November 6: International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War

Environmental protection during conflict

November 21: World Fisheries Day

Sustainable fisheries management

December 5: World Soil Day

World Soil Day (WSD) is held annually on December 5th as a means to focus attention on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

With tree planting activities and trainings conducted for partner communities, DLSU-D actively promotes soil conservation and underscores the role healthy soil plays in enriching livelihood and keeping communities safe in times of disaster.

December 11: International Mountain Day

Mountain ecosystem conservation