February 16, 2026
On Monday, March 3rd 2026, Viatores Christi partners across Uganda will once again host special events to mark Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day — a day established in 2002 by the Organisation of African Unity to raise awareness of the urgent environmental challenges facing the continent.
The day honours the legacy of Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate whose work continues to inspire communities across Africa to protect forests, restore ecosystems, and defend environmental rights.
Building on Last Year’s Momentum
In 2025, VC partners marked the day with creativity and commitment. Tree-planting drives, community clean-ups, school-based environmental awareness sessions, and parish-led climate conversations were held across Uganda. Many of these initiatives did not end with the day itself — they have continued as ongoing local environmental actions rooted in community participation.
These efforts reflect a growing awareness that environmental stewardship is not a one-day event, but a sustained responsibility.
A Worsening Global Picture
Since last year’s commemorations, however, the environmental outlook has become even more alarming.
In 2025, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released authoritative, up-to-date data on the state of the global climate to inform discussions at COP30. The findings paint a stark picture of accelerating climate change.
Among the most concerning developments:
Record greenhouse gas concentrations are driving record heat. Concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and ocean heat content, which both reached record levels in 2024, continued to rise in 2025.
Sea ice and glaciers continue to retreat, further contributing to sea-level rise and climate instability.
Extreme weather events intensified across multiple regions. Devastating rainfall and flooding, prolonged heatwaves, and destructive wildfires have had cascading impacts on lives, livelihoods, and food systems. These crises have contributed to displacement and have undermined sustainable development and economic progress.
For communities in Uganda and across Africa, these global trends are not abstract statistics. They translate into unpredictable rainfall patterns, crop failures, rising food insecurity, and increased vulnerability for already at-risk populations.
Why Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day Matters More Than Ever
The worsening global climate context makes this year’s observance even more significant. While Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, it is among the regions most affected by climate impacts.
Marking Africa Environment & Wangari Maathai Day is therefore both symbolic and practical. It is a moment to:
Renew commitments to local environmental action
Strengthen community resilience
Promote climate education and awareness
Advocate for climate justice
Through grassroots action, faith-based engagement, and community-led initiatives, Viatores Christi’s partners continue to demonstrate that meaningful environmental change begins at the local level.
A Call to Collective Responsibility
As we approach March 3rd 2026, the message is clear: the climate crisis is deepening, but so too is the resolve of communities determined to protect their environment. Inspired by the vision of Wangari Maathai — who reminded us that “it’s the little things citizens do” that make the difference — VC partners across Uganda are once again stepping forward.