OTTAWA, ON - Plant health is essential to both human and animal health, as well as our environment and our economy. Canada is committed to preventing the introduction and spread of plant pests through strong partnerships with neighbouring countries and the active participation of Canadians.
Canada, the United States and Mexico are lighting up iconic monuments and landmarks in the colour green for the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH). The "Plant Health Knows No Borders" illumination initiative by the North American Plant Protection Organization is especially poignant in April, Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.
Plants make up 80 percent of the food we eat and produce 98 percent of the oxygen we breathe. Protecting plant health can help end hunger, reduce poverty, defend the environment and boost economic development!
The following North American landmarks will shine green for the IYPH:
- The Canadian and American sides of Niagara Falls
- Canadian Museum of Nature
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Jamie L. Whitten headquarters building on the Washington National Mall
- Government Buildings in Mexico City
- Mexico Independence Monument
- Monument to Cuauhtémoc, last Aztec Emperor
- Mexican's Revolution Monument
Across North America, everyone is invited to join the movement on the evenings of April 19 and 20, 2021, through social media and the Niagara Falls webcam. Together, we can raise awareness of the importance of healthy plants by amplifying images and content on our social media.
With a growing world population and increasing global trade, plant health is more important than ever for a steady food supply, a healthy environment and a strong economy in Canada and around the world.
Source : Cision