The first celebration of this day was in 1970 in the USA and Canada, with the aim of drawing people's attention to the protection of the planet and promoting an ecological way of life. The initiative was later taken up by an international committee, and in the 21st century, it became the largest non-religious holiday in the world, celebrated by over half a billion people.
In Bulgaria, there is an almost centuries-old tradition of honoring nature. On December 14, 1930, at the suggestion of the Minister of Agriculture, the first celebration of the Bulgarian Earth took place, and on April 22, 1992, President Zhelyu Zhelev signed an oath in the name of the Earth. The country joins the international initiative, and each year the celebration is accompanied by a variety of musical and artistic outdoor events.
The infographic presents data on protected areas and sites, as well as the costs of environmental protection and restoration in Bulgaria.