International Day of the Tropics

The International Day of the Tropics is a global observance initiated by the United Nations to celebrate the tropical regions of the world and raise awareness of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these areas. This day highlights the importance of the tropics in terms of their ecological, economic, and social significance. The International Day of Tropics encourages international cooperation to address the challenges faced by the tropics and promote sustainable development, at a time when the global community needs to come together to overcome issues such as climate change, underdevelopment, and inequality.

In Canada, the International Day of the Tropics is celebrated as a commemoration of the country's involvement in the establishment of the Tropics Research Centre. The Centre was established in 1946 by the Canadian government in Jamaica to conduct research on the tropical regions of the world.

Today, this day is observed in Canada with various activities such as lectures, seminars, and workshops that aim to improve knowledge and understanding of the tropics. Additionally, it is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of tropical regions, especially in relation to climate change, poverty, and sustainable development. International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29th.