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International Day for Biological Diversity: 22nd May
International Day for Biological Diversity – 22nd May
The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is observed annually on May 22nd to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. Declared by the United Nations, this day highlights the vital role of biological diversity in sustaining life on Earth and the urgent need to halt biodiversity loss caused by human activity.
Why May 22?
The date commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on May 22, 1992, at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The CBD is a key international treaty for the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Theme for 2025: “Be Part of the Plan”
Each year, the IDB is observed with a specific theme that focuses on current biodiversity challenges. The 2025 theme, “Be Part of the Plan,” calls on governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, businesses, and individuals to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in December 2022 at COP15.
This theme is a reminder that reversing biodiversity loss requires collective, inclusive, and transformative action.
Importance of Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the variety of all life forms on Earth—plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms—the ecosystems they form, and the ecological processes they are part of. Here’s why biodiversity matters:
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Ecosystem Services: It ensures clean air and water, fertile soil, pollination of plants, climate regulation, and nutrient cycling.
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Food Security: Biodiversity provides a wide array of crops, livestock, and marine species, essential for nutrition and food supply resilience.
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Health: Many medicines are derived from natural sources. A biodiverse ecosystem helps regulate diseases.
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Cultural and Economic Value: Indigenous cultures are rooted in biodiversity, and it supports industries like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, tourism, and recreation.
Biodiversity Under Threat
Despite its importance, biodiversity is under severe threat:
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Habitat Loss due to deforestation, urbanization, and agriculture
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Pollution of air, soil, and water
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Climate Change, which alters habitats and migration patterns
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Invasive Species that outcompete native life forms
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Overexploitation through hunting, fishing, and logging
Key international initiatives include:
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Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
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2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (especially SDG 14 & 15)
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Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Target: 30% land and ocean protection by 2030)
Countries are now focused on implementation, financing, and monitoring progress toward ambitious conservation targets.
The International Day for Biological Diversity serves as a powerful call to action. As the world faces an accelerating biodiversity crisis, each of us must take responsibility for protecting the natural world. Whether you're a policymaker, educator, business owner, or student—you can be part of the plan to secure a sustainable future for all life on Earth.
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