Last updated on February 21st, 2023 at 03:52 pm
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated each year on May 22. It aims to boost the interpretation and attention of biodiversity issues. It was originally celebrated in late December. However, the UN General Assembly later decided to move the date to 22 May. this is because this day commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
Biological Diversity is the breathing fabric of Earth. It underpins human well-being in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people correspondingly. According to the latest Global Assessment by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES),
“Human activities are driving Biological Diversity loss at an unprecedented rate.”
However, the assessment also indicated that we have solutions and it is not too late to act.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2022 Slogan
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity has announced the Biodiversity Day 2022 slogan as “Building a shared future for all life”. The slogan was chosen to continue building momentum and backing for the post-2020 global Biological Diversity framework to be adopted at the upcoming UN Biological Diversity Conference or COP15.
Why Biological Diversity?
Scientists say that there are at least 8 million species of plants and animals present on earth today, including humans. The ecosystems in which these species live are incredibly complex and interconnected to the others like a jigsaw puzzle. Humans are also engaged in ecosystems and depend on these interconnected networks of plants, animals, and people. However, human activities are significantly affecting these ecosystems adversely. For instance, through man-made climate change, pollution, and habitat loss, the ecosystem is changing. If just one specie is removed as a result of climate change, pollution, habitat loss, or some other natural or man-made factors, a domino effect can happen that has a significant impact on the entire ecosystem.
Biodiversity is thus the answer to various sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which the world can build back better.
Here is a list which states the importance of Biological Diversity-
- It boosts ecosystem productivity
As stated, biodiversity is when there are lots of different animals living in lots of different kinds of ecosystems. In such a case, we all get to live in a better, more varied world. Biological diversity makes sure that various kinds of crops can grow, which feed people all over the world, and also allows natural sustainability to exist. Biological diversity also pays attention to if lots of different kinds of ecosystems are allowed to flourish or not. In such a case, it becomes easier for the planet as a whole to recover from natural disasters.
- It keeps humans alive
If there are different kinds of plants and animals living on Earth, then it becomes easier for humans to survive as a species. We should not limit ourselves to a few certain kinds of crops and livestock as this would limit the places on Earth where humans would be able to live. Rather we should be encouraging biological diversity to mean that humanity thrives all over the planet.
- We are the dominant species on this planet
It is important for humans to survive, but they also have to take into account that they have the biggest impact on the planet of any living creature. Humans can be a force for positive change and encourage growth and diversity. They can also be a force for negative change and morph the planet into something as unable to sustain life as every other planet in our solar system. Humans have the most power to change the world, thus it is up to them to use that power responsibly.
How to Contribute to Biological Diversity?
Below is a list of things that we can do to conserve and sustainably use biological diversity for the well-being of the planet.
- Reduce your meat consumption
- Eat and purchase seasonal foods
- Buy local foods
- Reduce your food waste
- Compost your food scraps
- Reduce food packaging by using reusable bags or reusing glass jars or containers
- Avoid single-use plastics like plastic straws, coffee cups, plastic cutlery, take out containers or plastic water bottles
- Promote local and indigenous biodiversity for food and nutrition
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International Day for Biological Diversity FAQs
The International Biological Diversity Day is celebrated every year on 22nd May.
The slogan for International Biological Diversity Day this year is “Building a shared future for all life”.
The slogan was chosen to continue building momentum and backing for the post-2020 global Biological Diversity framework to be adopted at the upcoming UN Biological Diversity Conference or COP15.
We can contribute to biodiversity by reducing our meat consumption and eating and purchasing seasonal foods.
It keeps humans alive and boosts ecosystem productivity