International Day of Biological Diversity 2023

The International Day of Biological Diversity is celebrated on 22 May. The United Nations proclaimed 22 May for this day to increase the awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues among people. First created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly on 29 December 1993. However, in December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May to celebrate this day and commemorate the adoption of the test of the Convention on 22 May 2992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. 

Why is the International Day of Biological Diversity Celebrated?

The following are the reasons why the International Day of Biological Diversity is Celebrated:

• To spread awareness and provide education about the importance of biological diversity and species in order to conserve them 
• There is an increasing threat to biological diversity, therefore, celebrating the day would allow people to understand more about biological diversity and enable them to strive toward the sustainability of the environment
• Biological diversity is essential to boost ecosystem productivity as all the species are inter-dependent on each other also it would be a lot easier for the ecosystem to flourish and stand stronger against natural disasters
• Human Civilization is built on the pillars of Biological Diversity. Many essential human requirements in terms of food, healthcare, agriculture economy are dependent on biological diversity 

Also Read: World Meteorological Day 2023

What is the History and Significance of the International Day of Biological Diversity?

Biological Diversity or Biodiversity is often related to terms of a wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms. However, it also includes genetic differences within each species including between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock in a variety of ecosystems (like lakes, forests, deserts etc) that caters to many interactions among its specie.

Human Civilization is built on the pillars of Biological Diversity. Almost 20% of animal protein comes from fish to provide to about 3 billion people. More than 80% of the human diet is derived from plants. Loss of biological diversity would have an adverse effect on human civilization and affect our health as well. Therefore, the conservation of biological diversity has become essential in the healthcare sector and otherwise as well. 

Biological Diversity is a global asset as well and holds tremendous value for the future generation. Thus, education and awareness about its importance and recognition must be done via various campaigns and events. 

Even though every Biological Diversity has its own significance, this year the day marks a global celebration as it brings a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on Biological  Diversity (Cop15).

In order to mark this historic and incredible achievement, the proposed theme of this year was “Fromm Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity” which build on the results of COP 15.

Also Read: Career in Ecology and Environment 

How is it Celebrated?

The following are the ways to celebrate the International Biological Diversity Day:

• One of the best ways to celebrate this day is by contributing toward the conservation of biological diversity and the environment. You can start your organic garden with native plants and avoid invasive species
• Strive toward having an organic and sustainable approach. Prefer buying organic food and sustainable material items so that it reduces the pressure on the environment for decomposition and adjust its negative impacts
• Another ideal approach toward contributing to biological diversity is by conserving energy. Reducing energy consumption via various methods at home and other places can make a great difference and would also reduce the pressure on fossil fuel consumption

Also Read: Scope of Biology as a Career

Interesting Facts about Biological Diversity

The following are the interesting facts about biological diversity:

• Currently, one million plants and animals species face the threat of extinction
• Since the 16th century, at least 680 vertebrate species have gone extinct 
• Human activities are overusing almost 56% of Earth’s bio-capacity
• There are 8 million species of plants and animals on Earth
• Climate Change is the third leading cause of change in nature
• Climate change poses a threat to over 4161 species

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