International Biodiversity Day

International Day for Biological Diversity, commonly known as International Biodiversity Day, is observed every year on 22 May to raise global awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to preserve the variety of life forms on Earth. The day highlights the essential role of biodiversity in sustaining ecosystems, ensuring food security, supporting livelihoods, and maintaining ecological balance. It serves as a reminder that protecting the planet’s biological diversity is vital for present and future generations.

Historical Background

The observance of International Biodiversity Day traces its origin to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), one of the key outcomes of the United Nations Earth Summit held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. The Convention, which entered into force on 29 December 1993, was established to promote the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.
Initially, the United Nations designated 29 December—the date on which the Convention came into force—as International Biodiversity Day. However, in 2000, the United Nations General Assembly decided to shift the observance to 22 May, marking the anniversary of the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992. The change made it easier for countries and organisations to hold outdoor events during the spring season in most regions.

Objectives of the Day

The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed to:

• Increase awareness about the significance of biodiversity and its direct link to human survival and well-being.
• Promote sustainable management of natural resources and ecosystems.
• Encourage policy actions and global cooperation to protect species and habitats.
• Highlight threats such as habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation that endanger biodiversity.
• Emphasise the role of biodiversity in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action, life on land, and life below water.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, encompassing the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, and the genetic differences they contain, as well as the complex ecological relationships that sustain them.
Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystem services such as:

• Food production (pollination, soil fertility, and crop resilience)
• Clean air and water
• Climate regulation through carbon sequestration
• Medicinal resources and raw materials
• Cultural and recreational value

Healthy biodiversity ensures ecosystem resilience and stability, enabling natural systems to adapt to changes and recover from disturbances.

Global Themes and Focus

Each year, International Biodiversity Day is celebrated with a specific theme reflecting current global priorities in biodiversity conservation. These themes have included:

• Our Solutions are in Nature (2020)
• We’re Part of the Solution (2021)
• Building a Shared Future for All Life (2022)
• From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity (2023)
• Be Part of the Plan (2024)

These themes emphasise collective responsibility, urging governments, organisations, and individuals to integrate biodiversity protection into all aspects of decision-making and daily life.

Importance of Biodiversity Conservation

Biodiversity underpins life on Earth and is critical to human existence. Its conservation offers several key benefits:

• Ecological stability: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient to natural disasters and climate change.
• Economic prosperity: Biodiversity supports agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, contributing significantly to national economies.
• Food and health security: Many crops, medicines, and industrial materials depend directly on diverse biological resources.
• Cultural and aesthetic value: Biodiversity shapes traditions, art, and spiritual practices worldwide.

However, biodiversity is under serious threat. According to global assessments, nearly one million species face extinction due to human activities such as deforestation, habitat destruction, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) warns that the rate of species loss is accelerating at an unprecedented pace.

Global Efforts and Policy Frameworks

To address the biodiversity crisis, several international frameworks and initiatives have been established under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):

• Aichi Biodiversity Targets (2011–2020): A set of 20 global targets aimed at reducing biodiversity loss and promoting sustainable use.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): Adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15), this framework sets out goals for 2030 and beyond, including conserving 30% of the planet’s land and ocean areas by 2030.
• National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Country-level commitments to conserve biodiversity and implement the objectives of the CBD.
• United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030): A global movement to restore degraded ecosystems and strengthen biodiversity.

Role of India in Biodiversity Conservation

India, recognised as one of the 17 megadiverse countries of the world, plays a vital role in global biodiversity conservation. The country is home to nearly 8% of the world’s recorded species and features a variety of ecosystems ranging from the Himalayas to tropical rainforests, wetlands, deserts, and coral reefs.
Key Indian initiatives include:

• Biological Diversity Act, 2002 – A legal framework for conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.
• National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) – Established to implement the provisions of the Act and regulate access to biological resources.
• Eco-sensitive zones and protected areas – Including over 100 national parks and 500 wildlife sanctuaries.
• People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs) – Community-driven documentation of local biodiversity and traditional knowledge.

India also celebrates International Biodiversity Day through public events, seminars, exhibitions, and educational activities that highlight the need for community participation in conservation efforts.

Public Awareness and Community Involvement

On this day, governments, educational institutions, NGOs, and scientific organisations conduct various programmes such as:

• Tree plantation drives and nature walks.
• Documentaries and exhibitions on endangered species and habitats.
• School competitions, debates, and awareness campaigns.
• Webinars and conferences on sustainable biodiversity management.
• Release of biodiversity reports and publications.

Public involvement is considered essential, as the success of biodiversity conservation depends largely on collective action at local, national, and global levels.

Significance

The International Day for Biological Diversity reminds humanity of its dependence on nature and the urgent need to reverse environmental degradation. It reinforces the principle that biodiversity is not just an environmental concern but also a social, economic, and moral responsibility.
By promoting sustainable living, restoring ecosystems, and supporting conservation policies, the day urges every individual to “be part of the plan” to protect life on Earth.