International Day for Biological Diversity

On May 22nd, 1992, the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the United Nations at a conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Since 2001, International Day of Biological Diversity has been celebrated every year in commemoration of this day.

If you're looking for a day to show your love for our planet, why not celebrate International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22nd? This is a day dedicated to ensuring that Earth remains a place where all living things - no matter what environment they depend on - can not only survive but thrive. Originally, Biodiversity Day was proclaimed on December 29th. However, in December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly changed the date to May 22nd. This was partly to commemorate its adoption. Convention at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and partly to avoid conflicts with the various international holidays that take place at the end of December (hello, Christmas).

History of International Day for Biological Diversity

The term biodiversity is derived from two different words: biology and diversity. In other words, it is the variety of life on Earth. The three types of biodiversity include:

• Genetic diversity
• Species diversity
• Ecosystem diversity

Biodiversity is important for many reasons. It provides the earth with clean water and oxygen. Biodiversity also allows plants to grow, creating food for humans and animals. Other benefits of biodiversity are that it deters pests and diseases and protects against flooding. It also helps to regulate the climate. Together, all benefits are considered as ecosystem services.

The health of the earth suffers as biodiversity decreases. The same is true of humans. The less biodiversity we have, the worse our health becomes. Some even believe that the pandemic is related to the loss of biodiversity. More than ever, we need to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity.

In 1992, state and government leaders agreed on a sustainable development strategy at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, also known as the "Earth Summit", in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Sustainable development is a way to meet the needs of people all over the world and ensure that planet earth remains healthy and viable for future generations. The Convention on Biological Diversity was one of the most important agreements that was achieved during the Earth Summit.

The Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force on December 29th, 1993, and each anniversary of this day is designated as International Day of Biological Diversity. From 2001 onwards, this commemoration date was moved to May 22nd due to the number of holidays falling towards the end of December. On May 22nd in 1992, the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted by the United Nations at a conference in Nairobi, Kenya.

Each year, the International Day of Biological Diversity focuses on a specific theme. Recent topics are: Biodiversity and Poverty Reduction (2003); Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All (2004); Biodiversity: Life Insurance for Our Changing World (2005); Biodiversity protection in drylands (2006); Biodiversity and Climate Change (2007); and Biodiversity and Agriculture (2008).

Why the day is important

• It increases ecosystem productivity

When there are so many different animals living in different types of ecosystems, we will all be living in a better, more diverse world. Biodiversity ensures that a wide variety of crops can grow, feed people around the world, and also allows the sustainability of nature to exist. In addition, if different types of ecosystems are allowed to flourish, the planet as a whole will become easier to recover from natural disasters.

• It keeps people alive

The more different types of plants and animals live on Earth, the easier it is for humans to survive as a species. Instead of limiting ourselves to certain crops and livestock (which would limit the places on Earth where humans can live), encouraging biodiversity means humanity thrives. flourishing all over the planet.

• We are dominant on this planet

While it is important for humans to survive, we must also take into account that humans have the greatest impact on the planet of any living being. We can be a force of positive change encouraging growth and diversity, or we can be a force of negative change — transforming this planet into something as uninhabitable as any other. other in our solar system. Because we own the most power to change our world, it is up to us to use that power effectively.

Celebrating International Day for Biological Diversity

• Start your own organic garden

Change can happen right in your own backyard! However, not all types of gardens are suitable for all types of environments. The key to a good organic garden is to replace invasive plants with native plants, remove hard surfaces rather than inhibit growth, and limit the use of pesticides. Show off your own natural ecosystem.

• Buy organic, sustainable food

Believe it or not, organic food isn't just a code for "expensive and weird looking tomatoes". Organic food that has not been exposed to pesticides or fertilizers. And, while these are not necessarily harmful to people and to themselves, they can have negative effects on the environment.

• Energy saving

This is a bit of a no-brainer. By reducing energy consumption, you minimize the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of your activities. In addition, you reduce the need for environmentally disruptive companies in search of fossil fuels. While individual humans are not as responsible for the environment as large corporations, it is important to all of us to preserve life on this planet.