International Day for Biological Diversity or simply Biodiversity Day is celebrated on 22 May. Recognized by the United Nations, International Day for Biological Diversity is an occasion to raise awareness on biodiversity and the Convention of Biological Diversity. This annual event is also an opportunity to reflect our responsibility towards safeguarding the precious biodiversity that surrounds us.
History of International Biological Diversity Day:
The International Day for Biodiversity was first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993. The December 29 was selected as the day of celebration because on on December 29, 1993, the Convention of Biological Diversity entered into force. But that date coincide with several other holidays in different parts of the world. So, the United Nations General Assembly adopted May 22 as the Day for Biological Diversity, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992. Since 2001, the International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated each year to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
Importance of Biodiversity:
Biological diversity or biodiversity is a term which denotes the variety of life on Earth. Biodiversity is the source of biological resources and services that sustain lives on planet earth. Decline in biodiversity occurs mainly due to human activities. And the decline is threatening our food supplies, source of energy, medicines etc. Loss of biodiversity is also causing an imbalance in various ecological functions. So, protecting biodiversity is very important.
Themes of International Day for Biological Diversity:
Every year a different theme is selected for the celebration of Biodiversity Day. The themes are identified, selected and promoted by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Following are the past themes of International Biological Diversity Day.
2002: Forest Biodiversity
2003: Biodiversity and Poverty Alleviation – Challenges for Sustainable Development
2004: Biodiversity – Food, Water and Health for All
2005: Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World
2006: Protect Biodiversity in Drylands
2007: Biodiversity and Climate Change
2008: Biodiversity and Agriculture
2009: Invasive Alien Species
2010: Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation
2011: Forest Biodiversity
2012: Marine and Coastal Biodiversity
2013: Water and Biodiversity
2014: Island Biodiversity
2015: Biodiversity for Sustainable Development