International Day for Biological Diversity – 22nd May
According to a new UN report* published in May 2010, natural systems that support economies, lives and livelihoods across the planet are at risk of rapid degradation and collapse, unless there is swift, radical and creative action to conserve and sustainably use the variety of life on Earth.
The International Day for Biological Diversity on 22nd May is an opportunity to celebrate the world’s immense biological diversity as well as draw attention to the threats and rapid loss of biodiversity. This year the day is a focal point for the 2010 International Year of Biodiversity which is leading a year long series of events across the globe to raise awareness of the commitments made by governments in 1992 to take action to stem the loss of biodiversity.
*The third edition of Global Biodiversity Outlook (GBO-3), produced by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is a shortened term for biological diversity. Biodiversity refers to all living entities. It does not just refer to endangered species but every plant, animal and micro-organism. Biodiversity plays a vital part in our everyday life and in maintaining the life support system on Earth. Humans rely on this diversity of life to provide us with the food, fuel, medicine and other essentials we simply cannot live without. Yet this rich diversity is being lost at an alarming rate and scientists estimate that between 150 and 200 species become extinct every 24 hours.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2010
The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2010 focuses on the importance of biodiversity in development and poverty alleviation highlighting the message of the importance of biodiversity for human well-being. According to the UN, development strategies and choices need to recognise and systematically include biodiversity conservation and sustainable use in order to achieve sustainable development and significantly reduce world poverty. UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Achim Steiner said “Humanity has fabricated the illusion that somehow we can get by without biodiversity or that it is somehow peripheral to our contemporary world: the truth is we need it more than ever on a planet of six billion heading to over nine billion people by 2050.”
The Convention on Biodiversity
One of the most important international instruments for protecting biodiversity is the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which came into force in 1993. So far 168 countries, including the UK, have ratified the Convention. The Convention aims to protect biodiversity, use biodiversity in a sustainable fashion and share the benefits of biodiversity fairly and equitably.
UNESCO and Biodiversity
UNESCO works to protect biodiversity in a number of ways, particularly through its network of Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage Sites. UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are places with superb natural environments that are accredited by UNESCO to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature. UNESCO World Heritage Sites are cultural and natural sites across the world which are deemed to be so unique and important that they are part of our shared global heritage and should be preserved for future generations.
The UK National Commission for UNESCO
The UK National Commission for UNESCO has produced an information pack for schools in The International Year of Biodiversity and has launched a UK wide competition for schools to find the best entry which can communicate the messages of celebrating and preserving biodiversity. For more information please click here. The UK National Commission is also sponsoring an event for educators at North Devon Biosphere Reserve on 25 May.
Written: 13/05/2010 , last modified: 22/07/2010
