International Day for Biological Diversity observed to address biodiversity concerns

New Delhi: Every year, this day (May 22) is observed as International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to promote comprehension and consciousness of biodiversity concerns.

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike.

The theme of the 2023 International Day for Biological Diversity is “From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity”

According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the responsibility of human activities in the loss of biodiversity, which amounted to 75% for terrestrial ecosystems. “This assessment also indicated that solutions existed and that it was not too late to act” report said.

The origins of the International Day for Biological Diversity can be traced back to the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, commonly referred to as the Earth Summit, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 1992.

It was during this momentous gathering that global leaders acknowledged the pressing necessity to confront the worldwide decline of biodiversity. Consequently, on May 22, 1992, a substantial number of nations adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

In her message, Director-General of UNESCO, Ms Audrey Azoulay, said that “Our relationship with nature and with other living beings needs a radical rethink in order to address this issue – we need to design and create a truly shared world. This is the fundamental message of the International Day for Biological Diversity, a message that is strongly reflected in UNESCO’s mandate and day-to-day work”.

“With the adoption of the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework, it is essential that we increase these efforts, which are at the heart of achieving the international community’sshared target of preserving 30% of the planet in protected areas” she added.

In 2022, thee United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP15) adopted a landmark agreement to guide global action on nature through to 2030. The conference adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

The GBF aims to address biodiversity loss, restore ecosystems and protect indigenous rights. The plan includes concrete measures to halt and reverse nature loss, including putting 30 per cent of the planet and 30 per cent of degraded ecosystems under protection by 2030. Earlier it was 17 percent of land and 8 per cent of marine areas are under protection.