PURPOSE: The term biodiversity (from “biological diversity”) refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and can encompass the evolutionary, ecological, and cultural processes that sustain life. Biodiversity includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but also every living thing—from humans to organisms we know little about, such as microbes, fungi, and invertebrates. Biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges. From nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better. The date of 22 May was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on this day in 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the conference.
FORUM: “From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity.” International Day For Biological Diversity 2023. This year’s global celebrations bring with it a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at COP 15. To mark this incredible and historic achievement, the proposal for this year’s theme; This theme builds on the results of COP 15. Now that the world has the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (agreement), the focus must quickly shift to its implementation (action). Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #BiodiversityDay, #22May, #biodiversity, :#BuildBackBiodiversity, #AgreementToAction, #KMGBF, #HarmonyWithNature, #30by30, #ForNature, #ActionDecade #post2020.
EVENTS: The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the United Nations Biodiversity, the IPBeS, the UNESCO Man and the biosphere (MAB) programme, the UN Environment, the UNDP, the UNCCD, the UNFCCC, the UNEP/CMS, the CITES Secretariat, the FAO, the Ramsar secretary and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) along with the United Nations Member States, governments, indigenous peoples,ocal communities, non-governmental organizations and concerned individuals are pleased to invite you to debate on the theme: “From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity” during the celebration of the International Day For Biological Diversity 2023, on May 22nd at United Nations Headquaters. Register to participate and get the IDB2023 Agenda programme.
STATEMENTS: Read the Message from the U.N. Secretary General on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023; May 22nd. and watch the Joint video messages to mark the IDB 2023 on May 22nd.
The good news is that it is within our power to change our actions to help ensure the survival of species and the health and integrity of ecological systems. By understanding threats to biodiversity, and how they play out in context, we can be best prepared to manage conservation challenges. The conservation efforts of the last decades have made a significant difference in the state of biodiversity today. Over 100,000 protected areas—including national parks, wildlife refuges, game reserves, and marine protected areas, managed both by governments and local communities—provide habitat for wildlife, and help keep deforestation in check. When protecting habitat is not enough, other types of conservation actions such as restoration, reintroduction, and the control of invasive species, have had positive impacts. And these efforts have been bolstered by continuous efforts to improve environmental policies at local, regional, and global scales.
Finally, the lifestyle choices of individuals and communities can have a large effect on their impacts on biodiversity and the environment. While we might not be able to prevent all negative human impacts on biodiversity, with knowledge we can work to change the direction and shape of our effects on the rest of life on Earth.
PODCASTS: Every remaining day before the United Nations Biodiversity Conference counts to make your voice heard loud and clear: Let the world know that you wish for a strong global biodiversity framework that will “bend the curve” on biodiversity loss. Let the world know that you care about your future! Listen to the audio podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: From agreement to action: Build back biodiversity. In the run-up to 22 May, the IDB2023 campaign will showcase these actions taking place around the world. Anyone can organize activities; You are in the best position to know what awareness-raising campaigns and calls to action are feasible at your national level. Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
Biodiversity is ... The web of life that connects us all The foundation of our lives and well-being And so much more On #BiodiversityDay and every day, let's protect the #biodiversity, we all depend on.
The Lists of 22 actions for biodiversity will be released gradually for various audiences to inspire action for nature. The actions are aligned with the new global biodiversity framework. You are called to:
Adopt any of the 22 actions or propose your own actions or lists
Share photos/videos of your action(s) on social media
The Past Thematics of the day:
GET INVOLVED!
A New Global Framework for Managing Nature Through 2030: The Framework comprises 21 targets and 10 ‘milestones’ proposed for 2030, en route to ‘living in harmony with nature’ by 2050. Key targets include:
Ensure that at least 30 per cent globally of land areas and of sea areas, especially areas of particular importance for biodiversity and its contributions to people, are conserved through effectively and equitably managed, ecologically representative and well-connected systems of protected areas and other effective area based conservation measures, and integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes.
Prevent or reduce the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by 50%,and control or eradicate such species to eliminate or reduce their impacts.
Reduce nutrients lost to the environment by at least half, pesticides by at least two thirds, and eliminate discharge of plastic waste.
Use ecosystem-based approaches to contribute to mitigation and adaptation to climate change, contributing at least 10 GtCO2e per year to mitigation; and ensure that all mitigation and adaptation efforts avoid negative impacts on biodiversity.
Redirect, repurpose, reform or eliminate incentives harmful for biodiversity in a just and equitable way, reducing them by at least $500 billion per year.
Increase financial resources from all sources to at least US$ 200 billion per year, including new, additional and effective financial resources, increasing by at least US$ 10 billion per year international financial flows to developing countries, leveraging private finance, and increasing domestic resource mobilization, taking into account national biodiversity finance planning.
Build a shared future for all life.
INITIATIVES
Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life. Engage governments, donor institutions, relevant organizations, and island champions to develop projects and activities necessary to address biodiversity loss and sustainable livelihoods.
PARTNERSHIPS
The International day for Biological Diversity is organized by The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD); The U.N. Environment; The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF).; The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC); the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO);The World Wildlife Fund (WWF); The Catalogue of Life; The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), The The Ocean Biodiversity Information System (OBIS); The Atlas of Living Australia; The ALGAEBASE: Listing of world’s Algae; The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL); The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA); The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS secretariat); The Animal Diversity Web; The eBird, The International union of Soil Science (IUSS); The Geoscience Australia; The RAMSAR CONVENTION; The GRID-ARENDAL; The U.N. Spider; The NASA EARTH Observatoty System; the UN-OCEANS; The FISHbase and many others.