The theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is ‘From Agreement to Action: Building Back Biodiversity’. (Representative image: Shutterstock)
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: The day serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of species, ecosystems and genetic resources that make our planet unique
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2023: The International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated on May 22, is a global celebration that highlights the importance of biodiversity and its vital role in sustaining life on Earth. This day serves as a reminder of the incredible diversity of species, ecosystems and genetic resources that make our planet unique. It is a time to reflect on the web of life and recognize the intricate connections between humans and the natural world.
Biodiversity includes the variety of plants, animals, microorganisms and the ecosystems they inhabit. It is the basis of our food, water, air and overall well-being. The alarming rate of species extinction, habitat loss and decline poses a significant threat to biodiversity. The International Day for Biological Diversity aims to raise awareness about these challenges and promote efforts to protect and conserve biodiversity.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: Theme
The proposed theme for this year’s commemoration is “From Agreement to Action: Building Back Biodiversity.” This theme is a continuation of the results of COP 15, where the world witnessed the creation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an important milestone. Now the urgency is in a rapid transition from mere agreement to concrete action in the implementation of this framework.
Parties to the Convention and all stakeholders are strongly encouraged to begin their actions to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework on May 22, if they have not already done so. For those already engaged in their actions, the International Day for Biological Diversity provides an excellent opportunity to highlight and further emphasize these efforts.
Looking ahead, it is proposed that all future themes for the International Day of Biological Diversity align with and build on the themes of the Conference of the Parties (COP) during the two-year gap between COPs. This ensures that the focus and direction of the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (SCBD) and the CBD Parties remain aligned with the decisions made at the UN Biodiversity Conferences.
Let’s take this momentous opportunity to turn words into action and work together to restore and protect our planet’s precious biodiversity. May 22 is a day to unite, show our progress and pave the way for a brighter future for all living beings.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: History
Get ready to celebrate the wonders of our planet’s biodiversity on May 22 as we celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity. This special day, initially marked at the end of December, has now found its perfect spot on the calendar to coincide with the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992.
By moving the date, the United Nations General Assembly aims to increase our understanding and awareness of the critical issues surrounding biodiversity. It is a day when we come together to marvel at the incredible variety of life on Earth and recognize the importance of preserving and protecting it for future generations. So mark your calendars and join the global celebration of our planet’s rich tapestry of life on May 22.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: Meaning
International Day for Biological Diversity is of great importance as it serves as a global platform to raise awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues with the urgent need for its conservation. The day offers the opportunity to educate people all over the world about the importance of biodiversity. It emphasizes the value of diverse ecosystems, species and genetic resources for the well-being of humanity and the planet.
Biodiversity faces unprecedented threats such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution and overexploitation. International Day for Biological Diversity recalls the urgent need to take action and protect biodiversity to ensure the long-term survival of ecosystems and species. Biodiversity is essential for sustainable development. It plays a crucial role in providing ecosystem services such as clean air and water, pollination, soil fertility and climate regulation. This day emphasizes the link between preserving biodiversity and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: Quotes
- A lifetime can be spent in a Magellanic journey around the trunk of a single tree. ― E. O. Wilson
- When planting trees, try to maintain an ecosystem, not a plantation. ― Daniel Mathews
- The goal of all diversity is companionship. That which desires companionship is the Self. ― Wald Wasserman
- If we pollute the air, water and soil that sustain us and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us. ― David Suzuki
- Biodiversity starts in the distant past and points to the future. ― Francis Lanting
- Collective human actions are transforming, even destroying the biosphere – perhaps irreversibly – through global warming and loss of biodiversity. ― Martin Reese
- We must preserve every bit of biodiversity as priceless as we learn to use it and understand what it means to humanity. ― E. O. Wilson
- Food has made me more interested in protecting the soil, the way things are grown and biodiversity. ― Mary McCartney
- Uniformity is not nature’s way; diversity is nature’s way. ― Vandan Shiva
- We share this planet with many species. It is our responsibility to protect them, both for them and for ourselves. ― Pamela A. Matson
