International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

Taking place on 22nd May every year. Increasing understanding and awareness of the world’s biodiversity.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2023: The United Nations proclaimed 22 May the International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The day was first held in 1993 on December the 29th, in 2000 it was moved to May the 22nd to commemorate the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.

It is becoming increasingly clear that biodiversity is one of the most fundamental building blocks of life on Earth and, in turn, human societies. We know that the strongest ecosystems are the most diverse and so protecting and restoring our wild spaces has never been more important. Today is a great day to reinforce this understanding in students, introduce them to the wonders of the rich, interconnected ecosystems all around us and show how we can regenerate our landscapes to their former glory.

International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

How to approach it

Help develop students’ understanding of what biodiversity is and the difference between high and low biodiversity. Biodiversity is all about the number of living organisms within a certain area. An area of high biodiversity will have lots of different species of animals, plants, bacteria and fungi. Low biodiversity on the contrary will be a barren environment with only a few species.

The most biodiverse place in the world is the Amazon rainforest and it’s a great example to show to students to give an idea about what true biodiversity feels like. You could use some of the resources below or pictures and videos to show the massive variety of species, some of which still haven’t been classified yet. Examples of low biodiversity sadly are present in much of the UK. Good examples are the Scottish highlands, the Lake District or the Peak District. These places were, and should be, rich, diverse forests like that of the Amazon but, because of mismanagement over thousands of years, they have declined.

Use this contrast to show the kind of ecosystems we could be living in, compared to what we have. Show that we need to protect our remaining biodiversity and, importantly, build back what we have already lost. Ask students: what plant, animal or habitat would you most like to protect? If you could, what future habitat would you like to build and why?

Why is International Day of biological diversity celebrated?

The International Day of Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day, is celebrated on May 22nd each year. It is a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote action to protect and preserve biodiversity around the world. Here are some key reasons why this day is celebrated:

1. Raising Awareness: The International Day of Biological Diversity aims to increase public awareness about the importance of biodiversity. It highlights the significance of biodiversity for the well-being of our planet and emphasizes the need for its conservation.
2. Celebrating the Variety of Life: Biodiversity refers to the incredible variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and the ecosystems in which they exist. This day celebrates the beauty and richness of this diversity, recognizing its intrinsic value and the benefits it provides to human society.
3. Promoting Sustainable Development: Biodiversity is crucial for sustainable development. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem services such as clean air, water, food production, climate regulation, and natural resources. By celebrating World Biodiversity Day, the focus is placed on integrating biodiversity conservation into sustainable development plans and policies.
4. Addressing Biodiversity Loss: The International Day of Biological Diversity serves as a platform to address the ongoing loss of biodiversity worldwide. It raises awareness about the threats faced by various species and ecosystems due to factors such as habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, invasive species, and overexploitation. It encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to mitigate these threats and conserve biodiversity.
5. Strengthening International Cooperation: The day promotes international cooperation and collaboration among governments, organizations, and individuals working towards biodiversity conservation. It highlights the importance of sharing knowledge, best practices, and resources to address biodiversity challenges at local, national, and global levels.
6. Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals: Biodiversity conservation is intricately linked to several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals encompass a wide range of global challenges, including poverty eradication, climate action, responsible consumption and production, and the protection of life on land and below water. Celebrating World Biodiversity Day contributes to achieving these SDGs by recognizing the role of biodiversity in their implementation.

Overall, the International Day of Biological Diversity is celebrated to increase awareness, foster action, and promote international collaboration to protect and conserve the Earth’s biodiversity. By recognizing the value of biodiversity and its relationship with sustainable development, we can strive towards a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world and secure a better future for generations to come.

What is the theme of the International Day for biodiversity 2023?

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I cannot provide you with the specific theme for the International Day for Biodiversity in 2023. The themes for each year’s celebration are typically decided and announced by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which is the United Nations body responsible for coordinating the event. To find out the theme for the International Day for Biodiversity in 2023, I recommend checking the official website of the CBD or related UN sources for the most up-to-date information closer to that time.

How to observe International Day for Biological Diversity?

Observing the International Day for Biological Diversity provides an opportunity to engage in activities and actions that promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Here are some ways you can observe this important day:

1. Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn about biodiversity, its significance, and the threats it faces. Read books, watch documentaries, or explore online resources to deepen your understanding. Share your knowledge with others, such as friends, family, or colleagues, and raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
2. Organize or Participate in Events: Join local events, workshops, seminars, or conferences organized in your community to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity. These events often involve expert speakers, panel discussions, interactive activities, and exhibitions focused on biodiversity conservation. Alternatively, you can organize your own event to raise awareness and engage others in biodiversity-related discussions and activities.
3. Explore Nature: Spend time outdoors and connect with nature. Visit local parks, nature reserves, botanical gardens, or wildlife sanctuaries. Observe and appreciate the diversity of plants, animals, and ecosystems. You can also go hiking, birdwatching, or engage in other nature-based activities that allow you to appreciate biodiversity firsthand.
4. Support Conservation Initiatives: Contribute to biodiversity conservation efforts by supporting organizations and initiatives working in this field. Consider donating to conservation organizations, volunteering for local conservation projects, or participating in citizen science initiatives. You can also get involved in community-led conservation activities, such as tree planting, habitat restoration, or wildlife monitoring.
5. Promote Sustainable Practices: Make choices that contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. Adopt sustainable practices in your daily life, such as reducing waste, recycling, conserving water, using eco-friendly products, and supporting local and sustainable food production. Encourage others to do the same and advocate for sustainable policies and practices in your community.
6. Spread the Word: Utilize social media platforms or other communication channels to spread awareness about the International Day for Biological Diversity. Share informative posts, facts, or graphics related to biodiversity conservation. Use hashtags associated with the day to reach a wider audience and inspire action. Encourage your friends and followers to join the conversation and participate in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Remember, observing the International Day for Biological Diversity is not limited to a single day. Biodiversity conservation requires ongoing efforts and commitment throughout the year. By incorporating sustainable practices and promoting biodiversity conservation in your daily life, you can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations.

Which day is celebrated as International biological Day?

The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22nd each year. It was established by the United Nations to raise awareness about biodiversity and the need for its conservation. This day serves as a global platform to promote action and engagement in protecting and sustaining the rich variety of life on Earth.

What is the purpose of International Day for Biological Diversity?

The purpose of the International Day for Biological Diversity is to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and to promote its conservation and sustainable use. The day serves as a platform to highlight the value and significance of biodiversity for ecosystems, human well-being, and sustainable development. Some specific purposes of the International Day for Biological Diversity include:

1. Awareness: The day aims to increase public awareness about the importance of biodiversity, its role in maintaining healthy ecosystems, and the threats it faces. By raising awareness, it seeks to promote a deeper understanding of the value and benefits of biodiversity among individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.
2. Education: The International Day for Biological Diversity provides an opportunity to educate people about biodiversity and its conservation. It encourages learning about the various dimensions of biodiversity, including genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity, and their interconnectedness. Education initiatives on this day help build knowledge and capacity for biodiversity conservation.
3. Action: The day encourages individuals, communities, organizations, and governments to take action to protect and conserve biodiversity. It serves as a call to action for various stakeholders to implement measures that promote the sustainable use of natural resources, mitigate threats to biodiversity, and preserve ecosystems. It inspires individuals and institutions to make conscious choices and decisions that contribute to biodiversity conservation.
4. Policy Advocacy: The International Day for Biological Diversity is an opportunity to advocate for policies and strategies that support biodiversity conservation. It aims to influence decision-makers and policy developers to integrate biodiversity concerns into national and international agendas. The day emphasizes the importance of integrating biodiversity considerations into various sectors, such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and urban planning.
5. International Cooperation: The day promotes international collaboration and cooperation for biodiversity conservation. It provides a platform for sharing knowledge, best practices, and experiences among countries and organizations. By fostering partnerships and collaborations, it encourages joint efforts in addressing global biodiversity challenges and achieving common conservation goals.
6. Sustainable Development: The International Day for Biological Diversity recognizes the interlinkages between biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It emphasizes the need to integrate biodiversity considerations into sustainable development plans and practices. By promoting the sustainable use of biodiversity, the day contributes to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advancing a more equitable and sustainable future.

In summary, the International Day for Biological Diversity serves to increase awareness, inspire action, advocate for policies, foster international cooperation, and promote the integration of biodiversity into sustainable development. It aims to ensure the continued existence and well-being of the multitude of species and ecosystems that make up our planet’s biodiversity.