International Day for Biological Diversity: The Importance of Our Lifeline
Today, May 22, is ‘International Day for Biological Diversity’ or ‘World Biodiversity Day’, a day designated by the United Nations to raise awareness and address biodiversity issues. Biodiversity loss is one of the most critical challenges facing our planet today, impacting human health, food security, and economic stability.
The theme for this year’s observance is ‘Be part of the plan’, emphasizing the need for collective action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. This call to action aligns with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) during the 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-15) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The GBF provides a comprehensive roadmap for biodiversity conservation, aiming to achieve a ‘world living in harmony with nature by 2050’.
The framework establishes four primary goals and 23 targets for 2050 and 2030, respectively, to guide and support biodiversity conservation efforts. The implementation of the GBF will be supported by a comprehensive package of decisions, including a monitoring framework, an enhanced mechanism for planning and reporting, and necessary financial resources.
The GBF recognizes the interdependence of biodiversity and human well-being. Biodiversity provides us with essential services such as clean air and water, food, medicine, and raw materials for industry. It also plays a crucial role in regulating climate, controlling erosion, and supporting pollination.
However, human activities, such as deforestation, overfishing, and pollution, have led to a significant decline in biodiversity. The recent Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) report reveals the gravity of global species loss in the last decade, highlighting the urgent need for action.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further emphasized the connection between biodiversity loss and human health. Scientists believe that ecosystem degradation and the disruption of natural habitats can increase the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans.
Addressing biodiversity loss requires a multi-faceted approach involving governments, businesses, and individuals. Governments can implement policies and regulations to protect biodiversity, while businesses can adopt sustainable practices and support conservation efforts. Individuals can make conscious choices to reduce their environmental impact and promote conservation in their daily lives.
By working together, we can safeguard the rich tapestry of life on Earth and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Each one of us has a role to play in ‘being part of the plan’ to protect our planet’s biodiversity.
