Celebration of International Biological Diversity Day

The critical role biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth and highlights the growing threats it faces due to human activities.

- DR RAKESH VERMA

The day also commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, a landmark international agreement aimed at protecting the world's natural wealth.

The history of this day is deeply rooted in international environmental milestones. It builds upon the momentum generated by global environmental efforts such as the 1972 Stockholm Conference, the 1987 Brundtland Report, and most notably, the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The Earth Summit led to the creation of three major environmental conventions, among them the CBD. Initially observed on December 29th, the day was later shifted to May 22nd to enhance global participation, as December falls within the holiday season in many countries, Since 2003, the new date has been observed worldwide, marking a turning point in the global commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and it is the foundation of a healthy planet. It provides stability to ecosystems, supports a wide range of ecosystem services, and helps ensure the resilience of nature against disruptions. Biodiversity includes three main components: genetic diversity, which provides the basis for adaptation; species diversity, which supports complex food webs and ecological interactions; and ecosystem diversity, which ensures the functionality and sustainability of natural environments.