International Day for Biological Diversity
22 May
The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated each year on 22 May to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992.
In the resolution proclaiming the day (55/201, 20 December 2000), the UN General Assembly expressed its deep concern about the continuing loss of the world’s biological diversity, and reaffirmed the commitment to the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilization of genetic resources,
Every day tells us the story of the importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity is the foundation for healthy ecosystems and sustainable human development. It touches on most parts of our lives -- from our security to our welfare, from our social relations to our health. 
Irina Bokova, UNESCO Director-General on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2011
including by appropriate access to genetic resources and the appropriate transfer of relevant technologies, taking into account all rights over those resources and technologies, and by appropriate funding.
Previous Editions
- 2013 - Water & Biodiversity
- 2012 - Marine Biodiversity
- 2011 - Forest Biodiversity, Earth's living Treasure
- 2010 - Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation
- 2009 - Invasive Alien Species
- 2008 - Biodiversity and Agriculture
- 2007 - Biodiversity and Climate Change
- 2006 - Protect Biodiversity in Drylands
- 2005 - Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World
- 2004 - Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All
- 2003 - Biodiversity and poverty alleviation - challenges for sustainable development
- 2002 - Dedicated to forest biodiversity
