International Day for Biological Diversity

22 May

Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human wellbeing in the present and in the future, and its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. According to reports released in 2018 by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), the main global drivers of biodiversity loss are climate change, invasive species, over-exploitation of natural resources, pollution and urbanization.

To halt or reverse this decline it is vital to transform people’s roles, actions and relationships with biodiversity. Many solutions exist: UNESCO’s diverse networks, programmes and partners have observed positive and inspiring seeds of change around the world. UNESCO also accompanies Member States and their people in their efforts to halt biodiversity loss by understanding, appreciating, safeguarding and using biodiversity sustainably.

UNESCO is providing all its expertise on natural heritage protection to combat global warming.

It’s time to act for biodiversity! The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

For the International Day for Biological Diversity 2019, celebrated under the theme “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health”, Biosphere Reserves from around the world share their favorite local recipes.

Flavours from Biosphere Reserves (pdf)

MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL

"Biodiversity is a common good, an invaluable legacy formed over the course of millions of years, and capital to transmit to future generations. [...]This International Day aims to raise awareness of these issues that are crucial to our lives today and in the future. On this Day, a beautiful American Indian proverb is particularly fitting: “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”"

— Audrey Azoulay, Director-General, on the occasion of the International Day for Biological Diversity

WHAT UNESCO DOES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

UNESCO's commitment to biodiversity

Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme

Indigenous Knowledge and Biodiversity

The Links between Biological and Cultural Diversity

CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY: DESIGNATED SITES

Biosphere Reserves

Elephants in the Pendjari Biosphere Reserve/Benin

Natural World Heritage

UNESCO Global Geoparks

CELEBRATIONS OF THE DAY IN 2019

Under the theme “Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health”, the International Day for Biological Diversity 2019 highlights the fundamental significance of biodiversity for our food and health, as well as its role for food system transforming and health improvement.