International Day for Biological Diversity 2024: Be Part of the Plan

The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated every year on May 22. This year, it falls on a Wednesday. The theme for 2024 is “Be Part of the Plan.” This theme encourages governments, indigenous peoples and local communities, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals to showcase their efforts in supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan.

History of International Day for Biodiversity

The International Day for Biological Diversity was established by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in 1993. Originally, it was celebrated on December 29 to mark the day the Convention on Biological Diversity came into effect. However, on December 20, 2000, the date was changed to May 22. This change was made to commemorate the adoption of the Convention at the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992 and to avoid the many holidays in late December.

Significance of International Day for Biodiversity

The International Day for Biological Diversity is closely aligned with the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals address a wide range of global issues, emphasizing the critical role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth. Biodiversity significantly impacts:

  • Oceans and Seas
  • Forests
  • Food Security
  • Health
  • Sustainable Development
  • Science, Technology, and Innovation
  • Knowledge-Sharing and Capacity-Building
  • Urban Resilience
  • Sustainable Transportation
  • Desertification, Land Degradation, and Drought
  • Water and Sanitation

The importance of biodiversity in sustainable development was highlighted in the Rio+20 outcome document, “The World We Want: A Future for All.” This year’s celebration aims to build momentum leading up to the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16), scheduled to be held in Colombia from October 21 to November 1, 2024.

How to Support Biodiversity

Supporting biodiversity can be done through various means. Here are some ways to get involved:

Government Initiatives: Governments can implement policies that protect and preserve biodiversity.
Community Efforts: Local communities and indigenous peoples can showcase traditional knowledge and practices that sustain biodiversity.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs can organize events and campaigns to raise awareness about biodiversity.
Business Practices: Businesses can adopt sustainable practices that reduce their impact on the environment.
Individual Actions: Every individual can make a difference by making environmentally conscious choices in their daily lives.
Promotional Materials

To show support for biodiversity, the UN provides promotional materials for the day. These materials can be used to spread awareness and encourage more people to get involved in biodiversity conservation efforts.

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, my role involves researching and creating informative and engaging content aimed at helping candidates prepare for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in delivering insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest current affairs trends and developments. My primary focus is on educational excellence, ensuring that our readers are well-prepared and informed to face their exams with confidence. Through meticulously crafted content, I aim to guide and support candidates in their journey toward success.

Recent Posts

National Mathematics Day 2024: Celebrating Srinivasa Ramanujan

Every year on December 22, India celebrates National Mathematics Day. This date marks the birth…

20 hours ago

Current Affairs Flash 22nd December Based Quiz

In competitive exams like SSC, Defence, State Exams, and Railways, current affairs are crucial. This…

1 day ago

Ukraine Strikes Russian High-Rises in Kazan: 9/11-like Attack

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, several explosive-laden drones, believed to be part of Ukraine's ongoing…

2 days ago

Which District of Uttar Pradesh is Known as the Moonj City?

Uttar Pradesh, one of India's most populous states, is known for its rich cultural and…

2 days ago

55th GST Council Meeting: Key Highlights and Proposals

The 55th GST Council meeting, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, convened ministers from 28…

2 days ago

24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM)

India participated in the 24th BIMSTEC Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), hosted virtually by Thailand on…

2 days ago