The United Nations(UN)’s International Day for Biological Diversity is annually observed across the globe on 22nd May to create awareness of biodiversity issues and provide a better understanding of the importance of biodiversity as a global asset of high value to the future generation.
The theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2021 is “We’re part of the solution”.
The slogan was chosen as a continuation of the momentum generated by the 2020 theme “Our Solution are in Nature”.
Background:
i.The United Nations General Assembly adopted the resolution 49/119 on 19th December 1994 and proclaimed the 29th December as the International Day for Biological Diversity.
29th December marks the date on which the Convention on biological diversity came into force.
ii.In 2001, the UNGA adopted the resolution A/RES/55/201 and proclaimed the 22nd May of every year as the International Day for Biological Diversity.
iii.Starting from 2002, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on 22nd May.
Biological Diversity:
Biological diversity is defined as a wide range of plants, animals and microorganisms which also includes genetic differences within each species.
Importance:
i.The loss of biological diversity affects all including health and it could also expand zoonoses, the diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
ii.Around 80 per cent of the human diet consists of plants and around 20 per cent of the animal protein to around 30 billion people is provided by fish.
Additional info:
i.The negative trend in the biodiversity and ecosystem will impact the progress towards 80% of the assessed targets of 8 Sustainable Development Goals.
ii.Human actions have altered around three-quarters of the land-based environment and 66% of the marine environment.
iii.Around 1 million animals and plant species are under the threat of extinction.
