On the 22nd
of May, a wonderful environmental day takes place: International Day for
Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day. It is an annual observance
and this United Nations–sanctioned is one of the most important days on the
annual environmental calendar. The
United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological
Diversity (IDB) in order to increase understanding and promote awareness
of biodiversity issues as well as raise awareness about preserving endangered
habitats. Previously, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the
Convention of Biological Diversity) was designated The International Day for
Biological Diversity when it was first created by the
Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993. Thereafter, in In
December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, as it commemorates
the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final
Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on
Biological Diversity.
But
why an International Day for Biological Diversity?
Even though it has globally been
recognised that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to
present and future generations, the number of species is still being
significantly reduced by certain human activities. As a response, The
Convention on Biological Diversity is the international legal instrument for “the
conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components as
well as the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the
utilization of genetic resources”. This convention has been ratified by 196 nations.
The General Assembly proclaimed 22 May, the date of the adoption of its text,
as the International Day for Biological Diversity by its resolution 55/201 of
20 December 2000. This was done as a result of an increasing importance of
public education and awareness for the implementation of the Convention.
Theme for 2017
This year’s
theme relates to Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism which is a very fitting
and relevant topic. It has been specifically chosen to coincide with the
observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development
as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in its Resolution 70/193
and for which the United Nations World Tourism Organization is providing
leadership. Biodiversity (at the level of species and ecosystems) also provides
an imperative foundation for several aspects of tourism. Furthermore, the
importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich
biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity
conservation. Various issues addressed under the Convention on Biological
Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. Consequently, a well-managed
tourist sector can contribute meaningfully to reducing threats to, and maintain
or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism
revenue.
Importance
of biodiversity
Biodiversity is
life. Furthermore, it
is a key condition for resilient ecosystems, able to adapt to a changing environment
and unexpected challenges. Also, it’s as necessary for nature and humankind as
cultural diversity, in order to build stronger, more resilient societies as
they’ll be equipped with the tools they need to respond to the challenges of
today and tomorrow.
References
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/international-day-for-biological-diversity/
