Biodiversity Day Celebrated Around the World

Rich variety of life on earth essential says UN chief Guterres, marking biological diversity day. To mitigate climate change, UN Chief notes that deforestation and land degradation must be reduced while at the same time, enhancing carbon stocks in forests, drylands, rangelands and croplands.

22nd May 2018

“Achieving these objectives is integral to meet our goals for sustainable development,” Mr. Guterres (UN Chief) stressed, underscoring the importance of protecting, restoring and ensuring access to ecosystems to eradicating extreme poverty and hunger: Goals 1 and 2 of what are known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

To mitigate climate change, he notes that deforestation and land degradation must be reduced while at the same time, enhancing carbon stocks in forests, drylands, rangelands and croplands.

He said it was also critical to protect the biodiversity of forests and watersheds to support clean and plentiful water supplies.

Yet, despite these and other benefits, biodiversity continues to decline globally.

“The answer is to intensify efforts and build on successes,” stated Mr. Gutteres. He explained that in 2018, Parties to the Convention will begin work on a new action plan to ensure that, by 2050, biodiversity is preserved to the best of our abilities.

 Source: UN News

What is Biodiversity?

United Nations - Biodiversity‬ is the foundation for life and for the essential services provided by ecosystems. It therefore underpins peoples’ livelihoods and sustainable development in all areas of activity, including economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, among others. By stopping biodiversity loss, we are investing in people, their lives and their well-being. Join us in celebrating the variety of life on Earth on 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity. To find out what you can do visit: https://www.cbd.int/idb/2016/