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International Day for Biological Diversity serves as a reminder to preserve biodiversity

  • To commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992;
  • To create an opportunity to promote broad-based support for the implementation of the Convention, its protocols and related frameworks for action.

On 22 May, attention is drawn to the urgent need to strengthen the protection of species, habitats and genetic diversity worldwide. Despite numerous efforts, the global loss of biodiversity is alarming. This day serves as an annual reminder of how important it is to do everything in our power to stop the destruction of nature.

This year, the celebrations are marked by the 25th anniversary of the Convention.

2011 – 2020: The UN Decade on Biodiversity
The Convention is today, with over 190 contracting parties, one of the most successful United Nations agreements and has achieved significant progress: the conservation of biological diversity is a central component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Paris Agreement takes biodiversity into account, the World Economic Forum classifies the loss of biodiversity as a critical risk, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has made biodiversity a priority. In addition, the UN Decade on Biodiversity was proclaimed for the years 2011 to 2020. At national and local level, there are numerous initiatives and activities aimed at protecting biological diversity.

Conservation of biological diversity
The UNESCO is committed to protecting biological diversity through various programmes, such as the World Heritage Convention, the global network of biosphere reserves and the Global Geoparks Programme. The 206 UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites and 686 biosphere reserves serve as learning platforms for sustainable development solutions at local level and cover all major ecosystems. The 140 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 38 countries play a crucial role in protecting and communicating geological heritage, thereby contributing significantly to the conservation of biological diversity.

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