International Day for Biological Diversity

What Is the International Day for Biological Diversity?

May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity. It is an international day proclaimed by the United Nations to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues, and in December 2000 the UN General Assembly adopted May 22 as its date. The date commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on May 22, 1992.

From December 29 to May 22

The International Day for Biological Diversity was not always on May 22.

• First on December 29: When it was first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, December 29, the date the Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force, was designated as the day.
• Moved to May 22: In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted May 22, the date the text of the Convention was adopted, as the International Day for Biological Diversity.
• Why it changed: One reason was that many holidays fall around December 29, making it difficult for many countries to plan and hold suitable celebrations.
• The responsible body: The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the UN instrument for protecting biodiversity, is responsible for the observance.

One Million Species at Risk

According to the UN, three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions, and 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction. In December 2022, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted, with goals including restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems and conserving 30% of land, waters, and seas by 2030. Currently, only 17% of land and around 8% of marine areas are protected.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Walk through a nearby park or green space and observe the plants and animals there
• Choose environmentally friendly products when shopping
• Learn about endangered species that live in your area
• Check this year's theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity on the UN website

A Day to Think About Our Connection to Diverse Life

Our water, food, medicines, clothes, and shelter are supported by healthy ecosystems. The International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 is a day to remember that our lives depend on our connections with diverse living things. Why not turn your attention to nature around you today and think of one thing you can do?