International day for biodiversity 🌿
Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development
May 22nd marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, a day dedicated to promoting biodiversity and raising awareness about the importance of preserving our planet's natural wealth. This year's theme, "Harmony with nature and sustainable development," highlights the interconnectedness of human well-being and the health of our ecosystems ¹.
Why Biodiversity Matters
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth, providing essential services such as:
- *Food Security*: Over 80% of our diet comes from plants, and fish provide 20% of animal protein for about 3 billion people.
- *Human Health*: Many people rely on traditional plant-based medicines for basic healthcare, and preserving biodiversity can help fight against pandemics.
- *Climate Regulation*: Ecosystems like oceans, rainforests, and peatlands store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change ² ¹.
Threats to Biodiversity
Human activities are significantly altering ecosystems, leading to:
- *Species Extinction*: 1 million animal and plant species are threatened with extinction, and over 47,000 species are at risk.
- *Deforestation*: The world lost over 28 million hectares of tree cover in just one year.
- *Climate Crisis*: Increasing frequency and intensity of fires, floods, and droughts impact biodiversity ³.
Global Response
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework sets 23 targets for 2030, including:
- *Restoring Ecosystems*: Restore 20% of degraded ecosystems.
- *Reducing Invasive Species*: Reduce the introduction of invasive alien species by 50%.
- *Private Financing*: Bridging the $700 billion annual gap to fund nature and biodiversity initiatives ³ ¹.
What Can We Do?
- *Raise Awareness*: Share information about biodiversity and its importance.
- *Support Conservation Efforts*: Donate to organizations working to protect ecosystems and species.
- *Make Sustainable Choices*: Choose products that promote sustainable development and reduce harm to the environment.
Let's work together to protect biodiversity and promote harmony with nature. Every action counts, and collective efforts can make a significant difference in preserving our planet's natural wealth ¹.