The living fabric of our planet is biodiversity. It underpins human well-being now and, in the future, and its rapid decline endangers both nature and people. The United Nations has designated May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) in order to raise awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues. In this article, we will discuss the International Day for Biological Diversity which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Logo of International Day for Biological Diversity 2022

International Day for Biological Diversity – Background

• When it was first established by the UN General Assembly's Second Committee in late 1993, the 29th of December (the date of the Convention on Biological Diversity's entry into force) was designated as The International Day for Biological Diversity.
• The UN General Assembly designated 22 May as IDB in December 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention's text by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on that date in 1992.
• This was done in part because many countries found it difficult to plan and carry out appropriate celebrations for the 29th of December, given the number of holidays that coincided during that time of the year.

International Day for Biological Diversity - Theme 2022

• "Building a shared future for all life" is the theme of the 2022 International Day for Biological Diversity.
• At the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference, the theme was chosen to maintain momentum and support the post-2020 global biodiversity framework (COP15).
• The intersectoral biodiversity strategy of UNESCO is built on three pillars:
• restoring the relationship between humans and nature and regenerating ecosystems;
• conserving the harmony of our ecosystems; and
• amplifying the power of youth.
• The backbone of this strategy is UNESCO designated sites (World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and UNESCO Global Geoparks), which cover 6% of the Earth's landmass and are key areas where people learn to live in harmony with other living species and share experiences for the benefit of all.

Significance of International Day for Biological Diversity

• The day's goal is to raise awareness about the environment and all of the species that live on this planet.
• It also encourages people to identify and address similar issues and concerns.
• Humans, the most evolved species on the planet, often overlook its significance. Certain man-made activities end up destroying biological diversity under the guise of development or progress.
• Now is the time for humans to take notice and help make the Earth a more welcoming home for all forms of life.
• Given the type of lifestyle we lead today, this day is extremely significant.
• Biodiversity not only provides a home for many of the world's species, but it also serves as a source of food, water, and other resources on which we rely to survive.
• Understanding the importance of biodiversity and recognising the problems is critical.

Importance of Biodiversity

• A healthy biodiversity and functioning ecosystems are essential for human societies in numerous ways.
• Natural resources account for roughly half of the world's GDP (about 44 trillion USD), and nature provides at least $125 trillion in services annually. Nature also safeguards our health in a variety of ways.
• As the current pandemic has demonstrated, the growing negative impact of human activities on the environment endangers human and ecosystem health.
• Furthermore, as the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment stated in one of his most recent reports, ecosystem degradation and biodiversity decline are endangering the rights to life, health, food, a healthy environment, water, and adequate standard of living, and culture.
• Biodiversity remains the solution to several long-term development challenges.
• Biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can rebuild better, from ecosystem-based approaches to climate and/or nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods.

Conclusion

The Global Report demonstrated that human activities were responsible for 75 percent of the loss of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. To halt or reverse this decline, people's roles, actions, and relationships with biodiversity must be transformed. UNESCO works with the Member States and their people to stop biodiversity loss by understanding, appreciating, safeguarding, and using biodiversity in a sustainable manner.

FAQs

MCQs

1. When is the International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated?

A) May 22
B) April 22
C) June 5
D) March 22

2. What was the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023?

A) Biodiversity for a Sustainable Future
B) Build Back Biodiversity: From Agreement to Action
C) Protect Our Species
D) Nature's Solutions to Climate Change

3. Why is biodiversity crucial for human survival?

A) It ensures the availability of raw materials
B) It helps in the creation of new medicines
C) It provides ecosystem services like water purification and climate regulation
D) All of the above

4. Which of the following is an important service provided by biodiversity?

A) Food production
B) Air purification
C) Soil fertility
D) All of the above

5. What is a key factor in preserving biodiversity?

A) Over-exploitation of resources
B) Protection of natural habitats
C) Reduction of renewable energy usage
D) Increase in industrial activity

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role of the International Day for Biological Diversity in promoting global efforts towards conservation and sustainable development.

Answer: The International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22, plays a significant role in raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity in maintaining the health of the planet. The day emphasizes the critical need for conservation and sustainable development practices that protect biodiversity and prevent further degradation of ecosystems. By focusing on specific themes, such as "From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity," the day encourages nations, organizations, and individuals to commit to implementing global agreements like the Convention on Biological Diversity. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of responsibility towards the environment, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity for ecosystem services, food security, and climate regulation. This global observance supports long-term sustainable development by linking biodiversity conservation with human well-being, poverty reduction, and environmental resilience.

Q2: Explain the relationship between biodiversity loss and climate change, and how can the International Day for Biological Diversity help in addressing these challenges?

Answer: Biodiversity loss and climate change are intrinsically linked. Climate change, caused by human activities such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and industrialization, directly impacts biodiversity by altering habitats, weather patterns, and food availability. This leads to species extinction, disrupts ecosystems, and weakens resilience against environmental disasters. The International Day for Biological Diversity raises awareness about the interconnectedness of these two global challenges. It advocates for strategies that mitigate climate change while preserving biodiversity, such as protecting forests, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable land-use practices. By focusing on climate-resilient biodiversity conservation, the day encourages countries to adopt policies that address both climate change and biodiversity loss simultaneously, creating a more sustainable future for all species, including humans.

Q3: How can the observance of International Day for Biological Diversity contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

Answer: The observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity contributes directly to several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to environmental sustainability. SDG 14 (Life below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) are directly linked to biodiversity conservation, and the International Day provides a platform to advocate for actions that preserve ecosystems and wildlife. By raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity, it supports the achievement of other SDGs, such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through sustainable agriculture, SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by protecting freshwater ecosystems, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by highlighting the role of biodiversity in climate change mitigation. The day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to commit to actions that integrate biodiversity conservation into their policies, contributing to the global effort to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

Previous Year Questions on International Day for Biological Diversity

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2021 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "Discuss the significance of the International Day for Biological Diversity in raising awareness about the threats to biodiversity and the actions needed to preserve it."

Answer: The International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on May 22, serves as a global platform to raise awareness about the critical threats faced by biodiversity, such as habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. This day encourages nations, organizations, and individuals to take collective action to preserve biodiversity, stressing the importance of sustainable practices and the conservation of natural resources. By focusing on relevant themes, it pushes for policy reforms and practical measures that protect ecosystems and promote biodiversity-friendly practices, thus contributing to long-term environmental sustainability.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 2):

Question: "Evaluate the role of international efforts in preserving biodiversity and how the International Day for Biological Diversity contributes to this cause."

Answer: International efforts, through agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, aim to safeguard biodiversity globally by promoting policies that prevent species extinction and habitat loss. The International Day for Biological Diversity plays a pivotal role in supporting these efforts by fostering global awareness, encouraging countries to commit to biodiversity preservation, and mobilizing collective actions to combat environmental threats. It emphasizes the importance of biodiversity conservation for sustainable development and the need to integrate biodiversity into all levels of policy and governance.