May 24, 2024
INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY 2024
1. What is the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB)?
The IDB, held annually on May 22, is a United Nations-recognized day to promote global biodiversity issues. It marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992 during the Rio Earth Summit.
2. What is the significance of the 2024 theme, "Be Part of the Plan"?
The 2024 theme emphasizes the role of individual and collective action in supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It calls for active participation from all societal sectors to halt biodiversity loss and promote ecosystem restoration and resilience.
3. How can individuals participate in supporting the 2024 theme?
Individuals can engage in various activities such as planting native species, reducing waste, participating in local conservation projects, and spreading awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Every action counts towards creating a sustainable planet.
4. Who are the key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan?
Key stakeholders include governments, NGOs, indigenous peoples, local communities, businesses, and private citizens. Each group plays a crucial role in implementing and supporting actions that align with the goals of the Biodiversity Plan.
5. What are some expected outcomes of "Be Part of the Plan"?
The expected outcomes include increased global awareness of biodiversity issues, enhanced cooperation across borders, improved policies for environmental protection, and tangible improvements in biodiversity conservation efforts worldwide.
6. How does "Be Part of the Plan" relate to sustainable development?
The theme directly supports sustainable development by promoting practices that protect and enhance natural resources, which are vital for economic and social development. Sustainable use of biodiversity is key to maintaining the earth’s resilience and productivity.
Key Concepts of the International Day for Biological Diversity:
Biodiversity: Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it. Biodiversity includes not only species we are familiar with, such as plants and animals, but also less visible microbial communities that are just as vital to maintaining life-sustaining systems.
Ecosystem Services: These are the benefits that humans freely gain from the natural environment and from properly-functioning ecosystems. Such services include food, water, disease management, climate regulation, spiritual fulfillment, and aesthetic enjoyment.
Sustainable Development: This concept involves meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Biodiversity is a fundamental part of sustainable development because it supports functions such as food security, nutrient cycling, and pollination, all of which are essential for human survival and economic activity.
Global Partnerships: Addressing the challenges of biodiversity loss requires international cooperation. The IDB serves as a platform for raising awareness and prompting action across borders. It calls for collaboration among various stakeholders including governments, non-governmental organizations, indigenous groups, and the private sector to implement strategies that protect biodiversity.
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: Referred to in the 2024 theme "Be Part of the Plan," this framework is a global agreement aimed at reversing the current losses in biodiversity and ensuring that ecosystems are restored, resilient, and adequately protected by 2030. It emphasizes the need for worldwide cooperation and accountability.
Community Involvement: The theme encourages every individual and community to engage in biodiversity preservation. It highlights that everyone has a role to play, from lawmakers crafting environmentally friendly policies to individuals practicing sustainable consumption and conservation at home.
SRIRAM’s
