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May 22^nd is recognized around the world as the International Day for Biodiversity.   In 1993 the United Nations proclaimed this annual celebration to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and to encourage the protection of all species.  This year’s theme, “Be Part of the Plan” is a call to stop the decline in biodiversity by supporting action on the goals established in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Adopted at COP 15, this landmark document sets out an ambitious pathway to address the ongoing loss of terrestrial and marine biodiversity and reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.

The International Day for Biological Diversity provides an excellent opportunity for students and teachers to explore biodiversity issues and take action in their own communities.

Why Care About Biological Diversity?

• The more biodiverse an ecosystem, the greater its ability to withstand disturbance.
• Even the smallest and most obscure species play vital roles in sustaining the web of life in all ecosystems.
• Food production depends on biodiversity and the services provided by ecosystems.
• Clean and secure supplies of water depend on biodiversity.

• Biodiversity provides goods and services essential for human health – including nutrients, clean air and water and regulation of pests and vector-based diseases
• Biodiversity is a vital asset in global and local economies. 

• A rich biodiversity underpins a multitude of social and economic opportunities in wildlife and eco-tourism.

• The extinction of each additional species brings the irreversible loss of unique genetic codes which are often linked to development of medicines, crops, and jobs.
• Of the top 150 prescription drugs, 118 originally have come from living creatures. Cures for existing and future diseases may well be found in nature’s inventory of species. The potential pharmaceutical value of marine ecosystems is estimated at more than five trillion dollars.
• Not since the disappearance of the dinosaurs has the rate of species extinction been greater than today. Virtually all of this loss is being caused by human activities.
• While there is a growing recognition that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities

Resources 4 Rethinking encourages students and teachers to participate in the International Day for Biological Diversity. Top R4R Picks will connect you to some excellent resources to support these efforts.

For more information and activities be sure to check out the International Day for Biological Diversity website.