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May 22nd 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 is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development”.  It highlights the linkages between the global strategy to halt the loss of biodiversity and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Reversing biodiversity loss is crucial for the attainment of the SDG’s and achieving the SDG’s will support living in harmony with nature. If both of these missions are to reach their implementation target of 2030, they must be pursued aggressively and in tandem for the next 5 years.

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?

• Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on earth.
• 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 also 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• The loss of biodiversity is perhaps the only truly irreversible global environmental change the Earth faces today.

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.

Other Resources-

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