Statement by the President of the UN General Assembly on the International Day for Biological Diversity, observed on 22 May
22 May
UNITED NATIONS, New York, 22 May 2017 – On the occasion of the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity, the President of the United Nations General Assembly, H.E. Mr. Peter Thomson, issued the following statement:
“I wholeheartedly welcome the celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, established to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention of Biological Diversity and to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.
“The importance of reducing the rate of biodiversity loss, for people and for our planet, cannot be overstated. Biological diversity has a fundamental role in maintaining ecosystems which are critical foundations for sustainable development and human well-being. It is a major factor underpinning the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals universally adopted in September 2015.”
“This year’s theme, “Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism”, was chosen to coincide with the observance of 2017 as the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. It is therefore an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of the interlinkages between sustainable tourism, economic growth and the conservation of biodiversity.
“To lead efforts aimed at halting biodiversity loss in the Ocean, the United Nations is holding The Ocean Conference in New York from 5 to 9 June 2017. Visit the conference website at oceanconference.un.org and make a Voluntary Commitment on the website register in support of biological diversity in the Ocean”.