Acting locally for global impact
As the global community is called to re-examine our relationship to the natural world, one thing is certain: despite all our technological advances we are completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter and energy, just to name a few.
This involves respecting, protecting, and repairing our biological wealth.
In December 2022, the world came together and agreed on a global plan to transform our relationship with nature. The adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, sets 23 targets for 2030 and four global goals for 2050 to stop and reverse the loss of nature . Among its goals: restore 30% of degraded ecosystems, conserve 30% of land, waters and seas, reduce the introduction or settlement of invasive alien species by 50%, and mobilize $200 billion per year for biodiversity, all by 2030.
This International Day for Biological Diversity, under the theme “Acting locally for global impact”, a powerful idea is placed at the center: major changes begin on a small, local scale. The success of this plan to reverse biodiversity loss depends on the strength of local actions—on the commitment of communities, organizations, and governments working together.
This campaign also aims to instill a sense of urgency. By 2026, only four years will remain to meet both the near-term targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the SDGs.
We must act now.
Back from the brink: Six species saved by ecosystem restoration
One million of the world’s estimated 8 million species are threatened with extinction. But hope is not lost. Efforts are underway to revive ecosystems that are a refuge for many endangered species. Here are six threatened mammals, reptiles and birds stepping back from the brink of extinction thanks to these initiatives.
When biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem
Biological diversity is often understood in terms of the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, but it also includes genetic differences within each species — for example, between varieties of crops and breeds of livestock — and the variety of ecosystems (lakes, forest, deserts, agricultural landscapes) that host multiple kind of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals).
Biological diversity resources are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. Fish provide 20 per cent of animal protein to about 3 billion people. Over 80 per cent of the human diet is provided by plants. As many as 80 per cent of people living in rural areas in developing countries rely on traditional plant‐based medicines for basic healthcare.
But loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses - diseases transmitted from animals to humans- while, on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.
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. Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the UN decided to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity annually.
Did you know?
- Three-quarters of the land-based environment and about 66% of the marine environment have been significantly altered by human actions.
- 1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.
- - The UN's Biodiversity plan sets out measures to restore 30% of degraded ecosystems and conserve 30% of land, waters and seas by 2030. Currently only 17% of land and around 8% cent of marine areas are protected.
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The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is responsible for the observance of the International Day and serves as the UN instrument for the protection of biodiversity. Through its website, the CBD provides promotional tools and digital assets.
