May 22 is the annual International Day for Biological Diversity. It aims to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
The sustainability of our planet's ecosystems depends on the number of species that inhabit them. The more of them there are, the greater their ability to withstand unfavorable conditions. According to research, regions with a high level of biodiversity have richer natural resources and are also able to cope with the consequences of natural disasters more quickly. That is why it is so important to preserve as many species of plants and animals as possible in Ukraine, especially in the context of a full-scale war.
196 countries that are parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (under the Kunming-Montreal Global Framework), including Ukraine, have committed themselves to conserving species. Among them is the goal to achieve key biodiversity targets by 2030:
- stop the loss of key areas for biodiversity;
- restore 30% of degraded ecosystems;
- grant nature protection status to 30% of the land, fresh and sea water territories of the state;
- slow down the spread and reduce the population of invasive tree species by 50%;
- raise more than $200 billion annually to implement national strategies and action plans for biodiversity conservation.
Biodiversity encompasses all living organisms, from plants and animals to fungi and bacteria. It is vital to our health, well-being and economy. Biodiversity provides us with food, water, air, medicine and other resources. It also plays an important role in climate regulation, flood prevention and soil protection.
Unfortunately, biological diversity on our planet is rapidly being lost. Over the past 50 years, the rate of species extinction has increased by an exceptional 100 times. About 60% of ecological systems are degraded or used thoughtlessly, which leads to the loss of biological diversity and leads to severe consequences. This is due to human activity and climate changes caused by it.
EcoPolitic collected interesting facts about the International Day of Biological Diversity:
- This day was declared by the UN General Assembly in 1992.
- The theme of this year's holiday was "Our solutions in nature".
- The International Day for Biological Diversity was originally set for December 29, when the Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force. However, such a date turned out to be not very convenient for holding the international day, because national holidays fall on the end of December in many countries. Therefore, in 2000, it was decided to hold the International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22, the date corresponding to the presentation of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
- More than 190 countries of the world participate in the celebration of this day.
- In Ukraine, the International Day of Biological Diversity has been celebrated since 2000.
- In 2022, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the "National strategy for the preservation of biological diversity until 2030".
What can each of us do to help protect biodiversity?
- Reduce your consumption: buy fewer things, use less energy and water. Try to plan your food purchases so that you don't waste food later.
- Give preference to environmentally friendly products, local products, compost food waste.
- Protect your own habitat: do not litter, plant trees, participate in activities to improve the environment.
- Support organizations that work to preserve biological diversity. You can help them financially or become a volunteer.
- Tell your friends and family about the importance of biodiversity.
In June 2023, EcoPolitic wrote about the fact that Environment is more interested in calculating damages and permitting procedures for business than promoting the protection and development of biodiversity in Ukraine.
