The International Day for Biological Diversity is a global observance that takes place on May 22nd each year. It aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect and conserve the variety of life on Earth.
The day serves as a reminder of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining ecosystems, providing essential ecosystem services, and supporting human well-being. It also highlights the threats to biodiversity, such as habitat loss, climate change, pollution, and overexploitation of natural resources.
The International Day for Biological Diversity encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to take action to safeguard biodiversity and promote sustainable practices to preserve the Earth's rich and diverse ecosystems.
Background of Bio Diversity day
The International Day for Biological Diversity, also known as World Biodiversity Day, was designated by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about biodiversity issues. It was first observed on December 29th, 1993, to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), which took place on December 29th, 1992, during the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The CBD is an international treaty that aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the utilization of genetic resources. It recognizes that biodiversity is essential for sustaining life on Earth, providing ecosystem services, and supporting human well-being.
To emphasize the importance of biodiversity, the CBD Secretariat proposed shifting the observance of the International Day for Biological Diversity to May 22nd, starting in 2001. May 22nd was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the adoption of the CBD and to avoid conflicting with other holidays and events celebrated in December.
Since then, the International Day for Biological Diversity has become a global platform to raise awareness, promote understanding, and encourage action to safeguard biodiversity. Each year, a specific theme is chosen to focus on a particular aspect of biodiversity conservation. The day's celebrations include various activities such as conferences, workshops, exhibitions, community events, and educational programs, all aimed at highlighting the importance of biodiversity and the need for its protection.
The theme for this year:
Biodiversity Day 2023 is being celebrated under the slogan: " “Building a shared future for all life”.".Biodiversity in Nepal
Nepal is a country known for its rich biodiversity due to its diverse geography, ranging from the lowland Terai plains to the high Himalayas. Here are some key points about biodiversity in Nepal:
- Species Diversity: Nepal is home to a wide range of flora and fauna. It has been identified as one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world. The country boasts a diverse array of plant species, including more than 6,000 flowering plants, 1,019 orchid species, and numerous medicinal plants. Nepal is also known for its wildlife, such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, red panda, and snow leopard.
- Protected Areas: Nepal has established several protected areas to conserve its biodiversity. These include national parks, wildlife reserves, conservation areas, and buffer zones. These protected areas cover various ecosystems, including the Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park (home to Mount Everest), Bardia National Park, and Annapurna Conservation Area, among others.
- Himalayan Biodiversity: The Himalayas play a crucial role in Nepal's biodiversity. It is home to many unique and endemic species adapted to the high-altitude environment. The region harbors diverse ecosystems, including alpine meadows, rhododendron forests, and snow-capped peaks. It supports a range of species, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan monal, and various high-altitude plants.
- Conservation Efforts: Nepal has made significant efforts in biodiversity conservation. The country has implemented various initiatives to protect endangered species, promote sustainable tourism, and engage local communities in conservation activities. Community-based conservation projects, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Project, have been successful in involving local communities in sustainable resource management.
- Challenges: Nepal faces several challenges in biodiversity conservation. These include habitat loss due to deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, climate change impacts on fragile ecosystems, and human-wildlife conflicts. The country's rapid development and growing population also exert pressure on natural resources.
To protect and conserve biodiversity, Nepal has participated in international agreements and conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and has developed its own policies and strategies for sustainable development and conservation. The government, NGOs, and local communities continue to work together to address these challenges and preserve Nepal's rich biodiversity for future generations.