The 20th International Biodiversity Day was celebrated on the premises of the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute under the motto “We are part of the solution for nature”.

The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute hosted a panel discussion and seedling program in the presence of invited guests, the media and the staff of the institute.

Dr. Melese Mario, General Director of the Institute, said “There are many man-made and natural problems in biodiversity. To address these issues in a sustainable way, governmental and non-governmental organizations have a great national responsibility to work in partnership with the community”. He added that, the green legacy program launched by the Prime Minister is part of the natural solution and will enable us to enter a green economy that is resilient to climate change.”

The panel discussion was presented by researchers at the institute, explaining the theme chosen for the festival, reviewing the work being done as part of a national solution and suggesting a direction for the future.

According to the United Nations Convention on Biodiversity, the International Biodiversity Day celebrated every year on May22. It was stated at the forum that Biodiversity Day guarantees that countries have sovereignty over their genetic resource. Ethiopia was the 54th signatory to the International Conference on Biodiversity (CBD). Ethiopia is one of the first countries in the world to celebrate Biodiversity Day on 2002.