Day for Biological Diversity

Introduction

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

Themes

• 2011 – Forest Biodiversity: Earth’s Living Treasure
• 2010 – Biodiversity for Development
• 2009 – Invasive Alien Species
• 2008 – Biodiversity and Agriculture
• 2007 – Biodiversity and Climate Change
• 2006 – Protect Biodiversity in Drylands
• 2005 – Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World
• 2004 – Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All
• 2003 – Biodiversity and poverty alleviation – challenges for sustainable development
• 2002 – Dedicated to forest biodiversity