International Biodiversity Day Emphasises Local Action and Improved Research in Africa

When biodiversity has a problem, humanity has a problem. Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet. It underpins human well-being, and its rapid decline threatens ecosystems and society alike. May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) established by the United Nations in 2000 during the official adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversityin Nairobi. It’s an occasion to celebrate the richness of life on our planet and the vital importance of preserving it.

This year’s theme of “Acting Locally for Global Impact” highlights that halting and reversing biodiversity loss on a global scale depends on actions taken at the tier of neighbourhoods and individuals. Major changes often begin on a small, local scale, and more than ever, conservation success depends on the readiness of communities and governments to work together at a grassroots level.