The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues.

The theme for 2023 is, “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” Biodiversity is the living fabric of our planet, and it underpins human well-being in the present and in the future. Its rapid decline threatens nature and people alike. The IDB aims to raise awareness of the vital importance of preserving biodiversity and to promote the idea that, now that we have an action plan agreed upon at a global level, we must implement all the measures that the agreement contemplates before 2030. This essay will explore the importance of biodiversity conservation, its role in supporting many sectors of human life, and why protecting biodiversity is vital for economic growth and poverty reduction.

The International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated annually on May 22nd to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the need to protect it. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it forms. It includes all living organisms, from the smallest bacteria to the largest mammals, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Biodiversity is essential for the survival of all species, including humans, as it provides us with food, medicine, clean air and water, and other ecosystem services. In this article, we will explore the significance of biodiversity, the threats it faces, and the actions we can take to protect it.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the result of billions of years of evolution, shaped by natural processes and human activities. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems. It includes not only species we consider rare, threatened, or endangered but also every living thing—from humans to organisms we know little about, such as microbes, fungi, and invertebrates. Biodiversity has three levels: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species, while species diversity refers to the variety of species within an ecosystem. Ecosystem diversity refers to the variety of ecosystems within a region. Biodiversity is not evenly distributed across the globe, rather it varies greatly within regions and across the planet. The diversity of all living things depends on temperature, precipitation, altitude, soils, geography, and the interactions between other species. The study of the spatial distribution of organisms, species, and ecosystems is the science of biogeography.

Diversity consistently measures higher in the tropics and in other localized regions such as the Cape Floristic Region and lower in polar regions generally. Tropical moist forests harbor much of the world’s biodiversity, but this diversity is not evenly distributed globally, with tropical moist forests covering less than 10% of Earth‘s surface and containing about 90% of the world’s species. Rain forests that have had wet climates for a long time have particularly high biodiversity. Marine biodiversity is usually higher along coasts in the Western Pacific, where sea surface temperature is highest, and in the mid-latitudinal band in all oceans.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity is essential for the functioning of ecosystems and the survival of all species, including humans. It provides us with food, medicine, clean air and water, and other ecosystem services. For example, pollinators such as bees and butterflies are essential for the production of many crops, while forests and wetlands help regulate the climate and prevent soil erosion. Biodiversity also has cultural and aesthetic value, as it inspires art, music, and literature, and provides recreational opportunities for people. Biodiversity is essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans.

Threats to Biodiversity

Despite its importance, biodiversity is under threat from a range of human activities, including habitat destruction, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, climate change, and invasive species. These threats are causing the loss of species at an unprecedented rate, with some estimates suggesting that up to one million species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. The loss of biodiversity has significant consequences for human well-being, including the loss of ecosystem services, reduced food security, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters.

Actions to Protect Biodiversity

Protecting biodiversity requires a collective effort from individuals, communities, governments, and international organizations. Some of the actions that can be taken to protect biodiversity include: