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International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22 promotes ecosystem conservation. Join the global action on International Day for Biological Diversity to protect nature’s balance.
PWOnlyIAS
May 13, 2025
International Day for Biological Diversity is an important annual observance that shines a spotlight on the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need to protect it. Celebrated every year on 22 May, this day commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992. As the global community reflects on its relationship with nature, International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 presents an opportunity to realign human development with ecological sustainability.
International Day for Biological Diversity commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed this day in its resolution A/RES/55/201 to promote global efforts toward conserving biological diversity, promoting sustainable use, and ensuring equitable benefit sharing from genetic resources.
Initially celebrated on December 29, the date was moved to May 22 to mark the CBD’s adoption and enable easier planning of events worldwide.
| International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 | |
| Aspect | Details |
| Name of the Day | International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 |
| Date | 22 May 2025 |
| Theme | “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” |
| Objective | To increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues and promote actions in support of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) |
| Significance | Commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992 |
| Global Framework | Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (The Biodiversity Plan) |
| Key Goals of KMGBF | Restore 20% of degraded ecosystems, reduce invasive alien species by 50%, and align national biodiversity plans with the SDGs |
| Link to SDGs | Direct alignment with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs |
| Campaign Focus | Urging swift global action with only 5 years left to achieve the 2030 targets |
| India’s Legal Framework | Governed by the Biological Diversity Act 2002, amended in the Biological Diversity Act 2023 |
| Key Institutions in India | National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards (SBB), Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) |
| UN Resolution | Proclaimed by UNGA under A/RES/55/201 on 8 February 2001 |
| First Observed on 22 May | Year 2001 (originally 29 December until 2000) |
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems. It encompasses everything from genes and microorganisms to plants, animals, and entire habitats.
Biodiversity is not merely an environmental concern—it is a foundational pillar of human survival and development. It provides food, clean air and water, medicines, energy, and raw materials, while also supporting critical ecological services like climate regulation and pollination.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 theme is “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development”. This theme aligns directly with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Adopted in December 2022, the KMGBF—also known as The Biodiversity Plan—sets forth 23 targets for 2030 and five global goals for 2050 aimed at halting and reversing biodiversity loss. These targets include:
The 2025 campaign emphasises that increasing the KMGBF and the SDGs in tandem is critical for a sustainable future.
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an international legal treaty that focuses on:
With 196 parties, the CBD is one of the most comprehensive environmental treaties globally. It has given rise to important protocols like:
The Conference of the Parties (COP) serves as the governing body of the CBD, meeting biennially to assess progress and set new priorities.
India, one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries, has taken strong legal steps to preserve its rich biological wealth. Among these, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, and its recent amendment, the Biological Diversity Act 2023, stand out.
The Biological Diversity Act 2002 was enacted to meet India’s obligations under the CBD. Its key objectives include:
In 2023, India introduced the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act to streamline regulations and promote ease of doing business while maintaining the core principle of benefit sharing.
Key changes under the Biological Diversity Act 2023 include:
The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), along with State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) at the district level, oversee implementation.
This legislative upgrade aligns India’s efforts with international obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a clarion call to accelerate action. The campaign stresses:
By 2025, only five years will remain to meet the targets set by both the KMGBF and the SDGs. This underlines the urgency for policy reforms, behavioural change, and institutional collaboration.
India’s leadership in biodiversity is reflected not only in its domestic laws but also in international negotiations and conservation initiatives. The country actively participates in CBD meetings and contributes to shaping global strategies.
Initiatives such as:
reflect the nation’s ethos of living in harmony with nature, echoing the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 theme.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 is more than a commemoration—it is a clarion call to reimagine our relationship with nature. The theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” highlights the intertwined fate of humanity and the planet. By acting boldly and collectively, we can fulfill the promise of the Convention on Biological Diversity, meet the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Framework, and ensure a flourishing planet for future generations.
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