The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 1st June 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Biodiversity is us and we are biodiversity

Why in News?

The observance of International Biodiversity Day (May 22) was yet another reminder of the pivotal role our natural world plays in resolving the climate change crisis, which, along with the decline of biodiversity, poses an existential threat to our future.

Background

• When it was first established by the UN General Assembly's Second Committee in late 1993, the 29th of December (the date of the Convention on Biological Diversity's entry into force) was designated as The International Day for Biological Diversity.
• The UN General Assembly designated 22 May as IDB in December 2000 to commemorate the adoption of the Convention's text by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on that date in 1992.
• This was done in part because many countries found it difficult to plan and carry out appropriate celebrations for the 29th of December, given the number of holidays that coincided during that time of the year.

Theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

The theme for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 is “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” This theme reflects the urgent need to move beyond commitments and translate them into tangible actions to restore and protect biodiversity.Significance of International Day for Biological Diversity.

Significance of International Day for Biological Diversity

• The day's goal is to raise awareness about the environment and all of the species that live on this planet.
• It also encourages people to identify and address similar issues and concerns.
• Humans, the most evolved species on the planet, often overlook its significance. Certain man-made activities end up destroying biological diversity under the guise of development or progress.
• Now is the time for humans to take notice and help make the Earth a more welcoming home for all forms of life.
• Given the type of lifestyle we lead today, this day is extremely significant.
• Biodiversity not only provides a home for many of the world's species, but it also serves as a source of food, water, and other resources on which we rely to survive.
• Understanding the importance of biodiversity and recognising the problems is critical.

Importance of Biodiversity

• A healthy biodiversity and functioning ecosystems are essential for human societies in numerous ways.
• Natural resources account for roughly half of the world's GDP (about 44 trillion USD), and nature provides at least $125 trillion in services annually. Nature also safeguards our health in a variety of ways.
• As the current pandemic has demonstrated, the growing negative impact of human activities on the environment endangers human and ecosystem health.
• Furthermore, as the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and the Environment stated in one of his most recent reports, ecosystem degradation and biodiversity decline are endangering the rights to life, health, food, a healthy environment, water, and adequate standard of living, and culture.
• Biodiversity remains the solution to several long-term development challenges.
• Biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can rebuild better, from ecosystem-based approaches to climate and/or nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods.

History for International Day for Biological Diversity 2023

Conclusion