International Day for Biological Diversity/
World Biodiversity Day: Important Issues
As human
beings, we should observe this day of 22 May every year and generations after generations
seriously otherwise one day human lives will be in danger. The United Nations
proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity
(Biodiversity Day) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity
issues (UNGA Resolution 1994, COP1 Decision (COP means Conference of the
Parties, UNGA Resolution 2000).
The
International Day for Biological Diversity (or World Biodiversity Day) is a
United Nations–sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity
issues. It is pertinent to mention that Biological diversity – or biodiversity
– is the term given to the variety of life on Earth and the natural patterns it
forms. This diversity means a wide variety of plants, animals and
microorganisms. Around 1.75 million species have been identified, mostly small
creatures such as insects. The researchers and scientists have estimated that
there are about 13 million species, though estimates range from 3 to 100
million.
It may be mentioned here that the rich
tapestry of life on this planet is the result of more than 3.5 billion years of
evolutionary history. It has been shaped by forces such as changes in the
planet’s crust, ice ages, fire, and interaction among species. Human beings
should take interest in conserving nature and its resources and it has to be
admitted that whether land or water or animals or plants all are the
creation of nature and not by human beings so it is our responsibility to save
and conserve these. Further, we are responsible for declining numbers of
pandas, tigers, elephants, whales, and various species of birds, fishes
etc. And many are at the verge of extinction. It is observed from
the Report that many species have been disappearing at 50-100 times the natural
rate, and this is predicted to rise dramatically (cbd.int/doc/publications/cbd-sustain-en.pdf). It is
also evident from the Report that, an estimated 34,000 plant and 5,200 animal
species – including one in eight of the world’s bird species – face extinction.
A few lines from the conclusion part of the Report is presented here, “although
still in its infancy, the Convention on Biological Diversity is already making
itself felt. The philosophy of sustainable development, the ecosystem approach,
and the emphasis on building partnerships are all helping to shape global
action on biodiversity. ……..Much, much more needs to be done. The passage of
the Earth’s biodiversity through the coming century will be its most severe
test. With the human population expected to rise dramatically, particularly in
developing countries, and the consumer revolution set for exponential expansion
– not to mention the worsening stresses of climate change, ozone depletion, and
hazardous chemicals – species and ecosystems will face ever more serious
threats. Unless we take action now, children born today will live in an impoverished
world”.
Anyway, this
year (2021) in the International Day for Biological Diversity/ World
Biodiversity Day the theme is “We’re part of the solution”. The slogan was
chosen to be a continuation of the momentum generated last year under the
overarching theme, “Our solutions are in nature”, which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to
several sustainable development challenges. This important slogan we must
adhere.
The following
Reports have been consulted for writing the article:
1) 1) https://www.cbd.int/doc/publications/cbd-sustain-en.pdf
2) 2) https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day
3) 3) https://www.un.org/en/observances/biological-diversity-day
Dr
Shankar Chatterjee, Hyderabad
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