International Day for Biological Diversity 2025: Know the date, theme, history, and significance
International Day of Biodiversity 2025: Biological diversity, the concept first coined by Walter G. Rosen in 1985, entails the diversity of all life forms and is the pillar upon which we build civilisations and human existence, and their well-being depends.
According to the UN, around 1 million plant and animal species are at present at risk of moving towards extinction, with human intervention posing a significant threat to biodiversity.
As a result, to address this pressing issue and increase awareness of the urgent need to protect biodiversity globally, the UN established the International Day for Biological Diversity.
While it was initially marked on 29th December, the UNGA (United Nations General Assembly) shifted the observance to May 22nd in 2000, as it commemorates the momentous adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, back in 1992.
This year's observance will fall on Thursday, May 22, 2025. It will be marked under the theme Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development, which highlights the connection between this initiative and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Just two days to go until #BiodiversityDay!
On 22 May, we celebrate the Convention on Biological Diversity, adopted in 1992—a milestone in protecting life on Earth.
2025 theme: Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development
🔗 https://t.co/mVkwsnwmaT#PartOfThePlan #ForNature pic.twitter.com/FOv0FcYaYB
— UN-Water (@UN_Water) May 20, 2025
It also emphasises the importance of advancing both agendas in tandem, as they mutually support one another, thereby instilling a sense of urgency, as five years are left to meet both near-term targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the SDGs.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
13 hours ago
- NDTV
Sugar Rs 5,000, Oil Rs 4,000: Gazans Blame Israel, They Say It's Hamas
New Delhi: On the morning of Eid al-Adha, prayers across the Gaza Strip were conducted not in mosques, but in the rubble of what used to be homes, schools, and religious institutions. A ceasefire is not in sight, and neither is a meal. The traditions that usually mark this holiday, sacrificial meat, communal feasts, and gifts for children, are unrecognisable now. Instead, a singular item dominates conversations: food, or the lack of it. A recent viral post from Gaza featuring the biscuit, Parle-G, claimed that they are being sold at over 24 euros, which is approximately Rs 2,400. Like the biscuits, most goods sold in Gaza's markets have become unaffordable to nearly everyone. A list obtained by NDTV from inside Gaza documents the going rates for basic staples. Converted into Indian rupees (1 new Israeli shekel = Rs 24.57), it reads like this: 1 litre of cooking oil: 170 shekel (approx. Rs 4,177) 1 kilogram of sugar: 200 shekel (approx. Rs 4,914) 1 kilogram of milk powder: 35 shekel (approx. Rs 860) 1 kilogram of flour: 60 shekel (approx. Rs 1,474) 1 kilogram of salt: 20 shekel (approx. Rs 491) 1 kilogram of okra: 45 shekel (approx. Rs 1,106) 1 kilogram of duck meat: 30 shekel (approx. Rs 737) 1 kilogram of tomatoes: 45 shekel (approx. Rs 1,106) 1 kilogram of onions: 180 shekel (approx. Rs 4,423) 1 kilogram of potatoes: 80 shekel (approx. Rs 1,966) 1 kilogram of brinjal: 35 shekel (approx. Rs 860) 1 kilogram of lemon: 60 shekel (approx. Rs 1,474) 1 kilogram of lentils: 35 shekel (approx. Rs 860) 1 cup of coffee: 180 shekel (approx. Rs 4,423) 1 box of goat meat: 200 shekel (approx. Rs 4,914) Prices like these are unthinkable in a territory where virtually no one has an income. Israel Say It's Hamas Israel insists Hamas is hijacking aid. Speaking exclusively with NDTV, Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir said, "There are masked gunmen who are Hamas, who are shooting at the Gazans because Hamas doesn't want this operation to succeed. The thing is, for the first year and a half, most of the aid trucks that went into Gaza were looted. Hamas looted about 80 per cent of all trucks." According to Mr Nir, Hamas is selling the contents to civilians at inflated prices. This system, he claims, allowed Hamas to exert economic and political control over the population. In northern Gaza, Israel issued a warning on Friday that it would launch "intensive operations" in areas from which rockets had reportedly been fired. The military said four of its soldiers died earlier in Khan Younis when explosives collapsed a Hamas compound. Five others were injured. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) now projects that by September, nearly 500,000 people in Gaza will be experiencing "catastrophic food insecurity", the highest level of hunger categorisation before famine. "The amount of humanitarian aid that came into Gaza during the first year and a half was astronomical," Mr Nir said. "We delivered over 3,500 calories per person per day. If everybody ate everything we brought in, they would be fat.
The Wire
16 hours ago
- The Wire
Sustainable Development Cannot Be Achieved Without Gender Equality
Menu हिंदी తెలుగు اردو Home Politics Economy World Security Law Science Society Culture Editor's Pick Opinion Support independent journalism. Donate Now Live Wire Sustainable Development Cannot Be Achieved Without Gender Equality Reana Sachdeva 28 minutes ago Respecting women and ensuring their rights is not merely a moral imperative; it strategically advances efforts towards sustainable development Illustration: Pariplab Chakraborty Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute now The interconnection between gender equality and sustainable development objectives (SDGs) is increasingly recognised as a fundamental prerequisite for achieving global development progress worldwide. As per United Nations data, women earn 23% less than men globally, on average. They also spend three times the number of hours performing domestic and care work in comparison to their male counterparts. Gender equality transcends mere humanitarian considerations and is a fundamental catalyst for economic growth and environmental sustainability. As per data published by the United Nations in 2023, 54% of countries still do not have laws to address key areas of gender equality, including equal marriage and divorce rights. As the United Nations approaches the 2030 Agenda, promoting women's rights emerges as a cross-cutting issue that can enhance both environmental and economic outcomes worldwide. Gender equality is explicitly articulated in the objective of Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5), which aims to eliminate discrimination against women and girls and ensure their full participation in political, economic, and public life. The advancement of women's rights is intrinsically linked to improved health outcomes, enhanced economic services, and effective environmental management. Consequently, it fosters the realisation of sustainable development across all sectors. Investing in women's capabilities can catalyse substantial economic growth. The realisation of women's rights catalyses pivotal social transformations, including enhanced educational outcomes, diminished poverty rates, and improved family health. Recognising women's reproductive rights and allowing access to health care, in particular maternal and reproductive health, is crucial to promote gender equality. Recent data records reveal that only 56% of women between the ages of 15-49 have autonomy over decisions about their sexual and reproductive choices. Furthermore, when women have power, they are more likely to participate in the workforce, thus contributing to economic productivity. As per data published by the United Nations in 2023, 61.4% of women of prime working age are in the workforce, the number being 90.6% for men. The intersection of gender equality and environmental sustainability is evident in the roles of women in the management of natural resources. Their involvement in these roles can lead to improved environmental outcomes. Women frequently assume the primary responsibility for managing natural resources, possessing invaluable knowledge and expertise in sustainable practices. Research suggests that promoting gender equality in agriculture can enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate change, illustrating how the advancement of women's rights can establish positive feedback loops between gender equity, sustainability, and economic stability. Conversely, the adverse impact of climate change will be disproportionate for women and girls, as globally 158 million (16 million more than the number of men and boys) of them may be pushed into poverty and also be impacted by food insecurity resulting from climate change. Food insecurity is projected to increase by a staggering 236 million more women and girls, compared to 131 million more men and boys. The effective implementation of the 2030 Agenda necessitates a critical examination of the socio-political power dynamics. Addressing systemic inequalities in the allocation of resources through policy making that is rooted in the politics of redistribution can catalyse transformative change within communities and facilitate increased participation of women in decision-making processes. Legislation and governance models that prioritise inclusive, intersectional, gender-sensitive approaches can empower women to assume active roles in environmental management and economic development. In numerous regions, particularly those experiencing economic instability or environmental vulnerability, women's rights are frequently safeguarded inadequately. Consequently, women, particularly those from marginalised communities, bear the disproportionate burden of any conflict or destabilising event. By adopting an approach attuned to emphasising gender equity within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), nations can harness the potential of women to address climate change and foster economic innovation. In conclusion, the interconnection between gender equality and the Sustainable Development objectives has become increasingly complex and multifaceted. Respecting women and ensuring their rights is not merely a moral imperative; it strategically advances efforts towards sustainable development. By fostering an inclusive environment that enhances women's voice, power and agency to enable their contribution to political and economic life, countries can simultaneously drive economic growth and cultivate environmental resilience, ultimately creating a sustainable future for all. To achieve this vision, global political initiatives are necessary, underscoring the pivotal role of women as key agents in pursuing global sustainability. Through these measures, the framework established by the 2030 Agenda can transform global perspectives, demonstrating that the advancement of women's rights is, in fact, a catalyst for transformative change. Reana Sachdeva is a student at The British School, Delhi, and has a keen interest in the area of research around political science and international relations. Her website is The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments. Make a contribution to Independent Journalism Related News Ali Khan Mahmudabad's Arrest Reveals the Political Capture of Women's Rights in India NWMI Protests Against Inclusion of M.J. Akbar in Operation Sindoor All-Party Delegation Women's Role in War Must Extend to Peace Watch | India Overtakes Japan as the Fourth-Largest Economy: Is the Excitement Justified? Letter Calls on Haryana Women's Commission to Retract Summons, Apologise to Political Scientist 'Heart Lamp' Burns Bright: How Banu Mushtaq Illuminates Muslim Women's Hidden World You Look Pretty, But…: The Tyranny of Beauty Standards Why We Need Social Audits in the MGNREGS They Were Jailed or Acquitted Years Ago, Yet Police Keeps Visiting Their Families View in Desktop Mode About Us Contact Us Support Us © Copyright. All Rights Reserved.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
‘Namma Mysuru Swachha Mysuru' clean-up drive on June 14
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Mysuru chapter, in collaboration with Mysuru City Corporation and Young Indians, will lead an environmental clean-up drive on June 14, to mark World Environment Day. Under the theme 'Namma Mysuru, Swachha Mysuru,' the initiative aims to promote sustainability, restore ecosystems, and highlight the urgent issue of plastic pollution across India. The clean-up will be conducted from 7.00 a.m. to 9.00 a.m. along the Outer Ring Road, followed by an awareness session at Maharaja's College Grounds from 10.00 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. The session will gather environmentalists, educators, industry leaders, and students to discuss sustainable urban practices. 'India produces over 3 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, much of it unmanaged and polluting public spaces. Despite Mysuru's reputation for cleanliness, rapid urbanisation continues to strain waste systems. This campaign goes beyond cleaning—it aims to reshape public behavior on consumption and disposal,' the organisers said. The session will address reducing single-use plastics, encouraging recycling, and advocating for policies supporting a circular economy. Aligned with India's climate goals under the Paris Agreement and SDGs, the drive highlights the need for local ecological balance amid climate impacts on health, agriculture, and weather. Mysuru, with its ecological legacy, plays a vital role in local climate action, it added. Environmental change starts with a collective effort. This World Environment Day, CII Mysuru urges Mysureans to join hands not just to clean, but to restore the city and protect its future, the release said. CII Mysuru has invited institutions, industry bodies, NGOs, and citizens to participate and commit to sustainable practices. Volunteers will be provided with safety guidelines and clean-up tools. All waste will be properly segregated and recycled, the organisers said. For details, participants can contact Kiran M.K. on 9844785965 or email kiran.m.k@
