Latest news with #WorldBiodiversityDay
The Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Nature and humanity, hand in hand
MALAYSIA is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity. From lush rainforests and winding rivers to vibrant coral reefs, our natural heritage provides clean air, fresh water, food security, climate stability and cultural identity. To achieve true sustainability, we must recognise that nature is not just a resource but is also the foundation of life. When ecosystems thrive, they help secure a sustainable future for all. Some of Malaysia's most treasured wildlife includes the Malayan tiger, the Bornean orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephant, Malayan tapir and endangered sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle. These remarkable animals are not only symbols of our national and natural heritage but they are also indicators of the health of our environment. They remind us of the urgent need for conservation. Our biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable practices and climate change are pushing species and ecosystems to the brink. World Biodiversity Day was celebrated on May 22 and this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,' reminds us that the health of our planet is inseparable from human progress. It highlights the interconnectedness between the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The message is clear, whereby we cannot achieve sustainable development without protecting biodiversity. Nature supports every aspect of sustainable development, from poverty mitigation and health to economic growth and climate resilience. In recent days, the heart-breaking loss of a baby elephant has sparked widespread concern. The government has also responded and agreed to create more ecological corridors to enable wildlife to move across landscapes, which can thus reduce conflict. These corridors will also benefit many other wildlife species and allow the ecosystem to thrive. These commitments reflect the ambitions of the GBF, particularly Target 2, which aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, and Target 9, which focuses on minimising human-wildlife conflict through sustainable solutions. This approach also supports the objectives of SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action and highlights the importance of ecosystem connectivity and adaptive management to build climate resilience. In addition, it aligns with SDG 15, which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to safeguard life on land. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving wildlife. It is about safeguarding our future. By restoring ecosystems and improving landscape connectivity, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia for generations to come. All parties, including the private sectors should work together with the government and conservation bodies towards this cause. At WWF-Malaysia, we are committed to solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our living landscape effort integrates tiger conservation, sustainable palm oil, responsible forestry and circular economy innovations, all in close collaboration with communities, businesses and policymakers. Together we are building landscapes where wildlife can thrive and people can prosper. Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day. Every action matters, from supporting conservation efforts to embracing sustainable lifestyles. Change begins with us. Let us embrace a future where nature and humanity move forward hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come. Because at WWF-Malaysia, we believe it is only 'together possible'. Join us in making a difference. WWF-Malaysia's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Comments: letters@
New Indian Express
23-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu records 7.8 lakh birds, 798 species during synchronised survey
CHENNAI: The state forest department has recorded a healthy number of 7.8 lakh wetland and terrestrial birds spread across 798 diverse species, as per the Synchronised Bird Estimate 2025 report released by Forest Minister RS Raja Kannappan as part of World Biodiversity Day celebrations on Thursday. The survey was conducted in two phases. Phase 1, held on March 8-9, focused on wetland birds across 934 wetlands in all 38 districts. The survey recorded 397 bird species with a total count of 5,52,349 birds, including 1,13,606 migratory birds from 136 species. Migratory species such as the greater flamingo, greylag goose, Eurasian curlew, and pied avocet were spotted, indicating Tamil Nadu's role as a critical stopover along the Central Asian Flyway. Among the resident wetland birds, the most populous included, little egret, little cormorant, Asian openbill, black-headed ibis, and Indian pond heron. The estimate also revealed that nearly 49% of birds were sighted in coastal districts, reflecting the ecological richness of these regions.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Dia Mirza urges to protect wildlife on World Biodiversity Day
Actress Dia Mirza 's love for wildlife is no secret. Commemorating World Biodiversity Day on Thursday, the former beauty queen penned a special post on her social media feed. Dia dropped on her Instagram a couple of short videos of various members of the biodiversity such as lions, tigers, elephants, deer, monkeys, butterflies, and other beautiful birds. "Celebrating the beauty and diversity of life on our on World Biodiversity Day, let's remember that every plant, animal, and ecosystem is a vital thread in the tapestry of life. Together, we must protect and nurture the rich biodiversity that sustains us all," she wrote on the photo-sharing app. Observed on May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity is a United Nations-sanctioned international day for the promotion of biodiversity issues. On Tuesday, Dia Mirza also made an effort to spread awareness regarding the significant role that bees play in sustaining life on Earth. 02:17 'Aapko kaise pata main yah ahu?', 'surprised' Dia Mirza asks paps as she gets clicked in Bandra Stating that 75% of crops depend on pollination, the 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein' actress wrote, "A world without bees is a silent one" Did you know that 1 in 4 wild bee species are threatened with extinction? This World Bee Day, I'm shining a light on a tiny hero-the Red Dwarf Bee of North West India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo Small in size, but enormous in impact, this beautiful little pollinator plays a vital role in keeping our ecosystems alive and thriving. Sadly, its numbers are declining fast. Over 75% of crops depend on pollination, yet habitat loss, pesticide use, and rising temperatures are silencing nature's most powerful workers. But hope is not lost. Each of us can help. Let's #BringTheBuzzBack-one plant, one patch, one choice at a time." "Plant native flowers on your balcony, terrace or garden. Say no to pesticides. Support local beekeepers and organic farmers. Even a single square meter of bee-friendly plants can make a difference. Let's create spaces where bees can thrive. Let's build a world where their song never fades. Join the movement at and follow @ to take action. Bees are not just pollinators, they are poets of the planet. Let's listen, protect, and act #ForNature #ForPeopleForPlanet #WorldBeeDay #BeeTheChange #BeatPollution #SDGs #GlobalGoals," Dia concluded. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Students get close to wildlife on biodiversity day
Lucknow: The UP state museum in collaboration with the UP culture department and Institute of Wildlife Sciences, Lucknow University (LU), organised an interactive programme featuring quiz competitions and exhibitions to mark the World Biodiversity Day on Thursday. The event at LU saw participation from students of four schools — Amicus Academy, Study Hall School, Balnikunj Inter College and Children's Academy. Two NGOs, Mukti Foundation and Heritage Walk, also attended the programme. The day's activities included clay modelling competitions and a quiz which focused on biodiversity and wildlife conservation. A special exhibition showcasing wildlife attracted considerable attention from the young participants. "Although we are taught about biodiversity in school, this programme helped us learn many new things," said Neha Kashyap, a student participant. Another student, Mohd Arsh, shared his experience saying, "In the exhibition, I saw many plant and animal species which I did not know about." Students displayed their creativity by making models of both domestic and wild animals. Assistant director of UP State Museum, Al Shaaz Fatmi emphasised the significance of biodiversity conservation, stating, "Biodiversity conservation is crucial as it sustains healthy ecosystems, food security, sustainability and pollination."
Observer
22-05-2025
- General
- Observer
Oman marks World Biodiversity Day
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman is participating in the celebration of 'International Day for Biological Diversity', which falls on the 22nd of May every year. The celebration aims to develop a balanced relationship between human beings and the environment and raise public awareness about this approach under the slogan "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development." The celebration of the World Biodiversity Day also highlights the efforts of countries around the world in protecting wildlife. It underlines the importance of protecting ecosystems due to their central role in addressing challenges to the environment, the climate and the economy. The Environment Authority has established good grounds for preserving biodiversity in the Sultanate of Oman through field studies aimed at surveying the status quo of biodiversity in wildlife habitats in all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Towards this end, the Authority implements plans and projects on the protection of endangered species in the Omani environment, notably by devising a national biodiversity strategy, surveying arthropods and assessing the condition of other endangered species (plant and animal) in different habitats. Besides being an obligation and a commitment, the protection of biodiversity constitutes a strategic investment in the health of human beings and the economy. It contributes to building a sustainable future based on adapting to global challenges and striking a balance between natural resources' exploitation and conservation. Environment protection is in line with Oman Vision 2040, which places environmental sustainability at the heart of its development plans.
