International Day for Biological Diversity
- by 2geeks
Reducing environmental impacts in order to preserve nature is one of the reasons for the existence of this International Day for Biological Diversity.
During this celebration on May 2024, various organizations 2ill recall the role of each citizen in the preservation of our ecosystems, as well as their importance for human hope.
About the Convention on Biological Diversity
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came into force in 1993. Since then, it has been ratified by 196 states. Mainly aimed at defending biodiversity, this international convention defends the protection of genetic resources and works on the use of natural resources in a sustainable manner.
The objectives of this convention on biodiversity
All signatory countries of this convention undertake to implement various measures intended to ensure the protection of biological diversity. They must apply them in their national policies. These provisions may concern in particular:
- The different strategies relating to conservation as well as the sustainable use of biological diversity
- Protect specific natural areas in order to restore natural ecosystems
- Establish strategies to encourage citizens to preserve biodiversity and develop education and awareness actions
- Dedicate a team to identify and preserve biological diversity
- Launch research programs to identify the country’s development needs
Different ways to preserve biodiversity
What are the initiatives to preserve this biodiversity? In order to stop its destruction, various solutions are proposed. They can be of very varied nature. For example, we can talk about the creation of different protected spaces with the aim of protecting ecosystems.
There is also what we know by WEEE recycling which consists of ensuring better management of waste electronic and electrical equipment. This measure consists of categorizing devices equipped with motors or batteries in order to manage their waste efficiently and easily. In category 1, for example, we find large household appliances such as the refrigerator, the washing machine, the dishwasher and the heater. Category 3 is made up of devices relating to computing and telecommunications, like computers and telephones.
In reality, the goal is to be able to mobilize all stakeholders in society in this fight against the erosion of biodiversity. It must indeed be emphasized that the issue of biological diversity must be part of everyone’s daily concerns. To better preserve it, each individual must adopt a lifestyle and consumption that is both ecological and sustainable.
What can we do to play this role well? We can, among other things:
- Avoid any waste
- Limit water consumption as much as possible
- Significantly reduce the use of phytosanitary products
- Favor seasonal fruits and vegetables and thus respect the natural cycle
- Set up a compost
- Create as much green space as possible, etc
A day where the citizen remains the main actor
International cooperation and different national strategies are not enough to protect biodiversity. Citizens also have their role to play in ensuring the preservation of nature. Everyone must be vigilant and not endanger species, especially those that are already threatened.
Pets must be tied up during walks, emphasizing certain pollution that is particularly harmful to biodiversity, drawing particular attention to plastic bags, cigarette butts, chewing gum and other products that may contain arsenic. Every citizen must absolutely avoid throwing this waste into nature, even if it seems negligible in terms of its size. Biodiversity encompasses all living beings and all of the ecosystems in which they are found.
The concept of biodiversity has existed since the appearance of life on earth. But it was during the Convention on Biological Diversity which was signed during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 that we realized its importance.
In 1993, World Biodiversity Day was established by the United Nations. Subsequently, in 2000, it was set on May 22. As a global campaign, it is led by the United Nations General Assembly. Its objective is to raise awareness among all citizens of the issues surrounding the preservation of all animal and plant species. Its theme varies each year depending on the battles fought and the needs.
This day was set up to particularly highlight the need for ecosystem conservation. It also governs all initiatives taken as part of this day and relating to the preservation of biodiversity, whether individual or collective.
Why is this biological diversity so important and why should we preserve it? It mainly allows us to supply ourselves correctly. We draw resources from there to feed ourselves, heal ourselves or shelter us. It acts as a protector against various disasters such as climate change, erosion and floods.
For ecosystems to function properly, they need this biodiversity. This is why it is essential to preserve it. It also has the capacity to establish the necessary balance in the face of systems exploited by man.
What to preserve in terms of biodiversity
In recent years, many species have already disappeared due to intensive exploitation, including the disproportionate expansion of agricultural areas. As an ecosystem is fragile, it can easily experience instability with the slightest external intervention.
Among the threats weighing on our environment, and therefore on this biodiversity, we can notably distinguish:
- Pollution caused by plastic
- Overfishing
- Ocean acidification
- Urbanization
- The destruction of the marshes
- Deforestation
- Dead zones
- Global warming due more precisely to the deterioration of natural habitats, etc
For the 2024 theme, it will be about building a future that will be adapted to all forms of life. Despite the technological developments that humanity has been able to impose, its future still depends entirely on the ecosystem in which it evolves. She must therefore be able to preserve it in order to live in as healthy an environment as possible.
Building a future common to all forms of life is the guiding principle of World Biodiversity Day. This is part of the United Nations project aimed at restoring ecosystems. This biodiversity presents itself in many cases as an excellent response to all the challenges of sustainable development.
This slogan conveys eco-systemic approaches in correlation with climate and other solutions based on nature, food security, etc. These foundations would allow us to better rebuild our environment.
Reducing environmental impacts in order to preserve nature is one of the reasons for the existence of this International Day for Biological Diversity. During this celebration on May 2024, various organizations 2ill recall the role of each citizen in the preservation of our ecosystems, as well as their importance for human hope. About the Convention…
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