The slogan for 2021 is “We’re part of the solution”. (Representational)
New Delhi:
To celebrate natural diversity and spread awareness, May 22 is marked every year as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) globally.
Earlier, December 29 was designated as the International Day for Biological Diversity but in 2000, the UN General Assembly chose May 22 to mark the day.
Every year, there is a theme or slogan that sets the tone of the campaign.
The slogan for 2021 is “We’re part of the solution”.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) announces the theme each year.
The CBD says that this year’s theme is a continuation of the momentum generated last year through the slogan: “Our solutions are in nature”, which served as a reminder that biodiversity remains the answer to several sustainable development challenges.
It also underlined that biodiversity is the foundation upon which the world can build itself back better, adding the nature-based solutions to climate, health issues, food and water security, and sustainable livelihoods, all were possible if the biodiversity was better understood and take care of.
Since the world is still battling novel coronavirus pandemic, the campaign has been restricted to online posts. However, with billions of social media users, the reach of the messages is still vast.
Speaking on the occasion, António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, warned against the “unprecedented” and “alarming rate” at which the biodiversity is declining on our planet. “The choice to live sustainably must be made available to everyone, everywhere,” he said in his video message, adding, “a healthy planet is critical for achieving sustainable development goals.”
“We are depleting resources faster than nature can replenish them. COVID-19 has further reminded us of the intimate relationship between people and nature. The current crisis provides an opportunity to recover better,” he said.
Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate.
We should all be advocates #ForNature.
The choice to live sustainably must be made available to everyone, everywhere.
This #BiodiversityDay, let us all be part of the solution. pic.twitter.com/acCM1t1o1o
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 22, 2021
Environmental campaigner Greta Thunberg tweeted that “we are all responsible for the climate and biodiversity emergency”, adding that “we, the 99.9 per cent, have a responsibility to put pressure on the 0.1 per cent in charge who refuse to stop the ongoing destruction of present and future living conditions for life on Earth”.
Yes, we are all responsible for the climate- and biodiversity emergency. We – the 99,9% – have a responsibility to put pressure on the 0,1% in charge who refuse to stop the ongoing destruction of present and future living conditions for life on earth. #MindTheGap#BiodiversityDay
— Greta Thunberg (@GretaThunberg) May 22, 2021
The World Wildlife Fund for Nature tweeted a message on keeping “our forests standing”.
This #BiodiversityDay we’re looking at how this inspiring plantation could keep our forests standing????New generation plantations are now providing sustainable wood that protects forests, maintains biodiversity & benefits people????Discover how! #Connect2Earth@wefpic.twitter.com/x3PpUczyhU
— WWF (@WWF) May 22, 2021
Here are a few more tweets on International Day for Biological Diversity 2021:
International Biodiversity Day
As custodians of this planet, we encourage you to celebrate International Biodiversity Day by practising tourism sustainably -for the sake of future generations. #BiodiversityDay 2021#WeDoTourismpic.twitter.com/5mPrNiD4Wd
— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) May 22, 2021
On International Day for Biological Diversity, our effort shd be to increase awareness of significance of biodiversity for human life. Maintaining biodiversity is important for environment protection & our own wellbeing.Let’s live in tune with nature seeking a sustainable future.
— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) May 22, 2021
On #BiodiversityDay be part of the solution #ForNature.
Let’s work to conserve the natural wonders of the world and the diversity of migratory species.
Biodiversity is essential for all life on Earth.
Happy International Biodiversity Day! pic.twitter.com/lAUcTq5jJM
— Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) (@BonnConvention) May 21, 2021
On this ???? #BiodiversityDay, nature is looking at us
With 1 million species at the brink of extinction, all of us – citizens, mayors, farmers, entrepreneurs, politicians – are part of the solution #ForNature
The ???????? is ready to lead efforts at the #CoP15https://t.co/SsPtvnn5ttpic.twitter.com/hAFuFUNUoR
— EU Environment (@EU_ENV) May 22, 2021
We all have a part to play in safeguarding nature on our doorsteps
Cultivate a culture of looking after wildlife in our local communities, and we all benefit
Make biodiversity a common thread for cultural harmony
We’re part of the solution #ForNature#WorldCultureDaypic.twitter.com/605RHFsZxE
— Amgueddfa Cymru | National Museum Wales (@AmgueddfaCymru) May 22, 2021
Planting trees, spreading awareness about biodiversity, planting more trees, avoiding water or food wastage, and reusing and recycling products are some of the ways in which we contribute.