May 22: International Day for Biological Diversity

Every year May 22 is being observed as International Biodiversity Day (IDB) across the world to promote conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Objective:  (i) To step-up understanding and awareness about biodiversity issues. (ii) To make people aware about the importance of biodiversity on the one hand and its unprecedented loss on the other.
2016 Theme: “Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods”.
The theme highlights the role of biodiversity in underpinning development. The United Nations (UN) also has highlighted the importance of biodiversity as an important cross-cutting issue in in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Biodiversity: It refers to the variety of flora and fauna that make up the ecosystem. The preservation of the ecosystem is vital to natural balance and human existence.
Background

• The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) had proclaimed 22 May as the International Biodiversity Day by adopting resolution 55/201 on 20 December 2000.
• The day commemorates the adoption of Agreed Text of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act.
• Prior to adaptation of UNGA resolution, 29 December was designated as International Biodiversity Day to commemorate adaptation of the CBD.

Month: Current Affairs - May, 2016