This global campaign, led by the United Nations General Assembly, raises awareness of the wealth of plant and animal species on Earth. In December 2000, the Intergovernmental Committee for the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety met in Montpellier, France, for the second meeting prior to the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which moved the International Day for Biological Diversity to May 22.
Biological diversity is the term used to describe all forms of life on Earth and its natural characteristics.
This diversity is generally explained in terms of the wide range of plants, animals and microorganisms. But biodiversity also extends to the genetic differences within each species.
Biodiversity also provides countless services, both locally and globally. Fish provide 20% of the protein intake for about three billion people. More than 80% of human nutrition is provided by plants. Nearly 80% of people in rural areas of developing countries rely on traditional plant-based medicines for basic health care.
But biodiversity loss threatens everyone, including our health. Loss of biodiversity has been shown to spread zoonotic diseases - infectious diseases transmitted from animals to humans - while, on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it provides excellent tools to fight pandemics, such as those caused by coronaviruses.
The Convention on Biological Diversity, which entered into force in 1993, has as its objectives the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and genetic resources, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from their use. Deeply concerned about the continuing loss of biological diversity worldwide, the United Nations General Assembly decided to proclaim May 22, the date of the adoption of the text of the Convention, as the International Day for Biological Diversity