International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22 to celebrate the biodiversity on our planet. This day was sanctioned by the United Nations in 1993. International Day for Biological Diversity also raises awareness about the issue of biodiversity threat and advocates for sustainable use of earth’s resources to preserve biodiversity.
Every year, the United Nations announces a unique theme for the day and holds conferences, seminars, etc. with global leaders and environmentalists. Find further information about the International Day for Biodiversity, its theme, history and significance in this article.
About Biodiversity Day
International Day for Biological Diversity is about celebrating the biological diversity on Earth. Our planet is home to diverse species, each equally unique. As we co-exist on this planet, we must ensure that our actions are not resulting in damaging other species. Biodiversity loss is on the rise due to human activities and Biodiversity Day aims to reverse this.
The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 1993 to get international cooperation in conserving biodiversity. Check out the overview of International Day for Biological Diversity here.
Day | International Day for Biological Diversity |
Observed | May 22 |
Established in | 1993 |
Established by | United Nations |
International Day for Biological Diversity 2023 theme | To be announced |
Aim | To raise awareness about the threat to biodiversity on our planet |
Biodiversity Day Theme 2023
Every year, the United Nations announces a new theme on International Day for Biological Diversity. The theme generally revolves around making a call to action to encourage people to help preserve biodiversity. The Biodiversity Day theme 2023 is yet to be announced by the United Nations.
The International Day for Biological Diversity Day theme 2022 was “Building a shared future for all life”. This theme highlighted that since humans and other species share this planet together, humans should ensure that their development doesn’t cost other species their lives.
International Day for Biological Diversity Theme (2000–2023)
Check out the earlier Biodiversity Day theme from the year 2000 to 2023 below.
Year | Biodiversity Day Theme |
2022 | Building a shared future for all life |
2021 | We're part of the solution #ForNature |
2020 | Our solutions are in nature |
2019 | Our Biodiversity, Our Food, Our Health |
2018 | Celebrating 25 Years of Action for Biodiversity |
2017 | Biodiversity and Sustainable Tourism |
2016 | Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods |
2015 | Convention on Biological Diversity |
2014 | Island Biodiversity |
2013 | Water and Biodiversity |
2012 | Marine Biodiversity |
2011 | Forest Biodiversity |
2010 | Biodiversity, Development and poverty reduction |
2009 | Invasive Alien Species |
2008 | Biodiversity and Agriculture |
2007 | Biodiversity and Climate Change |
2006 | Protect Biodiversity in Drylands |
2005 | Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World |
2004 | Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All |
2003 | Biodiversity and poverty alleviation – challenges for sustainable development |
2000 | Dedicated to forest biodiversity |
Biodiversity Day History
Every year on May 22, International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated by all UN member states. But when was this day established? Check out the details about the history of Biodiversity Day here.
- In 1991, the United Nations General Assembly sanctioned the International Day for Biological Diversity.
- December 29, the day on which the Convention on Biological Diversity came into effect was chosen as Biodiversity Day.
- In 2000, the United Nations proclaimed that instead of December 29, Biodiversity Day will be celebrated on May 22 every year.
Significance of International Day for Biological Diversity
Biodiversity Day is a significant event because it raises awareness about the effect of human activity on biodiversity. Many human activities are toxic and can leave a negative impact on the biodiversity of our planet, threatening the existence of species. International Day for Biological Diversity emphasizes the need for peaceful coexistence of species on Earth.
- Biodiversity loss can harm the health of the Earth in many ways.
- It is already leading to global warming and species extinction.
- Biodiversity Day raises awareness about the need to take action now to save the planet.
FAQs on International Day for Biological Diversity
Q1. When is International Day for Biological Diversity celebrated?
International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated on May 22 every year. This day was sanctioned by the United Nations in 1993 to raise awareness about the deteriorating condition of biodiversity on Earth. Biodiversity Day is celebrated by all UN member states annually.
Q2. What is the theme of Biodiversity Day 2023?
The theme of International Day for Biological Diversity is yet to be announced by the United Nations. A new theme is announced for this day every year to celebrate unique species on our planet. This year’s theme is expected to be announced shortly.
Q3. Why do we celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity?
Earth is a unique planet because of its biological diversity. But human actions and other natural conditions are leading to biodiversity loss, which could result in ecological imbalance. International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated to raise awareness of this issue and discuss its solution.
Q4. Which day is celebrated as International Day for Biological Diversity?
Every year, May 22 is celebrated as the International Day for Biological Diversity. Earlier, this day was celebrated on December 29 until 2000 as the date marks the day of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In 2000, the United Nations announced that May 22 is to be designated as Biodiversity Day instead.
Q5. What was the Biodiversity Day theme 2022?
The theme of International Day for Biological Diversity 2022 was “Building a shared future for all life.” Since humans and other species share this planet together, humans should ensure that their development doesn’t cost other species their lives. Each year, the Biodiversity Day theme is set by the United Nations.
Q6. Is Biodiversity Day on December 29 or May 22?
Until 2000, December 29 was designated as International Day for Biological Diversity because the date commemorated the date of implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. However, in 2000, the United Nations declared May 22 as Biodiversity Day.