International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated every year on 22 May to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting the myriad biological resources that shape our environment. This day is especially important for India, for our country is among the megadiverse regions in the world!
This year, owing to the pandemic that is gripping the world right now, the day will be commemorated with an online-only campaign that revolves around the idea that we can all be powerful agents of positive change for people and the planet.
Are we the problem or the solution?
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWXW5cN1YVI&t=42s caption=”Biodiversity%20Day%202021″ site_id=20074994 expand=1 photo_credit=””] Biodiversity Day 2021
The authorities of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) have announced the slogan for 2021 as: “We’re part of the solution“. This slogan is a continuation of the theme of Biodiversity Day 2020- “Our solutions are in nature”, which highlights the belief that biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can #BuildBackBetter.
As per the official website- “Biodiversity Day 2021 focuses on the new global biodiversity framework, which will be adopted at the upcoming UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15). The campaign is a call-to-action for biodiversity. The hashtag for overall biodiversity communications work in 2021 is #ForNature.”
3 out of 18 biosphere reserves of India are in MP
India is home to 4 out of the 34 biodiversity hotspots located in the world and has 18 designated biosphere reserves across its length and breadth. Among these, 3 are located in the Madhya Pradesh region, which is also famous for dinosaur fossils.
Some experts believe that India owes its megadiversity to the fact that it was an important part of the Gondwana. According to CBD, its “varied edaphic, climatic and topographic conditions and years of geological stability has resulted in a wide range of ecosystems and habitats such as forests, grasslands, wetlands, deserts, and coastal and marine ecosystems.”
Knock Knock
An interpretation of the slogan for 2021 suggests that humans have created separate spheres of existence. Anthropocentrism has powered the belief that it is ‘Man Vs. Wild’ and this has resulted in major issues pertaining to sustainable development. If humans assimilate with nature, then they can become a part of the solution rather than the problem! You can show support for biodiversity and create a customised logo, with your name on it, here.
