The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is celebrated each year on May 22 to raise awareness and increase knowledge and understanding of the importance of the conservation of the planet’s millions of plant and animal species as well as microorganisms and the natural environments in which they live. Biological resources are important to a people’s heritage, cultural and religious identity, economic growth and development as well as health and well-being.
The International Day for Biological Diversity 2020 was declared by the United Nations General Assembly on 29 December 1993, the date that the Convention on Biological Diversity (www.cbd.int) came into effect. Jamaica became a Party to the Convention on April 6, 1995. The Convention has as its objectives:
- Conservation of biological diversity
- Sustainable use of its components
- Fair and equitable sharing arising from the utilization of the genetic resources.
The theme for IDB 2020 is ‘Our solutions are in nature’. This theme highlights the fact that despite technological advances, the solutions to many of the World’s challenges lie in the conservation and sustainable use of our biological resources. There are numerous examples of the use of the planet’s biological resources to produce fuels, medicines, food, clean air and water, and shelter.
IDB 2020 theme is particularly significant and highlights the importance of conserving and sustainably using the planet’s biological resources for present and future generations. It signals the need for us all to take stock of the status of the planet’s biological resources – including plants, animals and microorganisms and the habitats. This is the time for us to restore, rehabilitate and preserve and conserve – Be in Harmony with Nature and Build Back Better.
Summary
The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation and its agencies, the National Environment and Planning Agency and the Forestry Department, in collaboration with the Institute of Jamaica and the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust will host a series of activities to commemorate the International Day for Biological Diversity 2020. View the Schedule and find out how you can participate in the daily lunch hour webinars and panel discussions. We have also prepared an E-Magazine to provide you with more information on the theme “Our Solutions are in Nature”. We invite you to send in pictures of biodiversity at your homes in the Biodiversity at Home social media photo sharing opportunity, and to participate in the Virtual Art Exhibition.
Remember, Our Solutions are in Nature!
Schedule for IDB
