May 22
International Biodiversity Day
May 22 has been celebrated around the world since 2000 as International Biodiversity Day. This day reminds us of the importance of biodiversity, i.e. natural wealth including the diversity of all genes, species and ecosystems, for human society and the planet.
For over three decades, people around the world have been recognizing the importance of supporting biodiversity for sustainable development. The World Biodiversity Day aims to inform the public and increase understanding of issues related to biological diversity. The day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in honor of the day the Convention on Biological Diversity was created, which was on May 22, 1992. The Czech Republic, along with other countries and the entire EU, is preparing and implementing various measures to reduce the threats to nature and preserve its value. One significant project contributing to biodiversity conservation is the "One Nature" project, which focuses on more efficient care in protected areas of the Natura 2000 network. In 2021 alone, 1,478 different measures were implemented to support Czech biodiversity. Many other projects and activities by private landowners, state and local institutions, and non-governmental organizations also contribute to biodiversity conservation. Individuals can also get involved in biodiversity protection by behaving responsibly towards nature, such as picking up litter during walks or leaving parts of grassy areas uncut to provide space for protected species and pollinators. Supporting biodiversity in cities and towns can be done through green space restoration and care, watering, and providing nesting boxes for endangered species. Monitoring and observing wildlife and plants during outdoor activities can also contribute to biodiversity conservation. The Convention on Biological Diversity and biodiversity protection are crucial for addressing climate change, preventing the spread of new diseases, and ensuring food and water security.
The World Biodiversity Day, also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1992 to commemorate the creation of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The Czech Republic, along with the rest of the EU, is actively working to implement measures to protect and preserve biodiversity. The "One Nature" project, funded by the LIFE program, focuses on improving care in protected areas and assessing their socio-economic benefits. Other projects and activities by private landowners, state and local institutions, and non-governmental organizations also contribute to biodiversity conservation. Individuals can support biodiversity by behaving responsibly towards nature and participating in monitoring and observation activities. The Convention on Biological Diversity and biodiversity protection are essential for addressing climate change, preventing the spread of diseases, and ensuring food and water security.