International Biodiversity Day
Source : Down To Earth
GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Why in News ?

International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on May 22. This year 2021 the theme is “We’re part of the solution #ForNature”.

• To spread awareness and to increase understanding of the biodiversity issue the UN decided to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity annually.

Key Facts

• A healthy planet is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are depleting resources faster than nature can replenish them.
• International Day for Biological Diversity falls within the scope of the UN Post-2015 Development Agenda’s Sustainable Development Goals.
• Need for Conservation of Biological Diversity
  • Biodiversity plays a major role in maintaining the balance of the earth.
  • It is the foundation of ecosystem services to which human well-being is intimately linked.
  • All the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria make up our natural world.
  • Each of these species and organisms works together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.
  • If one of them gets extinct, then others will start getting endangered too.
• It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
  • If we keep biodiversity perfect it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.

How to maintain Biodiversity ?

• Avoid single-use plastics like plastic straws, coffee cups, plastic cutlery, take out containers or plastic water bottles
• Reduce or eliminate pesticides and fertilizer
• Reduce your meat consumption
• Eat and purchase seasonal foods
• Buy local foods
• Buy organic foods
• Reduce your food waste
• Compost your food scraps

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