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Sunday May 22, 2005 is being celebrated worldwide
as International Day for Biological Diversity. The day is celebrated
around the world each year to increase understanding and awareness of
biodiversity issues and to commemorate the signing of the
International Convention on Biological Diversity. The celebration also
provides an opportunity to reflect on our responsibility to safeguard
this precious heritage for future generations. This year's theme is:
“Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World”.
The Convention on Biological Diversity is an agreement between 150
nations that addresses all aspects of biological diversity: genetic
resources, species, and ecosystems and promotes sustainable
development. It was signed at the 1992 Earth Summit also known as the
Rio Summit, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Conceived as a practical tool for translating the
principles of Agenda 21 into reality, the Convention recognises that
biological diversity is about more than plants, animals and micro
organisms and their ecosystems - it is about people and our need for
food security, medicines, fresh air and water, shelter, and a clean
and healthy environment in which to live.
An additional focus for 2005 is the Millennium
Ecosystem Assessment, a study under- taken by more than 1,300
scientists in 95 countries into the effects of human activities on the
world's ecosystems. The report’s findings underline the importance of
biological diversity in providing concrete services upon which human
life depends, including all important security and provisioning
functions.
Biodiversity is the source of the essential goods and ecological
services that constitute the source of life for all. |
