Communication, Education & Public Awareness

International Day for Biological Diversity - 22 May

Introduction

The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.

What's New

31 March 2022
UN Biodiversity Convention announces slogan for the 2022 International Day for Biological Diversity. More »
21 May 2021
UN Biodiversity Convention’s two subsidiary bodies holding virtual meetings over May and June. More »
19 May 2020
World celebrates nature as a source of solutions to global challenges. More »