On May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity was celebrated with the theme “Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods” for the promotion of biodiversity issues. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon gave a message on account of the occasion.

UN Chief Ban Ki-moon urged the international community to preserve and sustainably manage the variety of life on the planet. “Protecting biodiversity and preventing further losses is an essential investment in our collective future. On this International Day for Biodiversity, I urge all Governments and stakeholders to preserve and sustainably manage the variety of life on Earth for the benefit of current and future generations.”

The secretary general noted that despite numerous commitments, biodiversity loss continues to accelerate in all regions. Only 15 per cent of countries is on track to achieve the Aichi Biodiversity Targets by the agreed-upon date of 2020.

In addition, he said that the anticipated expansion of sectors that both depend on and affect biodiversity – including agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture will pose a significant challenge to halting biodiversity loss in the coming decades.

Mr. Ban also emphasized that the responsible use of natural resources is essential to sustainable development, as mainstreaming biodiversity would ensure that addressing development needs and protecting the environment are mutually supportive.

“Preserving biological diversity is a vital part of our compact with each other and the planet that nurtures us,” Mr. Ban concluded.