International Day of Biodiversity – May 22
Every year on May 22, we celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity, a special occasion to raise awareness about the diversity of life on Earth and emphasize the importance of biodiversity for the welfare of humans and nature.
The day stands under the motto "Biodiversity as the foundation for sustainable development" and reminds us how important intact nature is for our social and economic systems.
What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity refers to the diversity of life forms on our planet, including the diversity of ecosystems, species and genetic resources. This diversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and provides a multitude of benefits, such as food, clean water and air.
The number of all species in the world is estimated at at least three million. In Switzerland, around 50,000 animal, plant and fungal species are known. These include 111 mammal species, over 400 bird species as well as 16,000 insect and around 4,000 plant species. About 40 percent of all mammal and bird species living in Switzerland are considered threatened – among reptiles it is even 75 percent!
The state of biodiversity in Switzerland is unsatisfactory. Half of the habitats and one third of the species are threatened. With the decline in species diversity, genetic diversity is also being lost.
Reptiles like lizards and snakes are inconspicuous in many ecosystems, but have significant functions. They control insect and rodent populations, serve as food for numerous other animals themselves and play important roles in nutrient cycles. Their loss would not only have direct impacts on biodiversity, but would also be an important indicator of the state of an ecosystem – particularly in habitats already weakened by climate change.
The Significance of the Day
On this day, events and activities are organized worldwide to raise awareness and mobilize people. Schools, environmental organizations, governments and communities participate to discuss important topics such as nature conservation, sustainable use and the challenges facing our biodiversity.
Challenges to Biodiversity
Biodiversity now faces many threats, including:
- Climate change: Changes in temperature and precipitation affect the habitats of many species.
- Habitat loss: Deforestation, urbanization and agriculture erode natural habitats.
- Pollution: Chemicals and waste endanger the health of ecosystems.
- Overexploitation: Hunting and overfishing reduce the populations of many species.
How can you contribute?
Every individual can contribute to protecting biodiversity. Here are some simple measures:
- Choose sustainable products: When shopping, look for environmentally friendly and sustainable products.
- Support nature: Plant native plants in your garden and create habitats for wildlife.
- Education and awareness: Educate yourself and others about the importance of biodiversity and share your knowledge.
- Protest actively against hunting events, write letters to the editor to newspapers.
- Secure your property: Owners of forest and farmland do not have to tolerate hunting on their properties. Put up hunting prohibition signs. These signs can also be ordered online from a sign manufacturer, made of metal and custom-cut.
- Actively demand: From legislators by letter, fax, email or telephone the consistent enforcement of nature and animal protection laws and demand that non-hunters also be involved in political decisions regarding hunting.
- Buy and consume: Do not buy wild meat, furs or pelts, neither from native nor exotic wild animals.
- Engagement: Advocate for consistent animal protection and animal rights and help abolish recreational hunting in your region.
Geneva today has international significance for bird protection thanks to the hunting ban for hobby hunters. And regarding small game, the hare density in the Canton of Geneva is among Switzerland's top performers. Moreover, Geneva is one of the last bastions for wild rabbits and partridges on Swiss soil.
Together, on this International Day for Biodiversity, we can celebrate the diversity of life on Earth and commit to its preservation. Let us act together to protect our planet for future generations.