Diversity of Life; Biodiversity:
The variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural environment are all included in what is known as biodiversity. These various species collaborate in complicated web-like ecosystems to keep things in balance and support life. Biodiversity changes over time as extinction occurs and new species evolve. Scientists often speak of three levels of diversity: species, genetic, and ecosystem diversity.
Given that there are still a lot of species to be discovered, scientists are curious about how much biodiversity there is on a global basis. They also research the number of species that can be found in a single environment, such as a lake, grassland, tundra, or woodland. Beetles, snakes, antelopes, and many other species can be found in a single meadow.
The warm, humid temperature of tropical regions is an example of an optimum environmental setting for plant growth in ecosystems that support the greatest biodiversity. Species that are too small to perceive with the naked eye can also exist in ecosystems. Microscopically examining soil or water samples reveals a vast array of bacteria and other microscopic creatures.
International Day of Biodiversity:
The United Nations has proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity 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 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 year’s theme is “BuildBackBiodiversity”. To Build Back Biodiversity, we must move from Agreement to Action. We must implement the Framework and deliver on the promises for 2030 that are encapsulated in its targets.
The Youth Diplomacy Forum in collaboration with the Department of International Relations at the National University of Modern Languages has organized an awareness campaign on the occasion of International Day of Biodiversity to raise awareness towards Biological diversity, the importance of biodiversity, the role of youth and biodiversity, Climate change, indigenous people and local communities as well as convention of Biodiversity was the focus of the program.
The event commenced at 10-00 AM and ended at 12:00 PM at the Department of International Relations where students from different departments visited the stall of the Youth Diplomacy Forum. we showcased the posters focusing on Biodiversity, the Importance of Biodiversity, 22 Actions for Biodiversity, and the convention on biological diversity.
we also emphasized the use of cloth bags instead of polythene bags. The students participated in different activities during the program; some participated in a Quiz related to Biodiversity and others in a game designed for them to pick and choose one card related to biodiversity 22 Actions and match with one of the 22 Actions for Diversity.
The main theme of the event:
The International Day of Biodiversity has gained global prominence via the efforts of the UN, governments, indigenous people, local communities, NGOs, and concerned individuals. Every Biodiversity Day carries its own significance with a renewed sense of hope with the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity framework at COP15. To mark this historic achievement; this year’s theme is From Agreement to Action; Build Back Biodiversity.
All Stakeholders are encouraged to launch their actions to implement the “Global Biodiversity Fund” on 22nd May if they haven’t begun. The International Biodiversity Day provides an opportunity to publicise and highlight these further especially Building Back Biodiversity.
Importance of Biodiversity:
- Protect Freshwater resources
- Genetic Diversity
- Speedy recovery from natural disasters
- Maintaining a balance of the ecosystem
- sustainability and growth
- Provision of Food Security
- Adaptation to different habitats
- Maintain the food chain in the nature
- Promote soil formation and protection
Biodiversity ensures health and food security, helps fight diseases, benefits businesses, provides livelihoods, and protects human beings.
Read More about Arab League Summit: https://youthdiplomacyforum.com/2023/05/21/arab-league-summit/
The 22 Actions for Biodiversity:
- Clean Up an Area around you
- Restore an area, near or far
- Take pictures not samples
- Help animals big and small
- Plant trees
- Prevent the spread of zoonotic diseases
- Consume responsibly
- Save energy
- Share with others
- Buy biodiversity-friendly products
- Stop smoking
- Support companies committed to ethical standards
- Enjoy urban Biodiversity
- Ask businesses to source responsibly
- Change one habit that is negative for Biodiversity
- Minimize waste
- Learn about biosafety
- Support environmental organizations
- Raise biodiversity awareness
- Empower youth
- Recognize the impact of conflict on Biodiversity
- Celebrate Biodiversity Day
The International Day of Biodiversity was celebrated by the Youth Diplomacy Forum in collaboration with the Department of IR, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad. The team of the Youth Diplomacy Forum organized the event that was attended by more than 100 students, and faculty members of the IR department along with the head of IR and PCS Dr. Muhammad Riaz Shad. At the end of the event, the head of IR and PCS presented certificates to the team of the Youth Diplomacy Forum as well as appreciated the awareness campaign “Diversity of Life” and emphasized on conducting more events like this to empower and aware youth of global issues. Moreover, the social media team of the Youth Diplomacy Forum used the following Twitter hashtags #BuildBackBiodiversity and #YDFBiodiversity on 22nd May 2023.
