The global community to a great extent has started recognising the fact that that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations. With the increase in number of species being significantly reduced by certain human activities, the organisation now call for quick action to save the biological balance on the globe
Given the importance of public education and awareness about this issue, the UN celebrates the International Day for Biological Diversity annually with a unique theme each time. This year’s theme is “Our solutions are in nature” which emphasizes hope, solidarity and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.
As stated by United Nations on its official site, the theme will cover 3 essential topics during the week leading up to the observance: 18 May will cover the importance of knowledge and science; 19-21 May will raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity; and finally, the day of the observance, will issue a call to action.
With the observance of this day, global community comprising all developed or developing states, takes a pledge to save biological resources which are the pillars upon which we build civilizations. The loss of biodiversity threatens our food supplies, opportunities for recreation and tourism, and sources of wood, medicines, and energy. It also interferes with essential ecological functions.
With the recent coronavirus pandemic that has claimed millions of lives across the world, it has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonosis. The novel coronavirus which first appeared in the Wuhan City of China, is believed to be a deadly diseases transmitted initially from animals to humans.
The calamity proved that exotic wildlife can act as reservoirs of diseases that are endemic in the area or can be the source of new emerging diseases through interspecies transmission.
To avoid re-occurrence of such a crisis in future, it is necessary to keep biodiversity intact as it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronavirus.