International Biological Diversity Day is observed on the 22nd of May every year and is a rallying point for the conservation of processes of life-supporting habitats. Celebrated by the United Nations since 1993, this day draws awareness to the importance of Biodiversity, which comprises ecosystems, species, as well as genetic diversity in meeting the needs of the current growing population and in cushioning the effects of climate change. The global wildlife populations have been reduced by 69% as compounding of 1970, as documented by the Living Planet Report released by the WWF, Godfrey & Walker, and a study from the Convention on Biological Diversity, UNEP-WCMC notes that one million species are poised for extinction. In 2025, when the International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated, the issues of habitat destruction, climate change, the introduction of unsafe species, and overfishing will be of immense importance. This guest post, from an environmentalist’s point of view, explains what biodiversity is, its past and present status, and what the common people can do to save it. The following paper will provide specific and accurate facts, thought-provoking quotes, and a vision for a prosperous planet to explain why May 22, 2025, is the perfect time to redouble efforts in the protection of endangered species.

The Origins and Significance of Biodiversity Day

The International Day for Biological Diversity has its origin in the Earth Summit that was held in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, where the CBD was adopted as the world’s blueprint in the conservation of biological diversity, its use, and the fair and ethical sharing of the benefits arising from it (Lanchberry, 1996; Panjabi, 1992). First adopted in the UN General Assembly in 1993, the CBD is celebrated on May 22 to ensure people learn that animals, plants, and other living organisms are valuable in the ecosystem and people’s lives (McGraw, 2002). Most notable of these quotes was said by naturalist John Muir when he said, “In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” Since its formation, the day has created actions like the expansions in the protected areas and the recovery of some species. CBD at the COP15 in Kunming in 2024 committed itself to the following goals inter alia: Protection of 30% of the territory and the oceans by 2030 (Lang, 2024). Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations reports that 80% of humanity’s needs: food, medicine, and clean water rely on biodiversity. For the year 2025, the official slogan is still to be named; however, it is expected to proceed from 2024’s ‘Be Part of the Plan’ call to action. All the events organised through CBD and ranging from community restoration projects to global summits shall reiterate this message, taking into consideration that biodiversity is the very root of life.

The Biodiversity Crisis: A Global Emergency

Loss of biological diversity refers to the decline in the variety of living organisms in a particular ecosystem, and it is one of the growing environmental challenges that we face in this generation. According to IPBES, about 25% of the world’s species are under threat, while a million species are on the brink of extinction (Schickhoff et al., 2024). With a total of 25% of ocean creatures relying on coral reefs, the structure has been cut down to half the size it was in the 50s, as estimated by the NOAA (Voolstra et al., 2024). Terrestrial ecosystems, entailing 41% of amphibians and 26% of mammals, are also in danger of extinction, as per the statistics of the International Union for Conservation of Nature- IUCN. As noted by the newly elected chair of IPBES, Sir Robert Watson, we are currently eradicating species at a rate not seen in other times in human history, and with that, the basis of our economic, food, and water security. Forestry loss is caused by habitat transformation; this year, the WRI reports that 4.1 million hectares of tropical forests were cut down every year, 11 football fields per minute. The open crisis worsens with climate change, with a 1.1°C change in temperature affecting the existing species as per the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The International Day for Biological Diversity will be celebrated specifically on May 22, 2025; the day will focus on these threats and urge people to approach the issue more seriously.

Habitat Destruction: The Leading Threat

Logging and subsequent vegetation clearing for other purposes, such as construction, agricultural purposes, and conversion of forests into residential areas, can also be blamed for the loss of species. It was stated by the WWF that three-quarters of the ice-free planet is now dominated by man, and these changes have split up wildlife populations (Mayer & Pšenička, 2024). The Amazon is responsible for one-in-five of the world’s oxygen and contains 400 billion trees and 16,000 species, shrunk by 11 percentage based on a study from 1970 to 2020, 2024 Acta Amazonica. The Ramsar Convention reports that while wetlands host 40% of the global biodiversity, these habitats have been reduced by 35% since 1970 (Rattan et al., 2021). Thus, (Wall & Six, 2015). It is concluded that agriculture is the main cause of deforestation, comprising up to 70%, with palm oil and soy production being in danger of 193 species according to the IUCN. Loss of more dwelling habitat is projected to occur: by 2030, the urban land area is expected to increase by 1.2 million km² according to the UN. The efforts being made to make the world green again, such as The Great Green Wall, which has the audacious target of restoring up to 100 million hectares of the African landscape by 2030, will be focused on this day in the year 2025. People can plant native species, which help pollinating insects that contribute to one-third of food production globally (FAO); people can call for protected spaces for wildlife, which comprise only 17% of land and 8% of oceans as per the IUCN.

Climate Change: A Growing Amplifier

Biodiversity is threatened by climate change because the alterations affect the ecosystems and the conditions under which species can survive. According to the IPCC, 18% of species on land could be threatened by extinction, and almost all coral reefs would be severely degraded if global warming rises by 2°C. According to NOAA, the worldwide CO2 levels in 2023 stood at 420 parts per million, the first time in three million years. Although these animals are primarily marine mammals that inhabit the Arctic region, Siberian tiger statistics also showed a 30% reduction in some areas according to the IUCN Red List. According to the prominent personality, Lady Bird Johnson, the environment is where all of us have a common concern. Changes in climatic conditions result in movement or non-movement of species, moving or failing to move: over 50% of bird species are decreasing in population according to BirdLife International. On May 22, 2025, the day will introduce climate resilient conservation, for instance, the planting of mangrove that absorbs carbon at a rate 5 times that of any other terrestrial forest, according to UNEP. They can reduce one’s impact on the environment, including replacing the bulb by using an LED bulb saves 80% of energy, according to the EPA and supporting renewable energy, which contributed to 30% of global electricity in 2023, according to the IEA. Specifically, it will be a continuation of advocacy for the hard-line climate policies, such as the Paris accord and increasing the role of biodiversity in the climate change solution matrix.

Invasive Species and Overexploitation: Hidden Threats

Biological and genetic pollution and overexploitation continue to decline the level of biodiversity. According to the International Panel of Invasive Alien Species, more than 20% of the world’s species are at risk from invasive species, which are brought in by trade. For instance, the lionfish that are alien in the Caribbean have greatly affected the native fish by fishing down the reefs by 65%, according to NOAA. Gettleman’s article shows that overfishing, poaching, and illegal Trade have had an impact on 37% of vertebrate species, as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The most commoditised and exploited animal globally is the pangolin, whose scales demand in the market, and SEIZED one million between 2014 and 2018 as well. However, it is recognised that sustainable use of the forests must be exercised so that the subsequent generations, including children and generations yet to be born, are not affected. Global populations of fish have been described to be threatened by overfishing, and the Food and Agriculture Organisation claims that 33% of the global fish stock has already been exhausted. For example, it is expected that on the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025, related campaigns will be aimed at preserving sustainability aspects, such as certified fisheries and wildlife trade. This can be done by Americans choosing seafood from MSC-certified sources and reporting cases of WLT to wildlife.org. Self-efforts consist of eradicating invasive plants within specific regions to spread the effects of these threats.

Community and Global Action: Driving Change

Biodiversity conservation cannot be addressed at Grass grassroots and Global levels, the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 will be dedicated to these valuable efforts. On this day in 2024, more than 100,000 events in 190 countries, including tree planting exercises, citizen science activities, were carried out through the CBD is also involved because 60% of the members of the Global Youth Biodiversity Network are below the age of thirty years. For example, 10% of the land of Singapore cities may represent how urban areas support a certain type of species. Even apparently mundane communal undertakings can be transformative: A report published in MDPI five years later suggests that urban green areas contribute to feeding half of some 20,000 bees within a city (Ayers & Rehan, 2021). Purchasing products directly from local farmers also helps in the reduction of emissions by cutting down on the food miles, which are estimated to contribute about 11% to food system emissions by the FAO. Since 2011, a global push that includes the Bonn Challenge has involvements in the restoration of 210 million hectares of degraded land. On May 22, 2025 the individuals can participate in the events listed on cbd.int/event-map/ or organise the cleanup event and share the activity on social media using the hashtag #BiodiversityDay. Community politics for collective action can be regarded as an important fundamental for Biodiversity as it is aligned with shared global efforts.

Policy and Innovation: Systemic Solutions

It is important for the goal of conservation to make policy changes at a system level and also encourage the reinvention of modern development. CBD’s proposal for 2022, named the Kunming-Montreal Framework, which to safeguard 30% of ecosystems by 2030. However, the current status of protection of land ecosystems is 17% and of marine ecosystems 8% according to the IUCN. Government policies and initiatives, such as Costa Rica’s 56% coverage of forest cover through the incentive for reforestation, provide perfect examples. Such solutions as drone-based reforestation, where one firm, Flash Forest, plans to plant 100,000 trees daily, and gene preservation to help endangered species are exhibiting the potential of generating influence. Baffling to think that the worst enemy of the earth is the assumption that someone else will do the conservation, Bob Swan expressed. Moving forward, Corporate accountability: 100 companies are said to be contributing to 71% of emissions related to biodiversity, as estimated by the CDP. On IDBD 2025, calls for more and better laws, particularly the EU 2023 deforestation-free products regulation, will be intensified. Consumers can support the cause by identifying green-labelled products (e.g. FSC wood) as well as engaging in advocacy for policies that are friendly to the diversity of the bio-systems. There are such platforms as wwf.org where people can get the tools to address the policymakers and increase the demand for change.

A Call to Action for Biodiversity Day 2025

With the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 set in motion, there could be no higher risks or higher possibilities for action. It is factually linked: planting native species helps the pollinators, reducing pesticides by 50%, increases insects, according to a study conducted in the year 2024 in the journal Science. Eating less means cutting down on the 8 per cent of emissions that are associated with spoiled food, as stated by the FAO. Governments must step up their game: only one-fifth of the GDP of the entire world is currently committed to having a positive impact on its biodiversity, according to the UN. It is people who are in control: consumers, as it is they who control 60% of the world economy, according to the World Bank. When observing Earth Day on May 22, 2025, we are reminded of our duty to protect current and future generations to have the opportunity to experience a diverse world and protect ecosystems and species. When more people splurge on Mother Nature, while schools are closed and businesses limit in-person interactions, we can ensure that Biodiversity Day becomes a turning point for life on Earth to be attained.

References:

Ayers, A. C., & Rehan, S. M. (2021). Supporting bees in cities: how bees are influenced by local and landscape features. Insects, 12(2), 128.

Lanchberry, J. (1996). The Rio Earth Summit. In Diplomacy at the Highest Level: The Evolution of International Summitry (pp. 220-243). Springer.

Lang, V. I. A. (2024). An analysis of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework

Mayer, I., & Pšenička, M. (2024). Conservation of teleost fishes: Application of reproductive technologies. Theriogenology Wild, 100078.

McGraw, D. M. (2002). The CBD-key characteristics and implications for implementation. Rev. Eur. Comp. & Int'l Envtl. L., 11, 17.

Panjabi, R. K. L. (1992). International law and the preservation of species: an analysis of the Convention on Biological Diversity signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Dick. J. Int'l L., 11, 187.

Rattan, R., Sharma, B., Kumar, R., Saigal, V., & Shukla, S. (2021). Ramsar Convention: History, Structure, Operations, and Relevance. Wetlands conservation: Current challenges and future strategies, 17-39.

Schickhoff, U., BOBROWSKI, M., Offen, I., & MAL, S. (2024). The Biodiversity Crisis in the Anthropocene. Geography and the Anthropocene, 79-111.

Voolstra, C. R., Alderdice, R., Colin, L., Staab, S., Apprill, A., & Raina, J.-B. (2024). Standardized Methods to Assess the Impacts of Thermal Stress on Coral Reef Marine Life. Annual Review of Marine Science, 17.

Wall, D. H., & Six, J. (2015). Give soils their due. In (Vol. 347, pp. 695-695): American Association for the Advancement of Science.

About the Authors:

Qudrat Ullah is a dedicated environmental researcher at the Food Technology and Innovation Research Center of Excellence, Walailak University, Thailand. Specializing in sustainable agriculture and climate solutions, he is passionate about conserving biodiversity and promoting ecosystem resilience. Through research and advocacy, Qudrat inspires collective action to protect Earth’s diverse species, actively contributing to initiatives like the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Muhammad Waqar is a PhD Scholar at the Food Technology and Innovation Research Center of Excellence, School of Agricultural Technology and Food Industry, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand