Happy International Day for Biodiversity 2024!
On May 22nd, we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB), a day proclaimed by the United Nations to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues worldwide. This year’s theme, “Be part of the Plan,” emphasizes the collective action needed to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The theme aligns with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), also known as The Biodiversity Plan, which outlines strategic goals and targets to safeguard our planet’s biological diversity.
Biodiversity, encompassing the variety of life forms on Earth, including plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems, is fundamental to human existence. It underpins ecosystem services that sustain life, provide food, and contribute to health and well-being. However, human activities are causing unprecedented rates of biodiversity loss, threatening these critical services. The IDB commemorates the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in 1992, promoting global efforts to conserve biodiversity and ensure its sustainable use.
This year, the IDB theme encourages everyone—governments, indigenous peoples, local communities, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, businesses, and individuals—to support the implementation of The Biodiversity Plan. The Plan presents opportunities for collaboration across diverse sectors, aiming to achieve transformative change. Everyone has a role to play, making it imperative that all stakeholders “Be Part of the Plan.”
The Carpathian Convention’s efforts provide a notable example of regional cooperation to protect biodiversity. The Carpathian Mountains, with their rich biodiversity, are crucial for conservation efforts in Europe. This region boasts approximately 133 habitat types and 3,988 plant species, including many endemics. It also harbors Europe’s largest populations of large carnivores and pristine forests, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
In response to the biodiversity crisis, Article 4 of the Carpathian Convention mandates specific measures for the conservation and sustainable use of biological and landscape diversity. The Carpathian Convention works in synergy with the CBD and the GBF, translating global biodiversity goals into regional actions. In November 2022, the Carpathian Commitments were adopted at the Ministerial Conference, followed by the development and adoption of the Carpathian Biodiversity Framework at the 7th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP7) in October 2023.
The Carpathian Biodiversity Framework operationalizes the GBF’s goals and targets for the Carpathian region, promoting policy actions across various sectors. Accompanied by the Carpathian Vision 2050, this framework envisions a sustainable future where people live in harmony with nature. The Vision sets eight strategic objectives that align with the thematic articles and protocols of the Carpathian Convention, aiming for a thriving region by 2050, with conserved and restored biodiversity providing essential ecosystem services.
The Carpathian Convention’s commitment to the GBF represents the first regional application of this global framework, highlighting the importance of integrated and overarching approaches to biodiversity conservation. “We must take action to address climate change, conserve our nature, and combat pollution,” said Harald Egerer, Head of UNEP Vienna Programme Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention. Despite challenges, including regional conflicts, cooperation remains steadfast.
As we celebrate IDB, we recognize the critical role of biodiversity in sustaining life and the concerted efforts needed to protect it. The Carpathian Convention exemplifies how regional initiatives can support global biodiversity goals, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
