The first World Migratory Bird Day in 2006 was to counter some of the negative publicity migratory birds were receiving at the peak of the Avian Influenza discussion. Themes in subsequent years included: the plight of migratory birds due to global warming (2007) migratory birds as messengers for the conservation of biodiversity worldwide (2008) the […]
World Bee Day seeks to lift awareness of the importance of pollinators. Increasingly under threat from human activity, bees contribute significantly to sustainable development, food security and to conserving biodiversity. The date coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša (1734–1773) who pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in Slovenia.
Biological diversity refers to the wide variety of plants, animals and microorganisms, the genetic differences within each species, and the variety of ecosystems (lakes, forest, deserts, agricultural landscapes) that host multiple kinds of interactions among their members (humans, plants, animals). The International Day for Biological Diversity was established in 2000 in recognition of the Convention […]
World Environment Day was established in 1974 to lift awareness and action on the environment, addressing issues such as marine pollution, excessive land clearing, global warming, sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. Celebrated in more than 143 countries, the theme for 2021 is Beat Plastic Pollution. We produce about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste each […]
Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing occurs on the high seas and in areas within national jurisdiction. It concerns all aspects and stages of the capture and utilisation of fish, and it is sometimes associated with organised crime. IUU fishing undermines national and regional efforts to conserve and manage fish stocks and, as a consequence, […]
The Earth's tropics lie roughly in the middle of the globe between the latitude lines of the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn; and include the Equator and parts of North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. Tropical locations are typically warm, experience little seasonal change in day-to-day temperature and have high […]
Tourism employs one in every ten people on Earth -- 100-120 million direct tourism jobs. It is a catalyst for equality and inclusivity, giving women, young people and those living in rural communities the chance to support themselves and their families and to integrate more fully into wider society. World Tourism Day is to foster […]
The first World Migratory Bird Day in 2006 was to counter some of the negative publicity migratory birds were receiving at the peak of the Avian Influenza discussion. Themes in subsequent years included: the plight of migratory birds due to global warming (2007) migratory birds as messengers for the conservation of biodiversity worldwide (2008) the […]
Plants nurture soil-living organisms -- only 1% of these soil microorganisms having been identified to date (compared to 80% of plant species). This vast world constitutes soil biodiversity -- 25% of the planet's biodiversity -- and determines the main bio-geochemical processes that make life possible on Earth, with this diverse community feeding and protecting plants, […]
Home to 15% of the world´s population, mountains host about half of the world's biodiversity hotspots and provide freshwater to half of humanity. Of the 20 plant species that supply 80% of the world's food, six originated and have been diversified in mountains: maize, potatoes, barley, sorghum, tomatoes, and apples. Climate change and overexploitation (unsustainable […]