Professor (Dr.) Vikas Sharma, Dr Abeeda Mushtaq
Biodiversity is the foundation of life and the key to ecosystem services that support human existence. Besides, it provides food, clean water, medicine and yields natural resources, all while maintaining the climate and pollination. Wetlands and forests act as carbon sinks that help mitigate climate change. Human civilizations rely on a variety of biological resources as their foundation. Fish accounts for 20% of the protein intake of roughly 3 billion people. Plants comprise more than 80% of the human diet. Traditional plant-based remedies provide basic healthcare to up to 80% of people living in rural areas of developing countries. Biodiversity is on the verge of collapse as it faces danger because of human activity. The main causes for biodiversity decline are deforestation, habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation of natural resources and climate change. The natural ecosystems have been degraded on account of unsustainable farming practices and industrial growth, of which many of the species are jeopardized. Changing weather patterns, acidifying oceans and climate change increase biodiversity loss. These impacts disrupt ecosystems that affect plants and animals. Pollinators such as bees are disappearing, putting global food security at risk, whereas the extinction of keystone species disrupts entire ecosystems. The International Day for Biological Diversity provides a chance to highlight ongoing global efforts to protect biodiversity. Major efforts include the establishment of protected areas, animal reserves and ecological focal points. It calls on nations to build more biodiversity into their national strategies and development plans. “Be Part of the Plan” is also a personal invitation to the individuals. Each one of us holds the power and responsibility to restore and safeguard the fragile balance of life on Earth, ensuring its vitality for generations to come. Simple actions, such as reducing waste, planting trees, choosing sustainable products and supporting conservation initiatives, can make a significant difference when multiplied across millions. This theme calls on individuals to reconnect with nature, to cherish the intricate beauty of the ecosystems that surround us and to understand that our choices directly impact the web of life. Whether it’s participating in community-led clean-up projects, advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies or educating others about the importance of conservation, we are all vital pieces of the larger plan.
The International Day for Biological Diversity was declared on December 29, nine years after the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was adopted. This update seeks to increase global awareness of biodiversity loss and the crucial need for conservation actions.The International Day for Biological Diversity is not just an awareness tool, it encourages people, communities and governments to appreciate and defend biodiversity. Biodiversity contributes to the food security, health and economic prosperity of human communities. Furthermore, biodiversity plays a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change by enhancing ecosystem resilience and supporting livelihoods. The theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2024, “Be Part of the Plan,” is a stirring call to action, urging all of humanity to unite in the urgent mission to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. This year’s theme highlights the necessity of implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, an ambitious global roadmap adopted in 2022, also known as the Biodiversity Plan, lays out a vision to protect, restore and sustainably manage Earth’s precious ecosystems, ensuring a harmonious future where humanity and nature thrive together. The message is clear: the success of this plan depends on collective effort. It is not only the responsibility of governments and organizations, but also a shared duty for every individual, community and business.
The 2024 theme also underscores the power of collaboration. Governments, civil society organizations, non-governmental organizations, lawmakers, business organisations and individuals to highlight the ways in which they are supporting the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan and individuals must come together to address the biodiversity crisis. Collective action amplifies impact. Everyone has a role to play and therefore can be # Part of the Plan, that is the main message from the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the key international instrument for sustainable development. For example, local efforts to restore mangroves not only protect coastal biodiversity, but also shield communities from storms and rising sea levels. Similarly, reducing pesticide use, benefits farmers, pollinators and the entire ecosystems. The Biodiversity Plan thrives on such interconnected actions, proving that individual and collective efforts are not separate, but part of a shared global mission. Ultimately, “Be Part of the Plan” is a reminder of what is at stake. Biodiversity is not just about saving endangered species or protecting remote forests and oceans – it is about securing the future of humanity. Every tree, river and animal plays a role in the intricate systems that sustain life. The theme is a call to recognize that we are not separate from nature, but deeply embedded within it. By being part of the plan, we choose a future where ecosystems flourish, economies thrive sustainably and the next generation inherits a planet full of life’s richness and wonders.
Let 2024 be a year of commitment and transformation. Let us all be part of the plan, working together to restore the balance of life on Earth, so that every living thing, from the tiniest insect to the grandest forest, has a chance to thrive. Nature has always provided for us; it is time we return the favor.
(The authors are from the Division of Biochemistry, FBSc., SKUAST-Jammu)
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