International Day for Biological Diversity Date in the current year: May 22, 2024

The term biological diversity (biodiversity) refers to the degree of variation of life. Biodiversity on Earth varies depending on the region, peculiarities of a given ecosystem and many other factors. Environmental changes caused by both natural processes and human activity lead to extinction of species and reduction of biodiversity.

In 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity was signed. This treaty focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable use of its components. International Day for Biological Diversity was established to celebrate the Convention and address the most important biological diversity issues. It was initially held on December 29 to commemorate the day the Convention entered into force in 1993.

In 2000, the date was moved to May 22 in order to commemorate the day the text of the Convention was adopted in 1992. This was partly done to make it easier to organize and hold events and activities given the considerable number of holidays that fall on the end of December. Traditionally, a new theme for the day is chosen each year.