International day for Biological Diversity
22 May (international)
Biodiversity is our 'natural insurance policy' - it is important to have many different forms of life that are able to survive and thrive under different conditions. When biodiversity is threatened, it leaves us with fewer options in times of environmental stress and change - similar to having very few shares in a 'portfolio' of investments on the stock market.
The United Nations proclaimed the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. The theme for 2009 was invasive alien species (IAS) - one of the greatest threats to biodiversity and to the ecological and economic well-being of society and the planet.
In 2009 the International Day for Biological Diversity is aligned with the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and groups such as Working for Water, with the aim of raising awareness of invasive alien species and increasing practical action to tackle the issue. Find out more about ...
- What invasive alien species are and why they are a problem;
- Causes and impacts of invasive alien species - including invasive alien plants (IAPs);
- Examples of invasive alien species;
- The Convention on Biological Diversity and invasive alien species;
- Tackling the problem;
- Celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity
More info at: http://www.cbd.int/idb/2009/
Go to the Rhodes University ENVIRONMENT front page. Suggestions/Questions? Contact environment(at)ru.ac.za
