Dr. Shaikh Ghulam Rasool & Dr. Bilal A. Bhat
Every year, the world observes the International Day for Biological Diversity, commonly known as World Biodiversity Day, on 22 May to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the urgent need for its conservation. Biodiversity forms the very foundation of life on Earth. It includes the immense variety of plants, animals, microorganisms, forests, rivers, oceans, and ecosystems that sustain human civilization and maintain ecological balance.In recent decades, rapid industrialization, deforestation, pollution, climate change, urbanization, and overexploitation of natural resources have severely threatened global biodiversity. Thousands of species are facing extinction, while ecosystems that support life are being degraded at an alarming pace. World Biodiversity Day serves as a reminder that protecting biodiversity is not only essential for wildlife conservation but also for food security, health, livelihoods, climate stability, and sustainable development.The observance of World Biodiversity Day 2026 comes at a crucial time when the global community is striving to restore ecosystems and build a greener and more resilient future.
The term “biodiversity” is derived from two words: “biological” and “diversity.” It refers to the variety and variability of life forms on Earth. It is not limited to the number of species alone; it also includes genetic diversity within species and the diversity of ecosystems such as forests, oceans, deserts, wetlands, and grasslands. Together, these components form the foundation of life on our planet.More precisely, it refers to all living beings including plants, bacteria, animals and humans. The Earth’s biodiversity has evolved over billions of years, shaped by natural processes and, more recently, by human influence. Every species, no matter how small, plays a role in maintaining ecological balance. Plants produce oxygen and food, animals help in pollination and seed dispersal, and microorganisms decompose organic matter and recycle nutrients.
Biodiversity supports essential ecosystem services such as clean air and water, fertile soil, climate regulation, and disease control.Human civilization is deeply dependent on biodiversity. Our food, medicines, clothing, shelter, and energy resources all originate from nature. Many cultures, traditions, and belief systems are closely connected to the natural world. Species extinction rates today are significantly higher than natural background levels, threatening the stability of ecosystems worldwide.There exist over 8 million species of plants and animals on earth, according to an estimates made by biologists. However, only around 1.2 million species have been identified and described so far. Millions of other organisms remain a complete mystery. Biological diversity differs extensively across the globe, having places with high biodiversity, like rainforests and low biodiversity areas, as agricultural fields. Rich biological diversity is often regarded as a sign of a healthy ecosystem. However, much of the biodiversity on earth now is in jeopardy due to human exploitation that disturbs and even destroys ecosystems. Ecosystem, species, wild population, local population, local varieties and breeds of domesticated plants and animals are shrinking, deteriorating or vanishing. The essential, interconnected web of life on earth is getting smaller and increasingly frayed. The Global Assessment Report on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019), estimated that about 82 per cent of wild mammal biomass has been lost, while 40 per cent of amphibians, almost a third of reef-building corals, more than a third of marine mammals, and 10 per cent of all insects are threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is significantly important to human health, economies and livelihoods. The most distinctive feature of the earth is the existence of life, and the most extraordinary feature of life is its biological diversity.
The future of biodiversity is highly threatened by climate change, but we can still do something. Ecosystem integrity underlines human health and development. While there is a growing recognition that biodiversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, the number of species is being significantly reduced by certain human activities. Human-induced environmental changes modify wildlife population structure and reduce biodiversity, resulting in new environmental conditions that favor particular hosts, vectors, and pathogens. Loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health. It has been proven that biodiversity loss could expand zoonoses – diseases transmitted from animals to humans- while, on the other hand, if we keep biodiversity intact, it offers excellent tools to fight against pandemics like those caused by coronaviruses.
Biodiversity exists at three major levels:1. Genetic Diversity-It refers to the variation of genes within species. Different varieties of crops, breeds of animals, and human genetic variations are examples of genetic diversity. High genetic diversity increases the ability of species to adapt to environmental changes.2. Species Diversity: Species diversity refers to the variety of species present in a particular ecosystem or on Earth as a whole. Forests, wetlands, oceans, and grasslands contain numerous species of flora and fauna that interact with each other.3. Ecosystem Diversity: This includes the diversity of ecosystems such as forests, deserts, wetlands, mountains, rivers, lakes, coral reefs, and agricultural landscapes. Each ecosystem performs unique ecological functions essential for sustaining life. Biodiversity provides numerous ecosystem services including oxygen production, pollination of crops, soil fertility, purification of air and water, climate regulation, and medicinal resources.
Human survival and economic development are directly linked with healthy ecosystems and rich biodiversity.The history of World Biodiversity Day is closely associated with global environmental efforts initiated by the United Nations.In 1992, during the historic United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held in Rio de Janeiro, world leaders adopted the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The convention aimed to promote conservation of biodiversity, sustainable use of biological resources, and fair sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources.Initially, the International Day for Biological Diversity was observed on 29 December, marking the date when the Convention on Biological Diversity came into force in 1993. However, in December 2000, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992.Since then, World Biodiversity Day has been celebrated annually across the globe through awareness campaigns, seminars, plantation drives, conferences, educational programs, nature walks, exhibitions, and community participation activities.
“International Day for Biodiversity highlights that species coexistence is vital to preventing global warming and extinction. Major world religions, including Islam, support this conservation; the Holy Quran notes that animals form communities like humans, viewing biodiversity as a reflection of divine wisdom that supports human development. Consequently, humanity holds a moral obligation to preserve this biological legacy for future generations.”
The theme for World Biodiversity Day 2026 emphasizes the need for collective action to conserve ecosystems and ensure harmony between humanity and nature. The theme highlights the importance of restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting endangered species, promoting sustainable lifestyles, and integrating biodiversity conservation into development planning.The observance encourages governments, educational institutions, scientists, farmers, youth, civil society organizations, and local communities to work together for safeguarding the planet’s biological wealth.
The theme also aligns with global goals including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action initiatives, and ecosystem restoration programs aimed at securing a healthy environment for future generations.
The importance and Significance of World Biodiversity Day caan be discussed as
- Conservation of Ecosystems: World Biodiversity Day spreads awareness regarding the urgent need to conserve forests, wetlands, rivers, oceans, and wildlife habitats. Healthy ecosystems are essential for maintaining ecological balance and supporting life on Earth.2. Food Security and Agriculture: Biodiversity plays a vital role in agriculture by supporting pollination, soil fertility, pest control, and crop improvement. Diverse genetic resources help farmers develop climate-resilient crops and improve food production.3. Climate Change Mitigation: Forests, mangroves, wetlands, and oceans act as natural carbon sinks that absorb greenhouse gases. Conserving biodiversity contributes significantly to combating climate change and reducing environmental disasters.
- Medicinal and Scientific Value: A large number of medicines are derived from plants, animals, and microorganisms. Biodiversity provides valuable resources for scientific research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development.
- Economic Importance: Millions of people worldwide depend on biodiversity-based livelihoods such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism, and traditional crafts. Conservation of biodiversity supports sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction.6. Cultural and Spiritual Significance: Nature and biodiversity hold cultural, spiritual, and traditional importance in many societies. Indigenous communities possess valuable traditional ecological knowledge that contributes to conservation efforts.7. Protection of Future Generations: Conserving biodiversity today ensures that future generations inherit a healthy and sustainable planet rich in natural resources and ecological stability.
Despite its importance, biodiversity is under severe threat due to several human-induced activities: (a) Deforestation and habitat destruction (b) Climate change and global warming (c ) Pollution of air, water, and soil (d) Overexploitation of natural resources (e ) Illegal wildlife trade and poaching (f) Urbanization and industrialization
(g) Invasive alien species (h) Unsustainable agricultural practices
According to global environmental assessments, species extinction rates are accelerating rapidly, threatening ecological stability and human well-being.
Biodiversity in India
India is one of the world’s mega-diverse countries, possessing rich biodiversity across forests, mountains, deserts, wetlands, coastal areas, and islands. The country hosts numerous endemic and endangered species of plants and animals.The Himalayan region, Western Ghats, Sundarbans, Thar Desert, and North-East India are globally recognized biodiversity hotspots. Biodiversity conservation efforts in India include wildlife protection laws, biosphere reserves, national parks, afforestation programs, wetland conservation, and community participation initiatives.Regions such as Wular Lake and the Himalayan ecosystems of Jammu and Kashmir possess immense ecological importance and support livelihoods of thousands of people through fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and forest resources.
Educational institutions play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation through awareness programs, environmental education, research activities, plantation drives, and community outreach initiatives. Youth participation is essential for promoting sustainable lifestyles and environmental stewardship.Universities, schools, NGOs, and research organizations can contribute by: (i) Organizing awareness campaigns and seminars (ii) Conducting biodiversity surveys and research (iii) Promoting eco-friendly practices (iv) Encouraging waste reduction and recycling (v) Supporting afforestation and habitat restoration programs.
In brief, every individual can contribute towards biodiversity conservation through simple actions such as: (a) Planting trees and protecting local flora (b) Avoiding plastic pollution (c) Conserving water and energy (d) Supporting sustainable agriculture (e) Protecting wildlife and natural habitats (f) Participating in environmental awareness programs (g) Promoting eco-friendly lifestyles (h) Collective efforts at individual, community, national, and global levels are essential for preserving biodiversity.
It is concluded that World Biodiversity Day 2026 reminds humanity that biodiversity is not merely about protecting plants and animals; it is about protecting the life-support systems of the planet. Human health, food security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability are deeply interconnected with biodiversity conservation.
At a time when ecosystems are under increasing pressure, there is an urgent need for stronger environmental policies, scientific innovation, public awareness, and community participation. Conserving biodiversity is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation among governments, institutions, researchers, farmers, youth, and citizens.The observance of World Biodiversity Day inspires hope and collective action toward building a sustainable future where humans live in harmony with nature. Protecting biodiversity today will ensure ecological balance, resilience, and prosperity for generations to come.
International Day for Biodiversity emphasizes the need for peaceful coexistence of species on Earth. Biodiversity loss can harm the health of the Earth in many ways as it is already leading to global warming and species extinction. The major religions of the world supports the conservation of natural biodiversity. According to Holy Quran, ‘There is not an animal (that lives) on the Earth, nor a being that flies on its wings, but (forms part of) communities like you’ (Quran, Surah 13:15). Thus, Islam looks upon biodiversity as an expression of Allah’s wisdom and omnipotence and as support for human development. We have a moral duty to pass on our biological legacy in good order to future generations.
(Dr Bilal A Bhat is Professor & Head (Agri. Econ & Statistics, FOA at S K University Of Agriculture Sciences & Technology Kashmir SKUAST-K, Srinagar, J&K and Dr Shaikh Ghulam Rasool a freelancer. The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the authors and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
