Institute of Biodiversity Conservation

International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) on 22 May 2009 will be: “Biodiversity and Invasive Alien Species”. Invasive alien species (IAS) are species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution threaten biological diversity. The theme in 2009 reflects the reality that invasive alien species have invaded and affected native biota in almost every ecosystem type on Earth.

International Youth Day celebrates the potential of youth in molding our society for a better future for all. Today, we will hear from young people around the world about how they can harness ideas and commitment in advancing a better world for all, and to celebrate hope. Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, will be a pivotal component of such a world and is threatened by climate change. Therefore the theme of this year’s celebration – youth and climate change: time for action – is very relevant to the Convention on Biological Diversity as it highlights the urgency of action for sustaining life on Earth.

The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples honours the contributions made by indigenous peoples to sustaining life on earth. Indigenous peoples have a special relationship with nature in general and biodiversity in particular, which makes them crucial partners of the Convention on Biological Diversity. Indigenous peoples are stewards of the Earth’s biological diversity and their diverse cultures and languages are the pillars of humanity’s cultural diversity. This is especially true for indigenous women, who play a vital role in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity as guardians of traditional knowledge, and treasure keepers of seeds for their communities.