About International Day for Biological Diversity
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May. The United Nations marks it to raise understanding of biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, and the need to protect plants, animals and ecosystems.
The date, 22 May, recalls the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. This international agreement commits countries to conserve biodiversity, use it sustainably and share its benefits fairly. The UN General Assembly moved the observance to this date in 2000.
Biodiversity covers every living thing, from tiny insects and soil microbes to forests, rivers and oceans. It gives us food, medicine, clean air and water. When species and habitats are lost, people lose these benefits too.
How it is marked
Governments, zoos, botanical gardens and conservation groups hold talks, nature walks and exhibitions. Schools run projects such as bird counts, butterfly spotting, leaf collections and planting native species. Scientists share research on protecting threatened species and habitats.
India is one of the world's most biodiverse countries, with habitats ranging from the Himalayas and the Western Ghats to deserts, mangroves and coral reefs. Schools and forest departments often mark the day with nature education and local conservation activities.
What to write
Celebrate the variety of life and encourage small ways to protect it.
- Happy Biodiversity Day. How many birds did you spot from your terrace this year? I'm still stuck on sparrows.
- Swapped the lawn grass for native plants like you said, and the butterflies actually came. Thank you.
- To my favourite nature lover, thank you for teaching me to notice the frogs, moths and mushrooms I used to walk past.
How to wish someone on International Day for Biological Diversity
wonder at the variety of life around us, and care for the plants, animals and places we share
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May?
It marks the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity on 22 May 1992, an international agreement on protecting the variety of life on Earth.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of all living things, including plants, animals, fungi and micro-organisms, and the ecosystems they form, such as forests, wetlands and oceans.
How can students mark Biodiversity Day?
Students can survey birds, insects and plants on their campus, plant native species, create a small water source for birds, or make a class biodiversity map.
When is International Day for Biological Diversity in 2026?
International Day for Biological Diversity 2026 falls on Friday, 22 May 2026.
What is International Day for Biological Diversity?
The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May. The United Nations marks it to raise understanding of biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, and the need to protect plants, animals and ecosystems.
Is International Day for Biological Diversity a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Day for Biological Diversity varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Day for Biological Diversity?
Focus on wonder at the variety of life around us, and care for the plants, animals and places we share. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Day for Biological Diversity card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .