Observe International Day for Biological Diversity with videos from United Nations, TED-Ed, and BBC

Happy International Day for Biological Diversity!

Every year on May 22nd, the International Day for Biological Diversity seeks to increase awareness and understanding of biodiversity issues.

Five years ago, the United Nations released a video about the day, International Day for Biological Diversity.

United Nations - Biodiversity is the foundation for life and for the essential services provided by ecosystems. It therefore underpins peoples’ livelihoods and sustainable development in all areas of activity, including economic sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and tourism, among others. By stopping biodiversity loss, we are investing in people, their lives and their well-being. Join us in celebrating the variety of life on Earth on 22 May, the International Day for Biological Diversity.

I like this video as a brief overview of the importance of biodiversity, but National Day Calendar has more detail.

The term biodiversity stems from two different words: biological and diversity. It refers to the variety of life on Earth. The three types of biodiversity include:

• Genetic diversity
• Species diversity
• Ecosystem diversity

Biodiversity is very important for many reasons. It supplies the earth with clean water and oxygen. Biodiversity also enables plants to grow, which produces food for humans and animals. Other benefits of biodiversity is that it keeps pests and diseases in check and protects against flooding. It also helps to regulate the climate. Together, all of these benefits are known as ecosystem services.

The health of the earth suffers when biodiversity decreases. It’s also true of humans. The less biodiversity, the poorer our health becomes. Some even believe that pandemics are related to the loss of biodiversity. Now more than ever, we need to spread awareness for the importance of biodiversity.

TED-Ed mentions all three types of biodiversity in Why is biodiversity so important? - Kim Preshoff.

Our planet’s diverse, thriving ecosystems may seem like permanent fixtures, but they’re actually vulnerable to collapse. Jungles can become deserts, and reefs can become lifeless rocks. What makes one ecosystem strong and another weak in the face of change? Kim Preshoff details why the answer, to a large extent, is biodiversity.

Lesson by Kim Preshoff, animation by TED-Ed.

And narration by Pen-Pen Chen, who my readers might recognize because she wrote and narrated the final video I embedded in Happy Year of the Fire Rooster! She deserves credit, too.

Follow over the jump for more about today.

I return to National Day Calendar for how to observe today.

Scientists, conservationists, and environmentalists hold an array of events on this day. These events include seminars, conferences, and roundtable discussions. The UN Secretary and the UN President give special messages to the general public. The UN also highlights stories and videos that discuss the importance of biological diversity.

I've already shared a video from the UN that discusses the importance of biodiversity, so here is this year's video address from the Secretary-General, UN Chief on the International Day of Biological Diversity 2021.

Video Message by António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, on the International Day of Biological Diversity 2021.

A healthy planet is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Yet biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate, and the pressures are intensifying.
We are depleting resources faster than nature can replenish them.
COVID-19 has further reminded us of the intimate relationship between people and nature.
The current crisis provides an opportunity to recover better.
We need to protect nature, restore ecosystems and establish a balance in our relationship with the planet.
The rewards will be tremendous.
By reversing biodiversity loss, we can improve human health, realize sustainable development and address the climate emergency.
Solutions exist to protect our planet's genetic diversity on land and at sea.
Everybody has a part to play.
Sustainable lifestyle choices are the key.
The choice to live sustainably must be made available to everyone, everywhere.
That means better policies that promote government, business and individual accountability.
We all need to be part of a movement for change.
This year, governments will meet in Kunming, China, to agree on an ambitious new global framework for biodiversity.
Let us support their mission by advocating for nature.
On this International Day for Biodiversity, let us all be part of the solution.

Now that Secretary-General Guterres has mentioned it, I'll keep my eye for news about the conference in Kunming and share any results here.

National Day Calendar has one more paragraph I'm sharing.

To participate:

• Think about ways biodiversity affects your life.
• Watch a movie that features biodiversity issues, such as Seven Worlds One Planet, River of Gold, Call of Life, and No Vacancy.
• Learn ways you can help to protect the earth.
• Donate to a conservation organization like The Nature Conservatory or The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

While I mentioned Sir David Attenborough's Emmy nomination and congratulated him on his win for "Seven Worlds One Planet," I've never embedded the trailer for the series. Watch Seven Worlds, One Planet: Extended Trailer (ft Sia and Hans Zimmer) | New David Attenborough Series from BBC Earth.

Seven continents, all unique. Seven Worlds, One Planet is the latest natural history landmark from BBC Studios’ Natural History Unit, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. The series will showcase the rich diversity of Earth’s seven continents and what makes each one unique.

OUT THERE performed by Sia and Hans Zimmer
OUT THERE composed by Sia, Christopher Braide and Hans Zimmer
Produced by Russell Emanuel for Bleeding Fingers Music
Original Production by Christopher Braide
Arranged by Andrew Christie for Bleeding Fingers Music
...
Seven Worlds, One Planet
Millions of years ago incredible forces ripped apart the Earth’s crust creating our seven continents – each with its own distinct climate, its own distinct terrain and its own unique animal life. From the colourful paradise of South America to the scorching heat of Africa, Seven Worlds: One Planet showcases the true character of each continent in turn and reveals just how it has shaped all life there. Be surprised by unexpected stories. Marvel at iconic landscapes. And be awestruck by spectacular wildlife. Seven Worlds: One Planet is an eye-opening journey around a world you thought you knew.

Consider this last video to be a transition to tomorrow's Sunday entertainment feature. Stay tuned.