On International Day for Biological Diversity

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On International Day for Biological Diversity

Contents

I.International Day for Biological Diversity

i.Activities

ii.Theme

iii.Research

II.International Day for Biological Diversity 2016

i.Agriculture

ii.Fisheries

iii.Tourism

iv.International Day for Biological Diversity 2016 - Celebrations Around the World

I.International Day for Biological Diversity

TheInternational Day for Biological Diversity(orWorld Biodiversity Day) is aUnited Nations–sanctionedinternational dayfor the promotion ofbiodiversityissues. It is currently held onMay 22.

The International Day for Biological Diversity falls within the scope of the UNPost-2015 Development Agenda'sSustainable Development Goals. In this larger initiative of international cooperation, the topic of biodiversity concerns stakeholders insustainable agriculture; desertification, land degradation and drought; water and sanitation; health andsustainable development; energy; science, technology and innovation, knowledge-sharing and capacity-building; urban resilience and adaptation; sustainable transport; climate change and disaster risk reduction; oceans and seas; forests;vulnerable groupsincludingindigenous peoples; and food security.The critical role of biodiversity in sustainable development was recognized in aRio+20outcome document, "The World We Want: A Future for All".

From its creation by the Second Committee of theUN General Assemblyin 1993 until 2000, it was held on December 29 to celebrate the day theConvention on Biological Diversitywent into effect. On December 20, 2000,the date was shifted to commemorate the adoption of the Convention on May 22, 1992 at the RioEarth Summit, and partly to avoid the many other holidays that occur in late December.

i.Activities

Coinciding with the observance of International Day for Biological Diversity, on May 2011IndonesianForestry Minister inaugurated the Ciwalen Canopy Trail that is 120 meters long and 60 meters wide at an elevation of 30–40 meters above the ground atGunung Gede Pangrango National Park,West Javato accommodate 5 to 10 people in one trip.

The 2014 theme of Island Biodiversity was chosen because islands provide a rich source of biodiversity for plants, animals, fish and forestry products. Many indigenous fruits andgreen leafy vegetablesare rich inmicronutrients. According to theSecretariat of the Pacific Community, two out of every three deaths can be attributed toNon-communicable diseases(NCDs). These can result from a change in diets linked to consumption of highly processed imported products, while local crop species are abandoned or reduced in the local diet. As a consequence, island representatives meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in May, 2014 stressed that serious consideration should be given to more research and policy action with the aim of increasing diet diversity.

ii.Theme

2015 - Biodiversity for Sustainable Development [7]

2014 - Island Biodiversity

2013 - Water and Biodiversity

2012 - Marine Biodiversity

2011 - Forest Biodiversity

2010 - Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation

2009 - Invasive Alien Species

2008 - Biodiversity and Agriculture

2007 - Biodiversity and Climate Change

2006 - Protect Biodiversity in Drylands

2005 - Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World

2004 - Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All

2003 - Biodiversity and poverty alleviation - challenges for sustainable development

2002 - Dedicated to forest biodiversity

iii.Research

II.International Day for Biological Diversity 2016

Mainstreaming Biodiversity; Sustaining People and their Livelihoods

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 halting biodiversity loss, we are investing in people, their lives and their well-being.

The thirteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 13) to be held in Cancun, Mexico from 4 to 17 December 2016 will focus on the mainstreaming of biodiversity within and across sectors, which is closely linked to this year’s IDB theme.

We invite Parties and organizations that have already initiated national plans for activities to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity to keep the Secretariat informed of such plans and other noteworthy activities organized by NGOs or other organizations so that they may be included in these pages.

i.Agriculture

Sukomol and Alpana Mondal live with their two sons on a 0.7 hectare farm in India. Due to health issues, they went into debt and were in crisis. In 2006, the Mondals decided to make a switch to an integrated farming system. With local training support, coordinated by DRCSC, a Christian Aid partner, the Mondals constructed a pond and a new drainage system consisting of a main channel through the rice field with smaller channels around the perimeter linking to the pond. The earth was used to raise the level of several of their plots. A gradual transition was made to organic paddy cultivation using Sustainable Rice Intensification methods. Native species of carp and catfish were introduced in the pond and channels, and crops such as cowpea and bitter gourd grown on trellises over the water. The water from the pond is used to irrigate a winter paddy crop as well as the vegetable plot. The effects of flooding and water-logging (major problems in this region) are lessened by the use of raised beds. More than 20 different crops are now being grown, including various spices, vegetables, oilseeds and pulses. ‘Live fences’ of mango, banana and coconut trees were also planted around the farm’s edge. The Mondals also introduced vermi-composting, began to save more seeds, and increased the number of livestock they kept. This diversified system make them more resistant to external shock. Five years on, the Mondals’ situation has been transformed. They have managed to pay off two thirds of their debt. Their income has increased due to surplus vegetables, spices, fruits, seeds and seedlings. They no longer use chemical inputs, which has lowered production costs. In the first two years, there was a decrease in rice yields but production is now back up to pre-transition levels. The family diet has improved due to steady supply of rice, fruit, fish and vegetables throughout the year.

Capitoline Ruradumu, bean research programme leader at the Institut des Sciences Agronomiques du Burundi (ISABU), has been working hard with her team and partners to restore bean research programmes supporting improved food security and nutrition for Burundi’s population of 10 million.

After 17 years of civil war, Burundi needs now more than ever to intensify and improve agriculture for a growing population, most of whom live on less than $1.25 a day. Even before recent events led to food price hikes and falling incomes, less than one third of Burundians were food secure, and more than half were chronically malnourished.

In 10 years, Capitoline and her “bean team” have made much progress. Through regional germplasm exchange and capacity building, ISABU has released 17 improved bean varieties that are high yielding, early maturing, highly marketable and more nutritious. To ensure these new varieties reach farmers, researchers are building partnerships with farmers, small seed entrepreneurs and NGOs to multiply quality seed. They have also trained farmers and extension service providers in better crop management practices, communities in nutrition and entrepreneurial women in bean processing, such as bean flour production.

Pulse crops are one of the most sustainable crops a farmer can grow, and also an economically viable crop for smallholder farmers. In Uganda, farmers have however been struggling to maintain the quality and yield of their common bean crops because of pests and diseases. Inter-cropping, or alternating different crops, has been known to help repel pests and diseases while increasing farm biodiversity. But recent trials lead by Bioversity International in Uganda suggest that even mixing varieties resistant to certain pests and diseases, with those which are more susceptible, also significantly reduces the incidence of that pest or disease. A key aspect of these trials focused on tapping into the diversity of traditional pulse varieties that exist in Uganda, varieties which are often preferred by farmers in terms of taste and traditional use. Further, planting varieties with different maturing times means that farmers can maintain consistent cash flow and stable food availability throughout the year.

ii.Fisheries

The multiple benefits of sustainable fisheries in Vietnam

Initially an open-access resource, the clam fishery of Ben Tre province in Vietnam faced increased pressures towards the end of the 20th century. In 1995, the government began to create cooperatives to protect the natural resource and delineate fishing areas for management. However, fishers themselves were unrestricted, and further stock declines led to the establishment of area rights to restrict fishing in 2006. These further efforts proved successful, and the fishery was Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified in 2009. The certification brought significant benefits to the fishery, both social and economic. Eight months after full assessment, the price of the clams increased by 20-30 percent. “Before, I would collect clams and work from morning to late afternoon I would fill two baskets. Yet there was a limited market, and if I was unable to sell the clams I would have to return them to the sea” explains Vo Thi Binh, a local clam fisher from the Rang Dong cooperative. “Since the cooperative has been established, the harvest is planned according to contracts with the processing plants, so every day that I go to work I get paid and I don’t have to worry about selling the clams.” Wages have increased five-fold since 2007. Because of these economic benefits, 13 000 households are now supported by the fishery, compared to less than 9 000 in 2007. As a result, more people are now able to pay for their children’s school fees, and support them through vocational training, boosting their chances of a better future. This has been one of the lasting benefits of transitioning this fishery to sustainability.

iii.Tourism

Preserving the environment is good for tourism and creates jobs in Lebanon

A coming together of nature and nurture, the Aammiq Wetlands have developed into a natural environmental protection zone – a place where the people of Lebanon celebrate their nation, their traditions and their future. Today, as a place of employment directly for the people of Lebanon, with a direct supporting role in the tourism sector, the Aammiq Wetlands provide a living example of the importance, relevance, value and pride of Lebanon's spirit of preservation.

My name is Faisal Al Halabi, and I was born and raised in this beautiful village, Aammiq, which is renowned for its peaceful and friendly people. I grew up loving to hunt. I was an expert game hunter, particularly wild boar.

A few years ago when nature reserves started appearing in Lebanon, I met some of the young people working at the Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve. They began giving lectures on hunting methods and seasons. I became quite interested in these issues. I met a young man, who explained to me what environmentalism was about and offered me a job. I became a true believer and went from being a hunter to an environmental activist. I worked with him I transferred to the Aammiq reserve.

The Aammiq reserve was known for hunting, cattle grazing and logging; however, all activities were unregulated and environmentally harmful. Fortunately, when the Skaffs returned to their lands after the war, they took the initiative to create a reserve to protect the area. It was around this time that I moved from the Shouf biosphere reserve and started working with them in Aammiq.

Truth be told, it's an impressive initiative. I hope that all Lebanese officials and landowners would also take the initiative to protect the land. This has become a beautiful area with plenty of trees and wildlife. Many environmental projects are being carried out here. This is all thanks to the Skaffs, who greatly contributed to protecting the environment.

The area has turned from a private land into an oasis of exemplary reserves. It is also a key stop for migratory birds as it features the largest freshwater wetland in Lebanon.

Getting my family and friends to understand what I do was a challenge. Education is definitely the first step to persuading people. I began with my friends and family. Gradually, they all came around to the idea. The benefit is clear. Through our work, we have managed to turn 60% or more of the residents into advocates of the environment. Many young people embraced the idea and each began working within their preferred field, but always with the view to protect the environment.

I began working with my family in tourism almost 12 years ago. We offer tourists room and board at our family home; my wife handles the meals. We started with five or six people, and now we are hosting groups of up to a hundred – and that was before we opened the eco-restaurant– the first of its kind in Lebanon. All the food is organic and cultivated on the reserve. The restaurant has created jobs for 15 families. The restaurant and touristic services it offers have certainly increased the number of visitors to the area. Tourists can now enjoy high-quality meals in addition to hiking in the mountains.

For me personally, my job has allowed me to meet people of different nationalities, and that is in itself extremely important. This is what I was meant to be doing

iv.International Day for Biological Diversity 2016 - Celebrations Around the World

The CBD Secretariat encourages all parties to the Convention and all organizations that deal in some way with the issue to organize activities and events to celebrate the IDB and to take advantage of it to raise public awareness and to showcase their work.

If you are an individual you can also organise an activity yourself in your community,here are some ideas. Every person can make a difference!

We will be delighted to share your IDB celebrations on this website. Pleaseemail usthe following information:

• Organizer/Organization's name
• Celebration title, time and place
• Short description of the celebration in one of the 6 UN languages and if possible in your country's official language
• Include any relevant web links and/or attachments
• Include a small logo or image if applicable
• Any other relevant information

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Editor:Chen Zhaoxia

May29，2016