The United Nations have declared 2010 as the International Year of Biodiversity. Everyone is invited to join the campaign and help safeguard Earth’s resources.

Biodiversity is the story of life and the systems that support it, where growth and change constantly occur — the fruit of billions of years of evolution. From the depths of the oceans to the very highest mountain peaks, it provides us with all the ingredients necessary to survive: air, water, food, medicine and a host of other essentials we cannot live without.

However, biodiversity is being lost at an accelerated rate, so in 1992 our world leaders agreed on a strategy to ensure a healthy planet for future generations. The Convention on Biological Diversity was the result and its mission was to find a way to maintain a balance between the protection of the planet’s resources and the rate at which humans economically develop. A target was set to ‘significantly reduce’ the amount of biodiversity being lost by the end of 2010.

To achieve this, new regulations and tougher management plans have had to be initiated. These include: prohibiting the unsustainable consumption of natural resources; preventing international trade where it endangers wild flora or fauna; controlling the spread of invasive alien species; preserving traditional wisdom, innovations and indigenous practices.

In the meantime, Countdown 2010, an alliance of active partners, have created a calendar of biodiversity-related events scheduled for the year. Run by museums, science centres, parks and zoos, to name but a few, the aim is to build awareness, promote innovative solutions, publicise successful projects, change the behaviour of business and keep biodiversity firmly in the hearts and minds of everyone.

We can stop the loss; the question is will we? The Year of Biodiversity is our chance to prove we can.

Contact: www​.cbd​.int/​2​010
www​.countdown2010​.net