Iran

Celebrating the International Day for Biological Diversity
22 May 2009

The International Day for Biological Diversity was first proposed in late 1993 to the second committee of the General Assembly. According to an approved resolution of December 2000, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity. Since 2001, each year is designated a special theme of its own pursuant to critical issues of the time for societal activities to be shaped upon.

Some such themes in previous years included: forest biodiversity, biodiversity and poverty alleviation-challenges for sustainable development, biodiversity: food, water and health for all, protect biodiversity in drylands, biodiversity and climate change, biodiversity and agriculture.

This day aims at increasing understanding and awareness of the importance of biological diversity on earth and warns us against serious destructions we experience due to the rapid extinction of irreplaceable species.

This year’s theme is “Invasive Alien Species.” The theme for the years 2010 and 2011 are designated as “Biodiversity for Development” and “Biodiversity and Forests”, respectively.

In this view, and to celebrate this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity, which is synchronous with the 22nd session of the MAB National Committee Meeting, a gathering is organised at Gulistan national park and biosphere reserve on 20 May 2009. This meeting will be attended by members to the Iranian National Committee for MAB, the Director and Representative of UNESCO to the IR of Iran, and a number of Iranian biosphere reserve managers.

It is note worthy that the International Man and the Biosphere Programme of UNESCO is in charge of the major part of UNESCO activities in the field of environment and related topics. It proposes an interdisciplinary approaches aiming at improving ecosystem management and the relationship of people with their environment. Through its World Network of Biosphere Reserves, the MAB programme increases the ability of monitoring ecological changes, while raising public awareness of the value of biodiversity and its relation with cultural diversity. We all have a share in the conservation of ecosystems and diverse fauna and flora the world over. We trust the International Day for Biological Diversity would unite us in accomplishing this mission.

For further information on the above mentioned event: Sharifi@irunesco.org