Happy International Day for Biodiversity

The United Nations has declared May 22 as the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) to raise awareness about biodiversity issues. Initially, in 1993, the day was observed on December 29, marking the start of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In 2000, the UN changed the date to May 22 to honour the adoption of the Convention's text on May 22, 1992.

The theme for IDB 2024 is "Be part of the Plan," urging everyone to help stop biodiversity loss by supporting the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, also known as The Biodiversity Plan.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was adopted at the COP 15 meeting after four years of discussions. It aims to achieve global harmony with nature by 2050 and supports the Sustainable Development Goals with 4 main goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030. The Framework's 23 targets for 2030 need immediate action to meet the long-term goals for 2050, aligning with the Convention on Biological Diversity and other international agreements. By 2030 should be done the following:

- Plan and manage all areas to reduce biodiversity loss.

- Restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.

- Conserve 30% of land, water, and seas.

- Halt species extinction and protect genetic diversity.

- Ensure sustainable and legal trade of wild species.

- Halve the introduction of invasive species and reduce their impact.

- Reduce pollution to safe levels for biodiversity.

- Minimize climate change impacts on biodiversity.

- Sustainably manage wild species for people's benefit.

- Enhance biodiversity in agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, and forestry.

- Maintain and enhance nature’s contributions to people.

- Enhance green spaces and urban planning for well-being and biodiversity.

- Increase benefits from genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

- Integrate biodiversity in decision-making at all levels.

- Businesses to assess, disclose, and reduce biodiversity impacts.

- Promote sustainable consumption to reduce waste.

- Strengthen biosafety and share biotechnology benefits.

- Reduce harmful incentives by $500 billion annually and increase positive incentives.

- Mobilize $200 billion annually for biodiversity, including $30 billion from international finance.

- Strengthen capacity-building, technology transfer, and cooperation for biodiversity.

- Ensure knowledge is accessible to guide biodiversity action.

- Ensure participation, justice, and information access for biodiversity.

- Ensure gender equality in biodiversity actions.

On 16 December 2022 in Montreal, Canada, the new Sports for Nature Framework was launched at the Convention on Biological Diversity 15th Conference of the Parties meeting (COP15) in Montreal. Signatories pledge to adhere to four key principles that will safeguard nature and contribute to the new global goals for biodiversity.

The International SAMBO Federation (FIAS) was one of 23 organisations, including the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as a founding partner, that signed the Framework in time for the launch.

All signatories are working toward four principals:

Principle 1. Protect nature and avoid damage to natural habitats and species.

Principle 2. Restore and regenerate nature wherever possible.

Principle 3. Understand and reduce risks to nature in your supply chains.

Principle 4. Educate and inspire positive action for nature across and beyond sport.

Today, as a signatory to the Sports for Nature Framework, we want to encourage you to joining us on this journey, because the biodiversity — is the variety of all living things and their interactions. Our common actions for nature are important, and only together, we can make it work. Your actions count, and you are “part of the plan”!