United Nations day · May 22
International Day for Biological Diversity
Biodiversity is the variety of life around us, from soil microbes to forests. It’s protected best by people who know their own place.
Every year on May 22
About the day
The International Day for Biological Diversity is a United Nations day held every year on May 22. The UN General Assembly chose the date in 2000 because the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity was adopted on May 22, 1992.
Biological diversity, or biodiversity, means the variety of life at every level: genes, species, and whole ecosystems.
Why it matters
Life supports life
Biodiversity underpins food, clean water, medicines, and the natural systems that protect communities from floods and heat.
A global framework
In 2022, nearly every country adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which includes a target to conserve 30 percent of land and sea by 2030.
Your place counts
Yards, parks, creeks, and vacant lots can all hold surprising amounts of life when they’re cared for.
Ways to take part
Pick one action that fits your place and your people. Small, local, and repeated beats big and once.
- Plant nativesChoose plants that feed local insects and birds.
- Leave some wildMow less, and leave leaves and stems for wildlife.
- SurveyCount the plants and animals you find, and share what you see.
- Remove invasivesJoin a work party pulling invasive plants.
- MapMark the natural places in your neighborhood worth protecting.
- TeachShow kids what lives nearby and why it matters.
From awareness to action
Environmental Alliance applies Spatial Social Design, which pairs geodesign with community-based social marketing, so this day connects people to specific actions in specific places.
Map the place
Start with the land, water, and habitat around you.
Understand the people
Learn what helps people act and what gets in the way.
Design the action
Choose steps that fit both the place and the community.
Measure the change
Track what happened so next year builds on this one.
Coming soon
Map your place: a free tool to map the places you care for and the actions you take. No login required.
Questions
When is the International Day for Biological Diversity?
It’s held every year on May 22.
Why is it on May 22?
May 22 marks the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity in 1992. The UN General Assembly moved the day to that date in 2000.
What can one person do for biodiversity?
Plant native species, leave some areas wild, and record what you see. Local records help scientists and planners know what’s there.
Plan something for May 22
Schools, agencies, businesses, and local groups are welcome. Tell us what you’re planning and where.