The International Day for Biological Diversity highlights the value of nature for human life and the planet
The International Day for Biological Diversity, celebrated on May 22nd, seeks to raise global awareness about biological diversity and the need for its conservation.
Biodiversity can be understood as the living fabric that connects all forms of life on Earth. This concept encompasses a variety of life forms, such as animals, plants, and microorganisms, and small and large ecosystems where different species interact. Environmental balance, food security, climate regulation, and human well-being are all deeply intertwined with biodiversity and vital to its existence.
The integrity of a forest, for example, relies on the presence of animal species, which in turn are influenced by climatic conditions that are directly affected by human actions. It is a cycle in which the conservation of every individual life form contributes to the functionality of the whole.
Credit: Donal Boyd
A powerful example of this interdependence is the jaguar, a symbol of Brazilian biodiversity. As an apex predator, it plays a key role in regulating food chains and maintaining ecosystem health. When the jaguar is under threat, it signals an imbalance in the surrounding system.
Ecosystem degradation, habitat fragmentation, pollution, climate change, and the overexploitation of natural resources are clear threats to this balance. According to the Global Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), published in 2019, approximately one million animal and plant species are at risk of extinction in the coming decades. This figure reflects the severe environmental degradation we face. In addition, the Living Planet Report 2024 from WWF revealed that global populations of vertebrates have declined by an average of 73% since 1970.
The International Day for Biological Diversity
The United Nations chose May 22nd to mark the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, formalized during the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Eco-92), held in Rio de Janeiro. Since then, the date has been a rallying point for promoting actions focused on biodiversity conservation. In 2025, the theme is “Harmony with nature and sustainable development”, reinforcing the urgent need to integrate ecosystem protection with economic growth. Therefore, this day is more than just a symbolic occasion; it serves as an annual milestone for reflection on the cycle that sustains all life on the planet.
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- Credit: Edu Fragoso
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- Credit: João Pedro Salgado
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- Credit: Thais Alencar
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- Credit: Ben Mirgel e Matthias Kern
Within this context, Onçafari operates to conserve Brazilian biodiversity by protecting natural areas and supporting the socioeconomic development of local communities.
Since 2011, the NGO has developed practical strategies to conserve Brazil’s fauna and flora, creating positive impacts on environmental preservation and promoting ecological balance. Through its initiatives, Onçafari contributes to the protection of ecosystems and strengthens the coexistence of humans and wildlife.
Cover photo credits: Ben Mirgel and Matthias Kern, Lucas Morgado, Donal Boyd, and Gabriela Longo
Written by: Maria Julia Farias
