Ouagadougou: The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDBD) is observed on 22 May each year to mark the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This global event seeks to enhance understanding and awareness of issues associated with biological diversity, including biosafety and equitable benefit-sharing from genetic resources.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebration this year is under the theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development," emphasizing the collective responsibility to care for nature. The theme highlights the interdependence between meeting social, environmental, and economic needs and maintaining a balanced natural ecosystem.
Biological diversity, defined as the variability among living organisms from all sources including terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, is crucial for human well-being, planetary health, and economic prosperity. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework serves as the global guide for coordinated conservation and restoration efforts.
In line with this framework, the country has adopted the National Strategy for Biological Diversity 2025-2030, accompanied by a three-year action plan for 2025-2027. This strategy aims to reverse ecosystem degradation, curb biodiversity loss, and foster socio-economic development.
Efforts to achieve "harmony with nature" involve establishing effective institutional frameworks and implementation tools. The country has created a national platform for biodiversity stakeholder consultation and a framework for fair access and benefit-sharing from genetic resources.
Several reports, including those on Burkina Faso's environmental state and the national strategy for environmental education 2024-2028, lay the groundwork for conserving biological resources. Minister Roger Baro calls on all stakeholders, especially women and youth, to actively engage in nature preservation and foster solidarity with local communities and partners for sustainable biodiversity financing.
The minister emphasizes the critical role of biodiversity in socio-economic development and urges the community to contribute to halting biodiversity destruction, essential for achieving sustainable development and fulfilling collective responsibility to future generations.