2010 is the United Nations' International Year of Biodiversity. It represents a milestone for preserving the diversity of life on earth. "What is biological diversity? Why is it important? Why do we keep losing species, genes and ecosystems at unprecedented speed? What will be the consequences? What are the costs? And how can we reverse this trend?" These and similar questions will be widely discussed throughout 2010. The goal is to help people understand how important biodiversity is for healthy and sustainable development on earth.
22 May is a special day in this regard: every year the world celebrates International Biodiversity Day on that date. This is a great opportunity to draw public attention to the issues at stake.
The German Ministries for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) and for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), together with GEO Magazine, are inviting countries all over the world to join in a global project designed to promote public understanding of "Biodiversity and Development" - the theme for 22 May 2010.