The United Nations International Day for Biological Diversity is celebrated each year on May 22nd to increase understanding, awareness, and positive action surrounding biodiversity issues.

Theme for 2017: Biodiversity and sustainable tourism

This year’s theme was chosen to align with the UN International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development. Biodiversity, at the level of species and ecosystems, provides an important foundation for many aspects of tourism. Recognition of the great importance to tourism economies of attractive landscapes and a rich biodiversity underpins the political and economic case for biodiversity conservation. Many issues addressed under the Convention on Biological Diversity directly affect the tourism sector. A well-managed tourist sector can contribute significantly to reducing threats to, and maintain or increase, key wildlife populations and biodiversity values through tourism revenue.

Events and information

Organizations across Canada and around the world are planning events on or around May 22 to celebrate biodiversity. Visit this page to find events happening near you and let us know if there’s an event we’ve missed.

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