International Day for Biological Diversity: global commitment to nature
What is biodiversity and why is it important?
International Day for Biological Diversity, which is celebrated on 22 May, is a global initiative by the United Nations to raise awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity and promoting sustainable coexistence among all forms of life on the planet. At the Iberdrola Group, we integrate the conservation and promotion of biological diversity into our strategy and work to contribute to preserving natural ecosystems, guaranteeing a more environmentally friendly future.
Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the essential pillar on which life on Earth depends. Every species, from large mammals to the smallest microorganisms, plays a specific role in maintaining the balance and resilience of the planet. The proper functioning of ecosystems depends on this diversity, providing essential services and benefits such as food production, climate regulation, water and air purification and the preservation of natural habitats.
Biodiversity is also an invaluable source of innovation and well-being. Many of today’s medicines, materials and technologies originate in nature. Genetic diversity offers key opportunities to adapt to future changes, such as developing crops that are more resistant to extreme weather conditions or new treatments for diseases. Preserving biodiversity therefore means investing in our future and in our ability to respond to global challenges.
Its value also has an ethical dimension. Biodiversity is a natural heritage that must be preserved for future generations. Every species that becomes extinct and every ecosystem that is destroyed represents an irreversible loss that impoverishes life on the planet. Respecting biodiversity means recognising that human beings are part of a much wider web of life.
The reasons are diverse, but the conclusion is the same: conserving biodiversity means preserving the processes that make our survival and that of millions of life forms possible. Without it, our planet would not be a place we could live.
What is the impact of biodiversity loss on the planet?
Biodiversity loss has profound and often irreversible consequences for the health of planet Earth. The disappearance of species and the degradation of natural habitats weakens the ability of ecosystems to stay in good health and sustain other forms of life or to adapt to environmental change. This increases our vulnerability to crises such as food insecurity, emerging diseases, the spread of pests or natural disasters.
The degradation of biodiversity accelerates climate change and worsens its effects, creating a feedback loop that threatens both nature and society. Forests and oceans, for example, lose their ability to absorb CO₂ when ecosystems are weakened and biodiversity is reduced or lost.
Biodiversity loss therefore poses a cascading threat to the survival of different forms of life on Earth. For humans, the consequences are obvious: the extinction or minimisation of biological diversity endangers our food supply, our health and our well-being.
Trees Programme
We promote planting as part of our Trees programme.
Biodiversity protection
We protect and preserve biodiversity on some of our projects.
Biodiversity loss
A risk for the environment and for humanity.
What is the commitment of the International Day for Biological Diversity?
World Biodiversity Day – also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity – is observed each 22 May to encourage governments, companies, communities and citizens to take decisive action to protect and restore biodiversity. Through annual themes that drive action, this day promotes the implementation of sustainable policies, stronger protection of natural areas, the restoration of degraded habitats and greater public awareness.
Origins of the International Day for Biological Diversity
World Biodiversity Day (also known as the International Day for Biological Diversity) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity. It was originally celebrated on 29 December to mark the entry into force of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
External link, opens in new window. , an international agreement signed at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 aimed at protecting biodiversity, promoting the sustainable use of its resources and ensuring the fair sharing of its benefits.
However, in 2000, the United Nations decided to move the date to 22 May to avoid the end-of-year holiday period and ensure greater global participation. Since then, each 22 May, governments, organisations and citizens around the world have come together to promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Objectives of the International Day for Biological Diversity
World Biodiversity Day aims to foster a sense of urgency and increase awareness of the need to implement actions that integrate sustainable practices across all sectors of society, promoting balanced and respectful coexistence with the natural environment.
The specific objectives, according to the CBD Secretariat, include:
Urgent global awareness
Raising global awareness of the importance of biodiversity for life on Earth, including its links to socio-economic challenges such as poverty and inequality.
Action plans
Promoting the development of National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), leaving no one behind.
Comprehensive cooperation
Strengthening cooperation across governments and society, with support from the United Nations system through Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks.
Ambitious initiatives
Encouraging more ambitious initiatives from all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society and the media, from science communication to transformative action that decouples economic progress from environmental degradation.
A flock of sheep at the Núñez de Balboa photovoltaic plant (Extremadura, Spain).
A horse at the Elgea-Urkilla wind farm (Basque Country, Spain).
Flora at the Carrasquillo wind farm (Castilla y León, Spain).
Beehives at the Andévalo photovoltaic plant (Andalusia, Spain).
The Future of Biodiversity: Challenges and Solutions
Biodiversity faces unprecedented threats. While natural phenomena influence its status and evolution, human action puts increasing pressure on the planet's species and ecosystems. Habitat loss through urban and agricultural expansion, pollution, climate change, the introduction of invasive species and overexploitation of natural resources (including rampant deforestation) are driving extinction to an alarming level. As a result, nearly 40 per cent of the planet's terrestrial species could disappear by 2050, according to a study published in the journal NatureExternal link, opens in new window. .Enlace externo, se abre en ventana nuev
In the face of these challenges, there are obvious and urgent solutions, as the choices we make today will determine how species will coexist in the years to come. Conserving protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, protecting key species, moving towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns and promoting a low-carbon economy are key. It is also essential to integrate biodiversity into public policy, boost science and environmental education, research new technologies for conservation, and promote collaboration between governments, businesses and citizens. Only through a joint and coordinated approach will it be possible to halt biodiversity loss.
Actions to protect biodiversity
What can we do to protect our biodiversity? This is a question that both businesses and individuals should ask themselves with the aim of taking conscious and responsible action to protect our ecosystems. Below we highlight some initiatives that can help us better care for our planet:
Citizens
Actions such as better managing our energy consumption to reduce our carbon footprint help improve air quality and, consequently, reduce pollution. Furthermore consuming responsibly and mindfully helps ensure that the products we buy avoid harmful practices such as overfishing or the exploitation of natural resources.
Businesses
According to the World Economic Forum, companies must assess and reduce their environmental impact, integrate biodiversity into their strategies and be transparent about their effects on ecosystems. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Global Compact recommend specific actions such as the sustainable use of resources, waste reduction and the restoration of natural environments. At the Iberdrola Group, we promote the use of renewable energy through electrification.
Iberdrola in respect for and preservation of biodiversity
At Iberdrola, we work to promote protection and action for nature and the planet's life forms. We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of having a net positive impact on biodiversity by 2030. This commitment has been strengthened through our Biodiversity Plan 2030, which establishes the mechanisms to achieve this goal and drive the transformation towards an energy model in harmony with nature and human beings.
This roadmap addresses the impact on ecosystems and species of the Group's business throughout its life cycle, considering the supply chain and creating economic and social value through ecosystem services. The plan is based on applying the conservation hierarchy principle and implementing mechanisms to identify, quantify and monitor compliance.
The basis for this Plan was the approval in 2007 of our Biodiversity Policy, which is integrated into Iberdrola's Governance and Sustainability System. The Plan is based on years of work in integrating the consideration of biodiversity into strategic planning and corporate decision-making.
In addition, through a strong commitment to electrification based on clean energy, it is possible to meet growing energy demand while complying with greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, improving air quality and strengthening the protection of ecosystems.