Sunday, May 22, 2011
May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity. UN Secretary Ban Ki Moon is using the day to highlight concerns about deforestation and is urging the 193 States Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity to implement the Nagoya Protocol to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization. This Protocol, adopted last October, links conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity with development. Thus far, 30 states have ratified the Protocol, but 50 are needed before it will take effect. This year's Biological Diversity Day coincides with celebration of the International Year of the Forest, so it is particulary appropriate to focus on value and need for presevation of forests worldwide.