International Day for Biological Diversity

International Day for Biological Diversity History

The International Day for Biological Diversity seeks to promote the protection and sustainable use of the Earth's biological resources. This day aims to raise awareness about the vital role that biodiversity plays in ensuring the survival of ecosystems and the health and well-being of human populations. It also encourages cooperation and collaboration amongst governments, communities, and individuals to adopt sustainable practices for the benefit of present and future generations.

Established by the United Nations in 1993 to mark the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, this event has gained increasing relevance in Canada. Given the country's vast geographic expanse, preserving biological diversity is of particular importance to Canadians. Canada recognizes the significance of preserving biodiversity in order to ensure a healthy planet, support thriving ecosystems, and maintain economic prosperity.

To celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity in Canada, various events are organized across the country. This includes educational workshops, seminars, and conferences that focus on the importance of biodiversity and showcase conservation success stories. Canadians also engage in community-driven initiatives such as tree planting, clean-up efforts, and the creation and maintenance of community gardens. The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed each year on May 22. Canada's vast landscape offers numerous opportunities to engage with and support biodiversity all year round through conscious actions and sustainable living practices.

Top 8 Facts for 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity in Canada

• The 2026 theme for the observance is Acting locally for global impact, which emphasizes how individual and community efforts in Canada directly contribute to the 23 global targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
• To support these goals, the federal government recently launched A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature, an ambitious $3.8 billion plan designed to harmonize environmental conservation with sustainable economic growth.
• One of the most significant projects highlighted for this year is the permanent protection of the Seal River Watershed in Manitoba, which stands as the world’s largest remaining intact watershed and provides vital natural carbon storage.
• The newly established Wiinipaawk Indigenous Protected Area in Eastern James Bay represents a major step in Indigenous-led conservation, safeguarding critical habitats for iconic Canadian species like the polar bear and beluga whale.
• In British Columbia, a $272 million investment is currently fueling 16 major projects aimed at planting over 95 million trees to restore habitats for species at risk and areas recently impacted by wildfires.
• This year’s observance also marks a critical funding milestone for the Wood Buffalo National Park World Heritage Site, with a $90 million investment dedicated to protecting the nesting grounds of the world’s last wild migratory flock of Whooping Cranes.
• Canada continues to lead efforts toward the "30x30" goal, a commitment to conserve 30% of its land and marine areas by 2030, which has already seen the successful establishment of the Sarvarjuaq and Qikiqtait marine protected areas.
• The Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk is celebrating its 25th anniversary this cycle by funding 31 new community projects across the country, ranging from prairie dune restoration in Saskatchewan to salmon habitat rebuilding on both coasts.

In the News and Trending in Canada for International Day for Biological Diversity

Top things to do in Canada for this observance

• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtags #InternationalDayForBiologicalDiversity, #IDBD and #BiologicalDiversity.
• Join the international Day for Biological Diversity Google Hangout where you can video stream yourself and with other people to discuss biological diversity with like-minded individuals.
• Watch a documentary or show about biological diversity in Canada. Our top picks include:
  1. Hinterland Who's Who (TV Series) - This iconic Canadian series of wildlife vignettes showcases various species native to Canada. This includes well-known animals like the beaver, moose, and lynx, as well as lesser-known species such as the woodland caribou, the Atlantic puffin, and the spotted turtle.
  2. The Great Canadian Boreal Forest (Documentary) - This documentary explores the vast and largely untouched boreal forest that covers much of Northern Canada and serves as a haven for countless species of plants and animals. The film highlights the importance of preserving this immense wilderness for the future of our planet's biodiversity.
  3. Northern Wilderness (Documentary) - Filmmaker and naturalist Ray Mears chronicles the rich biodiversity of northern Canada as he explores its stunning landscape through its lakes, forests, and rivers. The documentary follows Mears as he encounters wildlife and discusses the importance of preserving these fragile environments.
• Read a book about the biological diversity in Canada. Here are our top suggestions:
  1. Canada's Forests: A History by Ken Drushka
  2. Birds of Canada by Earl Godfrey
  3. Landscapes and Landforms of Eastern Canada by Olav Slaymaker