05Oct 25
Biodiversity is the foundation of life on earth, underpinning the health and resilience of ecosystems worldwide. International Day for Biological Diversity, on May 22, offers a moment to reflect on the intricate connections between animal species, plants, and the ecosystems we inhabit and depend on. It is also a reminder of the growing challenges facing the natural world, from habitat loss to climate change.
This year’s theme: “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development” calls for a whole-of-society push to accelerate the implementation of both the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF).
The connection is clear: we cannot end poverty, ensure public health, or address climate change without protecting nature. To build a future in harmony with nature, we need to first recognize that biodiversity is at the heart of all life on Earth. It is essential to human well-being, a healthy planet, and economic prosperity.
Our planet stands at a critical juncture. Biodiversity loss has accelerated dramatically over the past two decades, driven by unsustainable land use, invasive species, exploitation of natural resources, pollution and warming global temperatures. Although there have been many successful efforts to prevent further biodiversity loss and restore threatened ecosystems, existing conservation approaches alone cannot keep pace with the rate of loss and the multiple crises we are facing. Innovative conservation tools are being explored for their potential to work alongside existing interventions and help restore ecosystems. Gene drive technologies could, for example, be leveraged to control invasive rodents on islands, and provide a scalable and cost-effective solution to address this growing threat. Removing invasive species from these fragile ecosystems not only brings back biodiversity but can also support communities that rely on healthy island-marine ecosystems for their livelihoods. Biobanking – an innovative approach allowing to preserve living cells or tissue from wildlife – could play a key part in conserving endangered species and safeguarding genetic diversity for both present and future generations.
For International Biodiversity Day this year, we are spotlighting 6 researchers and conservation experts, each offering a unique perspective on how innovative conservation efforts could help us achieve a healthier future for both people and the planet.
