Today Marks the International Day for Biological Diversity: South Africa to Host the Central Event

The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed every year on 22 May, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss, while strengthening global support for the implementation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) from 1992.

The Secretariat of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) has invited the Republic of South Africa to host the Global Flagship Event marking the International Day for Biological Diversity 2026, to be held on 22 May. It has been noted that this is the first time a Member State has been entrusted with hosting the central global commemoration of this day, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to protect nature.

South Africa is among the world’s most biodiverse countries, with exceptionally high levels of biological diversity and a large number of endemic species. It is home to three global biodiversity hotspots, numerous protected areas, and one of the world’s most biologically productive marine ecosystems.

The decision for South Africa to host the event comes as the country completes the revision of its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) for the period 2026–2036, a key document for implementing global targets under the Convention.

This year’s campaign is being implemented under the theme “Acting locally for global impact,” emphasizing that local initiatives and community actions can have a strong and long-lasting global impact in protecting nature.

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