The United Nations General Assembly declared that 2010 will be the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), and will help raise awareness of the importance of biodiversity all over the world. It is an opportunity to:
• Stress the importance of biodiversity for our well-being.
• Reflect on our achievements to safeguard biodiversity so far.
• Encourage a redoubling of our efforts to reduce the rate of biodiversity loss.
Saving biodiversity requires effort from everyone. Through activities around the world, the global community will work together to ensure a sustainable future for us all. The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is the focal point for the International Year of Biodiversity. Established at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an international treaty for the conservation and
sustainable use of biodiversity and the equitable sharing of the multiple benefits of biodiversity. With 191 Parties, the CBD has near-universal participation.
The Wilderness Foundation UK is delighted to be a partner organisation of IYB-UK – promoting opportunities to directly increase biodiversity within the United Kingdom.
Throughout 2010 we will be running workshops, activities and programmes that you can join and enjoy. This year is your chance to learn more about the rich tapestry of life around you, discover why it’s important for a healthy environment and get involved in monitoring and conserving your local wildlife.
