International day for biodiversity 2003

The theme for 2003 is Biodiversity and poverty alleviation - challenges for sustainable development. On the occasion of this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan reminds the world "Biological diversity is essential for human existence and has a crucial role to play in sustainable development and the eradication of poverty. Biodiversity provides millions of people with livelihoods, helps to ensure food security, and is a rich source of both traditional medicines and modern pharmaceuticals." Biological diversity is essential for alleviating poverty and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The poor are the most likely to suffer from the consequences of destabilization of ecosystems, such as floods, crop failures and loss of genetic resources.