International day for biodiversity 2007

Biodiversity and Climate Change - 22 May 2007

The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is pleased to announce the focus of the 2007 International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD), 22 May, will be on Biodiversity and Climate Change. This complements the designation of 2007 as the International Polar Year and coincides with UNEP’S World Environment Day theme of Climate Change. Lectures, seminars, film presentations, cultural events, exhibitions and school outreach activities are just some suggestions that you may wish to implement to help draw attention to one of the most critical issues facing our planet today.

Actions in Belgium

The Belgian CBD National Focal Point issued a press release entitled “Biodiversity and Climate Change: The Same Fight!” as part of their celebrations for the International Day for Biological Diversity. This press release outlined several major events and celebrations that took place throughout the country.

On the morning of the 22 May, the National Focal Point organized, in collaboration with the Federal Departments of Environment and Science, a “Belgian Day of Biodiversity,” that took place at the Museum of Natural Sciences. The day began with a presentation on the conclusions from the conference, “Biodiversity and Climate Change,” organized by the Belgian Biodiversity Research Platform on 21 May. As well, Belgium’s National Biodiversity Strategy (in French) 2006-2016 was officially launched. The federal and regional Ministers of Environment addressed the conference. Sebastian Winkler, head of the “2010 Countdown,” presented the current status of this initiative. Children and class winners of the contest, “The Wake-up for Biodiversity,” received their prizes later that day. Lastly, the Director of the Museum launched the national campaign, “I Give Life to My Planet!”. Engage in the campaign at http://www.jedonnevieamaplanete.be/