Harmony with Nature: Celebrating International Day of Biodiversity

This year’s International Day of Biodiversity on May 22 will be observed and celebrated under a crucial theme: “From Agreement to Action: Build Back Biodiversity.” The 2023 theme was chosen to build on the momentum and results of UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15). Now that the world has the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a global agreement adopted at the COP15 that aims to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to live in harmony with nature by 2050, the focus must quickly shift to its implementation. 

Additionally, this year’s theme is inextricably linked to SDG 15, which focuses on life on land, conserving all life, protecting and restoring terrestrial ecosystems, sustaining forests, combat desertification, and reversing land degradation and stopping biodiversity loss.

Biodiversity, with its remarkable ability to restore and maintain healthy ecosystems, has the power to counteract the detrimental effects of climate change. Beyond its intrinsic value, the vast array of species and their interactions within ecosystems play a vital role in our daily lives. They provide us with essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and shelter, enabling our survival and well-being.

In alignment with the theme of “build back diversity,” one powerful approach that can be embraced is the implementation of agroecological practices like Natural Agriculture. By integrating the principles of ecological balance and sustainability into our agricultural systems, we can cultivate a future that nurtures biodiversity. Natural Agriculture offers a transformative pathway beyond conventional farming practices by emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature. Through this approach, farmers are encouraged to work in synergy with natural processes, respecting the inherent wisdom of ecosystems and fostering a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings. 

By embracing Natural Agriculture, we can shift away from harmful chemical inputs and excessive interventions and instead cultivate the soil with minimal disturbance, utilize indigenous and local seeds, and promote a thriving ecosystem that supports diverse plant and animal species. This holistic approach revitalizes biodiversity, contributes to sustainable food production, enhances soil health, mitigates environmental impact, and strengthens the resilience of our agricultural systems. Adopting agroecological approaches like Natural Agriculture can pave the way for a future where diversity thrives, ecosystems flourish, and humanity coexists harmoniously with the natural world.

In celebration of International Day of Biodiversity, here is a quote by Vandana Shiva, whose profound words reflect our connection with earth’s biodiversity.

“Diversity creates harmony, and harmony creates beauty, balance, bounty and peace in nature and society, in agriculture and culture, in science and in politics.” – Vandana Shiva