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Biodiversity in Crisis: Global Action for a Sustainable Future
- BRANDi
- May 22
- 3 min read
On May 22, the world observes the International Day for Biological Diversity—a reminder that biodiversity is not only about protecting nature but also about securing the foundation of sustainable development. From food and water security to public health and climate resilience, biodiversity underpins nearly every facet of human well-being. The 2025 theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” highlights the urgent need to align the 2030 Agenda with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)—two global commitments that must advance together. In the spirit of the Pact for the Future, this year’s campaign calls for integrated action to protect the systems that sustain life and ensure a more resilient, inclusive world.
THE EARTH IS IN DANGER
There are approximately 2.16 million identified species of living organisms on Earth—and millions more that have yet to be discovered. All species are interconnected and form complex ecosystems that function in harmony. However, human activities such as deforestation, overhunting, and pollution are harming the biological diversity of our planet. Over the past 20 years, biodiversity has continued to decline. According to a 2016 report released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), between 1970 and 2012, the populations of vertebrate animals have declined by 58%. Freshwater organisms also declined by 81% during the same time period. If this trend continues to decline and reach critical levels of loss, our world could be in danger. This could trigger a mass extinction, further threatening the balance of nature. Additionally, humans may face severe consequences, including food insecurity and reduced access to medical resources, as we rely heavily on nature for both sustenance and pharmaceuticals.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES TO PRESERVE BIODIVERSITY
In December 2022, global leaders gathered and agreed on a global plan to address the biodiversity crisis and restore harmony with nature. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted by 196 countries, aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The framework consists of 4 long-term goals to be achieved by 2050 and 23 specific targets to meet by 2030. Among the commitments, Target 3—also reflected in one of the four long-term goals—is to conserve 30% of land, waters, and seas. Protected and conserved areas are vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring ecosystem services for future generations. According to the Protected Planet Report 2024 released by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the global coverage of protected and conserved areas has now reached 17.6% of terrestrial and inland waters and 8.4% of marine and coastal areas. However, while protected areas are expanding, many still lack effective management or inclusive governance. For example, only 5.7% of the ocean is in marine protected areas that are actively managed. The governance assessments—to ensure indigenous peoples and local communities are engaged in the decision-making—have been reported for only 0.2% of coverage on land and 0.01% at sea.
Biodiversity is essential to the survival and well-being of all life on Earth. It provides us with fundamental things, making survival and evolution possible. Yet, it continues to decline at an alarming rate. As citizens of the world, we must raise awareness to ensure the protection of our world. We need to protect biological diversity to prevent mass extinction and food insecurity. While we are tackling the biodiversity loss and gradually increasing the protected and conserved areas, these actions must be matched with effective management, inclusive decision-making, and long-term commitment. Biodiversity protection must be treated as a global priority—on par with climate change and economic development—if we are to safeguard the planet for future generations.
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