“Local Action for Global Impact” is the theme of the International Day for Biological Diversity for 2026. The day is marked annually on May 22. It aims to draw public attention to the loss of plant and animal species.
Biodiversity forms the web of life on which food, water, medicines, a stable climate, economic growth, and many other areas depend. According to the UN, more than half of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP) depends on nature. More than 1 billion people rely on forests for their livelihoods. Land and oceans absorb more than half of all carbon emissions.
The 2026 theme emphasizes that major change begins with small steps. The success of efforts to reverse biodiversity loss depends on the effectiveness of actions taken at the local level.
One of the key international agreements in the field of biodiversity conservation is the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, adopted in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The 17th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention (COP17) will be held in Armenia on October 19–30, 2026. Delegates from different countries, international organizations, experts, and civil society representatives will gather to discuss global progress in biodiversity conservation and the steps planned through 2030.
At the center of the conference, discussions will be the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Its main goal is to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and achieve the vision of “living in harmony with nature” by 2050. The framework includes four long-term global goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030.
The Convention’s official website states that this year’s International Day for Biological Diversity campaign will help connect local initiatives with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, highlighting the importance of a “whole-of-society” approach. Governments, communities, cities, businesses, youth, women, and civil society must all be involved in biodiversity conservation.
Each country implements the goals of the global framework through its national strategies and action plans. Armenia has already published its biodiversity conservation goals and 2026–2030 action plan.
One of the best-known global targets is “30x30” goal: to conserve at least 30% of terrestrial and marine areas by 2030. Currently, only 17% of terrestrial areas and around 8% of marine areas are under protection.
“Success in halting and reversing biodiversity loss depends on the world’s ability to harness the critical network of local action to support government efforts. This is a two-way process. Governments are expected to create enabling conditions for the inclusive and meaningful participation of all stakeholders in planning and implementation processes,” the Convention’s official website states.
It should be noted that of the nearly 8 million species living on Earth, 1 million are threatened with extinction. Armenia is home to more than 17,000 invertebrate species, around 500 vertebrate species, and approximately 3,800–4,000 higher plant species. Currently, Armenia’s Red Book includes more than 300 animal species and around 450 plant species.
May 22, 2026 at 18:40