When is International Day for Biological Diversity?
International Day for Biological Diversity 2027 is on Saturday
Saturday, May 22, 2027
May 22 every year. That's in 230 days.
until International Day for Biological Diversity begins, in your time zone
The International Day for Biological Diversity is a UN observance that builds understanding of biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, and of the threats it faces. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity.
About International Day for Biological Diversity
Biodiversity covers the full variety of life, from genes and species to whole ecosystems such as forests, grasslands, wetlands and coral reefs. It provides food, clean water, medicines and raw materials, and it supports livelihoods everywhere. The day draws attention to the loss of biodiversity and to what governments, businesses, communities and individuals can do to protect and restore it.
When the UN General Assembly first created the day in resolution 49/119 of December 19, 1994, it chose December 29, the date the Convention on Biological Diversity entered into force in 1993. That late-December date proved hard for many countries to celebrate because of the holidays around it. In resolution 55/201 of December 20, 2000, the Assembly moved the day to May 22, the anniversary of the adoption of the convention's agreed text in Nairobi on May 22, 1992.
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity leads the observance and sets its theme. The 2025 theme was "Harmony with nature and sustainable development," and the 2026 theme was "Acting locally for global impact." The day is also a moment to look at progress on the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a global plan adopted in December 2022 that sets 23 targets for 2030 and four goals for 2050.
Sources: Convention on Biological Diversity: International Day for Biological Diversity, United Nations: International Day for Biological Diversity, General Assembly resolution 55/201 (2000). How we check dates.
How to mark International Day for Biological Diversity
- Plant native flowers, shrubs or trees that feed local pollinators and birds.
- Take part in a citizen science project, such as a bird count or a bioblitz, that records the species living near you.
- Leave a corner of your yard or balcony a little wild, with leaf litter, deadwood or a shallow dish of water for wildlife.
- Look for seafood and wood products certified as sustainably sourced.
- Learn about one threatened species in your region and what local groups are doing to protect it.
International Day for Biological Diversity dates
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Thursday, May 22, 2025 |
| 2026 | Friday, May 22, 2026 |
| 2027 | Saturday, May 22, 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, May 22, 2028 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, May 22, 2029 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, May 22, 2030 |
| 2031 | Thursday, May 22, 2031 |
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Frequently asked questions
When is International Day for Biological Diversity 2027?
International Day for Biological Diversity 2027 is on Saturday, May 22, 2027. It falls on May 22 every year. In 2028, it is on Monday, May 22, 2028.
What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity, short for biological diversity, is the variety of life on Earth. It includes the variety within species, between species and among ecosystems.
Why was the date moved from December 29 to May 22?
The original December 29 date fell in the year-end holiday season, which made it hard for many countries to plan events. In 2000 the UN General Assembly moved it to May 22, the anniversary of the adoption of the convention's text in 1992.
Is International Day for Biological Diversity a public holiday?
No. International Day for Biological Diversity is an observance, not a public holiday, so schools, banks, government offices and most businesses keep their normal hours.