International Day of Biodiversity: Take part in the action to combat biodiversity loss

The main goal of this day is to promote the preservation and sustainable use of the diverse forms of life on our planet. This goal aligns with global efforts for nature conservation, which are focused on biodiversity preservation, crucial for the stability of diverse ecosystems, human existence, and resilience to climate change.

Biodiversity consists of animals, plants, and microorganisms that form the world and various ecosystems. Biodiversity is the heart that keeps our planet alive.

The theme for 2024 calls on everyone to be part of the plan. The "Be part of the Plan" initiative urges everyone to participate in stopping and mitigating biodiversity loss worldwide by implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework referred to as the 'Biodiversity Plan.'

The Convention on Biodiversity Plan is ambitious and contains protocols and actions related to the treaty.

In Aruba, the Department of Nature and Environment (DNM), together with the Ministry of Nature and the consultancy agency Twyndra Gudde, is formulating the National Biodiversity Strategic and Action Plan (NBSAP), in Papiamento "Plan di Maneho pa Naturalesa." This document is based on the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), the result of the conference of the parties to the Convention of Biodiversity (COP 15) in 2022. It outlines several goals and objectives for the protection of global biodiversity. The "Plan di Maneho pa Naturalesa" is in the formulation phase and will be finalized by June 2024. Several local projects are underway that fall within the framework of some GBF goals. For example, the 30X30 project aims to protect 30% of Aruba's land, coastal, and marine areas by 2030. There are also projects focused on restoring 30% of the terrestrial area in Aruba. The National Climate Resilience Council (NCRC) focuses on reducing the climate impact on biodiversity in Aruba.

The Biodiversity Plan offers opportunities for cooperation and forming different partnerships within our community. Government, community, legislators, businesses, and individuals are encouraged to contribute and support the implementation of the Biodiversity Plan. Everyone has a role to play in being part of it. The International Day of Biodiversity is the moment to maintain momentum to protect and restore nature, share its benefits fairly, and invest in and collaborate with nature.

Urbanized areas contribute to biodiversity loss but have potential and are part of the solution. Initiatives for sustainable practices or innovative urban planning contribute to the plan. 

Young persons’ choices and actions can also accelerate the transformation needed to achieve the plan goals and objectives:

• Adopt daily sustainable practices;
• do not waste water and energy;
• use reusable bags or products with minimal packaging and reduce your impact; 
• encourage investments that conserve local ecosystems;
• value local cultural practices, including intangible ones;
• buy and choose seasonal and locally produced fruits and vegetables first;
• support ecotourism;
• integrate biodiversity into your business model;
• be transparent about the impact your business has on biodiversity.