By TreeLiving
In the year 2000, the United Nations proclaimed May 22 the International Day for Biological Diversity (a.k.a. World Biodiversity Day) a date to increase awareness of biodiversity issues.
Every year the International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) has a theme in particular. This year’s theme is Marine Biodiversity, to raise awareness among people and increase practical a ction to preserve life in our oceans.
How important is Marine Life?
The oceans cover 71% of the surface area of the globe and dominate the living space. Marine life plays a crucial role in almost all biogeochemical processes that sustain the biosphere, and provide a variety of products and functions essential to humankind’s health and wellness.
Ocean life is crucial to the health of the planet and its inhabitants because it holds more than 10 times the carbon of all terrestrial plants and soil combined. Marine ecosystems are also in charge of the production and mineralization of organic material, the storage of carbon, the storage of pollutants and waste products from land and the buffering of the climate and of climate change.
Today’s celebrations include shows, workshops, symposiums and conferences to be held worldwide.