Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms that are found in a particular place on Earth. The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed annually on May 22 to raise awareness about biodiversity issues such as species extinction, habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade and climate change.

The theme for this year’s celebration is "We’re part of the solution," which is a reminder that biodiversity is the answer to several sustainable development challenges.

On this day, here are a few quotes about the importance of biodiversity, courtesy Brainy Quotes -

  • "If we pollute the air, water and soil that keep us alive and well, and destroy the biodiversity that allows natural systems to function, no amount of money will save us." – David Suzuki
  • "We should preserve every scrap of biodiversity as priceless while we learn to use it and come to understand what it means to humanity." – E.O.Wilson
  • "It is that range of biodiversity that we must care for - the whole thing - rather than just one or two stars." – David Attenborough
  • "It is together that we will be able to save our biodiversity. This is a principle of effectiveness. But it is also a principle of humility; none of us can act alone." – Albert II
  • "To many people, 'biodiversity' is almost synonymous with the word 'nature,' and 'nature' brings to mind steamy forests and the big creatures that dwell there. Fair enough. But biodiversity is much more than that, for it encompasses not only the diversity of species, but also the diversity within species." – Cary Fowler
  • "The value of biodiversity is that it makes our ecosystems more resilient, which is a prerequisite for stable societies; its wanton destruction is akin to setting fire to our lifeboat." – Johan Rockstrom
  • "We're losing biodiversity globally at an alarming rate, and we need a cornucopia of different plants and animals, for the planet's health and our own." – Diane Ackerman
  • "Addressing the climate and biodiversity crises requires us to radically change our economic models, moving away from economic growth as the over-riding measure of progress and moving instead towards improving health and wellbeing for people and nature. That means a different economic model taking us towards a sustainable economy." – Caroline Lucas
The islands' rich biodiversity includes five species of penguins (King penguin chicks pictured) and more than 25 species of whales and dolphins
The islands' rich biodiversity includes five species of penguins (King penguin chicks pictured) and more than 25 species of whales and dolphins AFP / Pablo PORCIUNCULA BRUNE
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