Message from António Guterres on International Day of Biological Diversity

A healthy planet is essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

However, biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented and alarming rate, and the pressure is increasing.

We deplete resources faster than nature can replenish them.

COVID-19 increasingly reminds us of the close relationship between humans and nature.

The current crisis provides an opportunity to recover better.

We need to protect nature, restore ecosystems and establish balance in our relationship with the planet.

The rewards will be amazing.

By reversing biodiversity loss, we can improve human health, achieve sustainable development, and tackle the climate emergency.

There are solutions to protect our planet's genetic diversity on land and at sea.

Everyone has a role to play.

Sustainable lifestyle choices are key.

The choice to live sustainably should be available to everyone, everywhere.

This means better policies that encourage government, business and individual accountability.

We all must be part of the movement for change.

This year, world governments will meet in Kunming, China, to agree on an ambitious new global framework for biodiversity.

Let's support their mission by advocating for nature.

On this International Day of Biological Diversity, let us all be part of the solution.