When: May 22
What: Although the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was four years ago and has moved out of the spotlight, the region’s wildlife, plants, ecosystem and dependent economic sectors are still feeling the effects. Take action and spread awareness of the importance of preserving biodiversity this May 22, the International Day for Biological Diversity.
Background: Established in 1993 by the U.N. General Assembly, this day serves to promote the conservation of biodiversity and to spread awareness of its importance.
Story Pitch: Damage to biodiversity can happen in large-scale disasters, but also in quieter ways such as overfishing. This year’s event focuses on islands and their surrounding regions. The fishing industry and related fields can address their efforts at sustainability and supporting local fishers who depend on the region for their livelihoods. Conservation groups can focus on what they do to preserve wetlands, coastal islands and mangroves, and they can also reach out to businesses that depend on these areas, such as coastal and island resort communities. Local governments in regions dependent on fisheries and agriculture may want to take an interest in this event, as low biodiversity can reduce and even damage yields in the long run. These groups should focus on how the tight web of regional biodiversity plays into the regional economy, recreation and cultural identity, and how local government is partnering with businesses, conservation groups and research institutions to protect the region.
Story Hook: Preserving biodiversity can often yield unanticipated benefits to medicine and other fields. What are some other benefits of protecting biodiversity? What are some costs of failing to protect it? How can biodiversity be protected? Keep the following in mind while making your pitch:
- How can the loss of biodiversity in oceans affect land habitats?
- What are ways individuals can protect biodiversity in everyday life?
- What are lesser-known threats to coastal and island biodiversity?
- How can biodiversity be restored in a region?
Tips: Provide contact information for regional conservation groups as well as people and businesses that depend on the region’s natural resources.
Resources:
Ecological Society of America
(202) 833-8773
esahq(at)esa.org
www.esa.org
International Day for Biological Diversity
(514) 288 2220
secretariat(at)cbd.int
www.cbd.int/idb
The Biodiversity Group
(520) 647-1434
www.biodiversitygroup.org
World Biodiversity Association
info(at)biodiversityassociation.org
www.biodiversityassociation.org
Event Dates from CHASE’S Calendar of Events
