The Green Wave and 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity

Just days remain to the start of 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity. In his message to mark this important year, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, has called on all the world’s citizens to work together to safeguard life on Earth: “Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life.”

During the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB), a host of organizations including governments, international bodies, non-governmental organizations, environmental groups, museums, botanic gardens, scientific organizations, universities, schools, and individuals around the world, will be taking part in activities to raise understanding and to safeguard the world’s biodiversity. As an educational programme on biodiversity for children and youth, The Green Wave offers children, youth and families a way to join the IYB celebrations and to work together to safeguard life on Earth. The IYB and The Green Wave provide unique opportunities to work to increase public understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in our lives and in sustaining life on Earth; and to highlight the role that children and youth, citizens, communities and countries have in the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity - the very life that sustains us all.

To find out more about the International Year of Biodiversity, including the important role biodiversity plays in our lives and what is happening to it, what people are doing around the world to combat biodiversity loss, how people are celebrating the IYB and some of the resources available for celebrations, visit the IYB website at www.cbd.int/2010/. To contribute your ideas, to keep abreast and to become a part of a growing facebook community, become a fan of the IYB at www.facebook.com/iyb2010.

Wishing you a Happy 2010, the International Year of Biodiversity!

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