May 22, 2025: International Day for Biological Diversity

Today, May 22, marks the International Day for Biological Diversity, a global occasion to reflect on and reaffirm our collective commitment to protecting the natural world. This year’s theme, “Be Part of the Plan”, echoes the urgent need for transformative action to halt biodiversity loss and implement the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

At the Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis (BICS), we are dedicated to advancing biodiversity science and data integration that informs evidence-based conservation action. As the inaugural director of BICS and a proud member of the Ontario Biodiversity Council, I was honoured to participate in the 2025 Ontario Biodiversity Summit, where it became clear that achieving global and provincial biodiversity targets will require unprecedented collaboration, innovation, and resolve.

We encourage our partners, colleagues, and the public to learn more about the Convention on Biological Diversity and explore ways to contribute meaningfully to this global effort.

Learn more:

Let’s continue working together to ensure a thriving, biodiverse future for Ontario and the planet.

– Dr. Robert Hanner

Inaugural Director, Biodiversity Institute for Conservation Synthesis (BICS) and Professor, Department of Integrative Biology (University of Guelph)

Helen Vanos