The International Day for Biological Diversity was recognized yesterday.

Biodiversity Coordinator at the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology, Jannel Gabriel, said the purpose of the observance is to raise awareness on the world’s biodiversity issues.

“We all know what biological diversity is. Biodiversity is all the plants, all the animals, all the microorganisms, but this year we are asking why do we care about biodiversity? This year's theme involves mainstreaming biodiversity, sustaining people, and their livelihoods. So we will get an opportunity to not just appreciate biodiversity but to also look at how we use it to sustain us and also for many, many different kinds of livelihoods, including agriculture, food production, fisheries, forestry, tourism. As part of our celebrations we will be featuring livelihoods that involve biological resources.”

A variety of careers dependent on biological diversity were highlighted at an event hosted in front of the Sir Stanislaus James Building on Friday, May 20.

“These included tour guides who conduct bird and turtle watching tours; persons making wine with local plants, for instance, the Latanye plant which is used to make wines as well as brooms; and persons who make shakes, smoothies, food items, punches all using biological, naturally and locally available goods," Gabriel said. "There was also a section of fine boutique items such as handmade soaps, handcrafts, jewelry, souvenirs and fine chocolates that were locally made using local cocoa products."

The United Nations General Assembly, in the year 2000, named May 22 the International Day for Biodiversity.