IUCN Director General’s message on International Day for Biological Diversity 2025

We know that biodiversity is essential to our existence. It underpins the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink and the resilience of our economies and societies. Over half of the world’s GDP is moderately or highly dependent on nature and its services. From the forests to the oceans, nature provides us food, fuel, water and air – biodiversity is the foundation of human well-being.

Our food systems rely on nature’s richness. More than 75% of global food crops depend on pollinators, contributing hundreds of billions to agricultural output annually. Biodiversity is also vital to securing clean, reliable water – from wetlands that filter and store freshwater to forests that regulate rainfall and rivers that sustain entire ecosystems.

Biodiversity is also our ally in health and healing. Up to 70% of cancer treatments are derived from compounds found in nature or synthetic compounds inspired by nature. Our tropical rainforests serve as vital reservoirs of medicinal knowledge and resources. For millions worldwide, traditional medicine remains a lifeline, rooted in the diversity of wild species.

And in the face of an ever-changing planet, biodiversity gives us hope. Nature-based solutions can reduce the intensity of climate hazards by over 25%, helping save billions on the economic cost of climate change annually. Restoring and protecting nature is one of the smartest, most cost-effective investments we can make in resilience and adaptation.

We know that this precious web of life is under threat. Nearly one in five wild food species assessed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species is at risk of extinction. A third of the world’s freshwater species and ocean fish stocks are threatened. We must act now.

Nature is resilient, and the strength of humanity when we unite for nature is inspiring. Around the world, communities, businesses and governments are coming together to champion biodiversity – and our action can drive real and lasting change. At IUCN, we are proud to work alongside our Members and partners to advance solutions grounded in science, equity and respect for nature.

Let us use this day not only to celebrate biodiversity – but to renew our commitment to protect it. Because in doing so, we are protecting jobs, food security, health, climate stability and life itself.

Together, we can build a future where people and nature thrive in harmony.

Happy International Day of Biological Diversity.