International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2026

Biodiversity is the foundation of all life on Earth. But around the world, it is being lost at an unprecedented rate. 

The International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) 2026, “Acting locally for global impact,” is a call for us all to take action to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Protecting biodiversity includes action close to home with positive ripple effects that can reach far beyond.  

On 22 May 2026, people around the world will come together to bring biodiversity into focus – in communities, schools, online, and through activities that connect people to nature. There is no single way to take part. IDB celebrations can take many shapes and forms, including:  

• Organising or joining activities, events, or conversations online and in communities
• Sharing stories and campaign content through social media and personal platforms using #BiodiversityDay
• Using the campaign materials in our Toolkit to support and amplify the campaign
• Cities and regions can use CitiesWithNature and RegionsWithNature to share biodiversity commitments and action

Together, guided by the 23 targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, these local celebrations will combine and foster the wider global effort to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. 

The campaign

The campaign is articulated around three pillars: Look and Learn, Connect and Act, and Share.

Look and Learn

Members of the public all over the world are encouraged to “look” by exploring the many facets of biodiversity at the local level and seeking ways to undertake biodiversity action within their communities and through context-appropriate forums at the local level.
Members of the public are also invited to “learn” or enhance their understanding of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the KMGBF as the world’s blueprint to halt and reverse biodiversity loss – including reports and contributions that have been made by Parties and actors other than national governments. 

Connect and Act

Members of the public are encouraged to find out and join in what others are doing, nearby or online. These efforts could aim to strengthen data collection, knowledge exchange and collaboration across levels of governance at the community-level, online or in person.

Share

All are invited to share their actions and learning with others. To celebrate the day, actions can range from organising information sessions on national targets and NBSAPs, community walks and gardens, photography and drawing competitions, citizen science, advocating for local actions and increasing information-gathering.

Everyone can take part

Campaign materials, digital assets, official hashtags, video guidance, and tools to highlight local events and activities are available to support participation in IDB 2026. See the Toolkit for more information.