🌿 International Day for Biodiversity 2025: A Call for Joint Commitment and Action 🌏

Jakarta, 22 May 2025 – In celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity, GIZ #ResilientNature cooperation area, has supported the Ministry of Environment (MoE) at the national event themed “Presenting Commitment and Joint Action for the Sustainability of Indonesia’s Biodiversity.”

This year’s International Day for Biodiversity theme, “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,” serves as a timely reminder: biodiversity is the foundation of life on Earth, a cornerstone of our health, economy, culture, and resilience to climate change.

🌱 Why Biodiversity Matters

Biodiversity sustains human life. It provides food, medicine, clean air and water, and buffers us from disasters. Indonesia, a megadiverse country, is home to 22 distinct ecosystem types, including tropical forests, peatlands, and mangroves, all of which play a vital role in storing carbon and preserving our planet’s health.

Yet this invaluable natural wealth is under increasing pressure. Habitat loss, overexploitation of natural resources, pollution, and now climate change is pushing species to the brink. Protecting biodiversity is no longer optional, it’s an urgent necessity.

🛡 National and Global Commitments

Indonesia has long been committed to biodiversity protection through international frameworks such as the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The government continues to take concrete steps to implement its obligations, including efforts to stop species extinction, protect genetic diversity, and manage human-wildlife conflict.

As the CBD national focal point, it spearheaded this year’s Biodiversity Day 2025 event to unite stakeholders across sectors—government, NGOs, academia, and communities—for joint conservation efforts.

GIZ has supported the update of the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (IBSAP 2025-2045) and is currently partnering with Indonesian partners for the implementation of the actions at local level.

🔈 The event opened with the Launching of the Commitment and Joint Action on the Sustainability of Biodiversity in Indonesia, led by the Ministry of Environment together with development partners.

📢 Key Messages from the Minister of Environment

The event was opened by Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq, who underscored that:

●      Biodiversity is key to resilience and economic stability

●      Conservation policies must be implemented regionally and locally, including pollution control and ecosystem rehabilitation

●      Research and innovation are vital to fully understand and harness biodiversity’s potential

●      High Conservation Value (HCV) areas must be genuinely protected, not just regulated

On invasive species:

“Enough carelessness has allowed non-native and invasive species to disrupt native ecosystems. A principle of caution must guide our actions.”

On youth:

“Young people are not just beneficiaries; they are biodiversity defenders. In our golden demographic era, their voices must be central to every conservation effort.”

📘 Looking Ahead: Strengthening National Strategy

The Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP) 2025-2045 was launched by Republic Indonesia Vice President, K.H. Ma’ruf Amin, in August 2024. This critical document will consolidate regulations and provide a concrete framework for biodiversity protection, ensuring every ecosystem and species is addressed.

“We must demonstrate our seriousness,” the Minister stated. “The business sector, too, must take responsibility alongside government actors.”

💬 Engaging Multi-Stakeholders for Biodiversity Action Following the opening speech, the event featured a series of engaging sessions that brought together diverse voices:

●      Talk Show: Valuing Biodiversity with Dr. Efransjah, Dr. Wahjudi Wardojo, and Laksmi Dhewanti

●      Strengthening Governance and Pursuing Action for Indonesian Biodiversity by ministries and government institutions

●      Nusantara Biodiversity Action by local governments

●      Voice of the Biodiversity Heart by NGOs and representatives of local communities

●      Business Commitment and Action to integrate biodiversity into corporate responsibility

●      Youth Commitment and Action showcasing how the younger generation leads conservation at the grassroots

On the second day of the event, activities will include:

●      Biodiversity Fun Walk

●      Cross-Sectoral Stakeholders’ Dialogue

●      Youth Dialogue

●      Expo featuring interactive games, podcasts, and coaching clinics

🌍 A Shared Responsibility

Along with known as rich biodiversity, Indonesia also is globally recognised as a biodiversity hotspot. The country is now facing a triple planetary crisis—biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution. This Biodiversity Day reminds us that preserving nature is a collective responsibility. Let this moment inspire renewed commitment, deeper collaboration, and bold action, today and for generations to come.