Preparations Finalized for 2025 Biodiversity Day Observance in Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, May 19, 2025 (ENA) -- The Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI) has announced that preparations have finalized to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity in 2025.

The event will take place from May 20 to 24 under the theme “Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development.”

The celebration will feature a series of activities including panel discussions, exhibitions, and field visits aimed at promoting biodiversity conservation efforts across Ethiopia.

The official the International Day for Biological Diversity is observed globally on May 22 and this year’s theme highlights the link between the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking to the media, Director General of the Institute, Karta Kaske emphasized that the observance aims to raise public awareness on the importance of conserving biodiversity, utilizing biological resources sustainably, and fostering a lifestyle that aligns with nature.

The Director General also outlined the institute's core objectives as conserving biological diversity, ensuring its sustainable use, and promoting fair and equitable sharing of its benefits.

“Conserving biodiversity is essential for achieving sustainable development,” he said, noting the Institute’s efforts to protect both animal and plant species through ex-situ (off-site) and in-situ (on-site) conservation methods.

Special attention is being given to species with high economic, medicinal, industrial, and nutritional value.

As part of its contribution to Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative, the Institute plans to distribute five million seedlings of indigenous plant species for nationwide planting.

It also maintains a major gene bank at its headquarters, which houses over 92,000 plant genetic samples.

According to the available information from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute, Ethiopia is known for its rich biodiversity, with over 6,029 plant species, 10 percent of which are endemic, including globally significant crops like coffee and teff.