2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations – the year that celebrates the diversity of life on Earth, including every plant, animal and micro-organism.

In the UK, IYB has over 200 partners ranging from universities, media organisations and museums to theatre companies and artists.

They have come together to promote the understanding of biodiversity during the International Year of Biodiversity.

This year is your chance to learn more about the rich tapestry of life around you, discover why it’s important for a healthy environment and get involved in monitoring and conserving your local wildlife.

Find out more about why biodiversity matters.

Guests at the IYB-UK launch at the Natural History Museum on 25 November talked about what biodiversity means to them.

Saving global biodiversity

The global campaign is being run by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) which was set up after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992 to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Nearly 200 countries have now signed up to the Convention.

In 2002 these countries promised to achieve a significant reduction of the rate of biodiversity loss at the global, regional and national level by 2010. 

In October 2010 there will be a Biodiversity Summit in Nagoya, Japan when each country will report back on progress made towards this target and make plans for the future.

Find out the key dates for the International Year of Biodiversity.