22 May - The International Day for Biodiversity

May 22 has been celebrated around the world since 2000 as International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD). The United Nations has proclaimed the IDB to increase understanding and awareness on the biodiversity issues. The theme of the 2025 edition is "Harmony with nature and sustainable development" (https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day).

Biodiversity conservation in the Republic of Moldova is managed at the state level through the comprehensive regulatory framework (laws, regulations), policy documents (strategies, programs and action plans), the publication of the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova, the creation of the State Protected Natural Areas Fund (1998), the development of the National Ecological Network, but also through the country's accession to various international environmental conventions, many of which are focused on biodiversity protection. Although a significant diversity of animal, plant, fungal and microorganism species occur on the territory of the Republic of Moldova, reckless human activity heavily affects the state of national biodiversity, thus many of the species are becoming increasingly rare. As proof can serve is the 3rd edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova, which includes 208 species of plants and fungi and 219 species of vertebrate and invertebrate animals.

Currently, due to the project „Assessment of the state of plant, fungi and animal species, development of the list of species with rarity status and the algorithm for their presentation in the 4th edition of the Red Book of the Republic of Moldova", financed by the National Environment Fund, the Institute of Zoology of the State University of Moldova is collecting data on the status of animal species within the territory of the country. Based on this, measures will be proposed for the conservation, protection and restoration of critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable and rare species, in order to prevent extinction and ensure the preservation of their genetic fund.

The loss of biodiversity threatens all, including our health. As a consequence, International Day for Biodiversity is a good opportunity to inform and raise awareness among the population and to promote a positive approach towards the environment.

Livia Calestru, Dr., Assoc. Prof.
  Lucia Bilețchi,  Dr.,  Assoc.Prof.