Biodiversity Day 2025
1. Background
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 22 May as the International Day for Biological Diversity on 8 February 2001 to increase understanding and awareness on biodiversity issues. This date commemorates the adoption of the text of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) on 22 May 1992[1].
Indigenous Peoples' traditional territories are among the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Asia, home to the highest population of Indigenous Peoples has exceptional biological and cultural diversity. We, Asian Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in conserving and managing our land, territories, and resources[2]. We have been leading the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in our territories long before the adoption of the CBD in 1992. Today, we remain essential stewards and permanent partners in the implementation of the CBD.
However, our communities continue to face multiple challenges and threats: biodiversity loss, climate change, deforestation, land degradation, commercialization, land use change, land grabbing, water grabbing, criminalization, militarization, and human rights violations in the name conservation, energy transition projects, and carbon markets, among others[3].
In this context, upholding the human rights of Indigenous Peoples is non-negotiable in all biodiversity conservation action plans and strategies.
Recognizing both the challenges and our leadership, the Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP), in partnership with our members and partners, has consistently celebrated the International Day for Biodiversity in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and highlighted Indigenous Peoples' contributions to the CBD and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).
2. Theme for 2025 International Day for Biodiversity
The theme for 2025 International Day for Biodiversity is “Hamony with Nature and Sustainable Development.” For more information, visit https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day
3. AIPP's 2025 Celebration Focus: Indigenous Youth & Indigenous Children
Building on previous years, AIPP will once again collaborate members and partners to celebrate the 2025 International Day for Biodiversity. During AIPP engagements with Indigenous communities across Asia, a recurring message has emerged: the need to sensitize and empower Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Children in sustaining our cultural identities, worldviews, traditional practices, and occupations.
We have also witnessed inspiring stories of young people returning to their communities, taking leadership roles, and innovating by using Indigenous Knowledge with contemporary learning.
As part of the AIPP celebration of 2021 AIPP launched a comic book “Let's Go Back Home: Reviting Indigenous Knowledge” on 22 May in English, Thai and Karen languages. The comic book was co-designed and co-produced by AIPP, Pgakenyaw Association for Sustainable Development (PASD) and Mae Yod villagers to create love, respect, and pride among Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Children for their origin, language and cultural identity. Currently, the Mae Yod villagers are using the comic book as part of their local curriculum of the Ban Mae Yod School.
Recognizing the pivotal role of Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Children as the carriers of ancestral wisdom and future custodians of biodiversity, this year's celebration will spotlight the voices, initiatives, and aspirations of Indigenous Youth and Indigenous Children.
4. Celebration Timeline
- Launch: 22 May 2025 (International Day for Biodiversity)
- Closing: 5 June 2025 (World Environment Day)
For more information on the AIPP 2025 Celebration of the International Day for Biodiversity, please contact:
- Lakpa Nuri Sherpa ([email protected])
- Pirawan Wongnithisathaporn ([email protected])
- Prem Singh Tharu ([email protected])
- Hpuji Nawng ([email protected])
Click here to download full concept note for BioDay 2025
[1] https://www.cbd.int/biodiversity-day [2] https://aipp-nuxt.bordermedia.dev/2023/11/28/e-sak-ka-ou-declaration [3] https://aipp-nuxt.bordermedia.dev/2024/10/21/tohmle-statement
Celebration Timeline
22 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: TONKLA Indigenous Children and Youth Network, Thailand
For over 12 years, TONKLA has helped children and youth reconnect with their roots through reforestation, sacred rituals, and the...
22 May 2025
Indigenous Woman Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Malijwan Teja, Thailand
Biodiversity is our culture, our identity, and the future we’re building. We create firebreaks, protect sacred forests, and honor the...
23 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Mr. Kaisanan Ahuan, Taiwan
Our forest is more than just a resource. It is where our ancestors live, where our memories are rooted, and...
23 May 2025
Indigenous Children Voice on Biodiversity: The Children of the Taivoan Peoples, Taiwan
This video features children of the Taivoan Peoples from the Xiaolin community in Southern Taiwan, a community that once endured...
23 May 2025
Indigenous Girl Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Lori Mirjili Teronpi – Northeast India
We, the Karbi children, celebrate the beauty of nature and our connection to the land. Our ancestors taught us to...
24 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Mr. Mukrang Bey of Assam, NE India
Every rock, tree, and stream is alive—with spirit, with power, with presence. They are bridges between the ancestors and the...
24 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Kim Enkoryaw, Philippines
Land is life—our lives are tied to our ancestral lands. This is where our livelihood thrives, our ancestors rest, and...
24 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Lyneth Baggay, Philippines
We, Indigenous Youth, must continue the good practices passed down to us by our forefathers. We need to protect our...
25 May 2025
Indigenous Peoples Voice on Biodiversity: Karen Indigenous Peoples – Huay Ee Khang Village, Thailand
We live on this Earth. We carry knowledge, wisdom, and a culture unique to Indigenous Peoples.
26 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Dar Shee Roi Yung, Myanmar
Let us come together in unity and cooperation to protect this beautiful Earth. Let us care for our biodiversity, our...
26 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Supriya Rai, YFIN – Nepal
Indigenous Youth must have a seat at the table where climate and conservation decisions are made.
27 May 2025
Indigenous Woman Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Hira Tamang, NIWF-Nepal
Together, we can all contribute to the conservation of nature — especially with the knowledge that has preserved our identity,...
27 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Ramila Chaudhary, CIPRED-Nepal
Indigenous youth and children are not just the future — we are the present. Our languages, cultures, knowledge systems, and...
27 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Sarita Chaudhary, CIPRED – Nepal
For generations, the Tharu Indigenous Peoples have lived in the Terai region, yet they were never consulted when the Koshi...
28 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Mr. Deepak Minz, IIYN – Mainland India
As part of our 2025 International Day for Biodiversity celebration, Deepak shares a moving gift: a song titled “The Symphony...
28 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Kiran Ekka, Mainland India
She highlights the increasing shift toward chemical fertilizers, artificial foods, and plastic use—moving away from nature’s own provisions.
28 May 2025
Indigenous Woman Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Sonali, Kubadibathan Village, Mainland India
More than just grass, these mats carry culture and warmth—used for drying harvests and welcoming guests.
28 May 2025
Indigenous Girl Voice on Biodiversity: Ms. Sweeta Dungdung, Mainland India
Biodiversity gives us food, clean air, and water. It also helps with climate and is part of our spiritual life.
30 May 2025
We Are Part of the Plan: The Song for Indigenous Peoples’ Rights
This powerful advocacy song, created during the 4th Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples of Asia (IKPA) Conference in Pokhara.
30 May 2025
Indigenous Youth Voice on Biodiversity: Indigenous Youth, Cambodia
It’s our responsibility to protect our culture, traditions, and natural resources.
Contact Us
Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact (AIPP)
112 Moo 1, Tambon Sanpranate, Amphur Sansai, Chiang Mai 50210, Thailand
Phone: +66(0) 53 343 539
Fax: +66 (0) 53 343 540
[email protected]