On May 22 we celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity.These events will highlight the need for actions to halt the loss of agricultural biodiversity and to enhance the contributions that rural landscapes make to human well-being.

1. The International Day for Biological Diversity 22 May 2008 “ Biodiversity and Agriculture ”

2. The poster and logos for the International Day for Biological Diversity 2008 have been designed from a traditional Gabba embroidered tapestry from Pakistan. Measuring some two metres across and two metres high, the intricately stitched and brightly coloured Gabba depicts scenes of everyday life and the rich heritage of biodiversity and agriculture in a farming landscape of Pakistan. Reproduced in full on the poster, extracts from the tapestry are reproduced in a set of five logos that depict different aspects of a traditional mixed farming system – from the plough to the cooking pot.

3. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed May 22 as The International Day for Biological Diversity to increase the understanding and awareness of biodiversity-related issues.

4. The day creates an opportunity to partake in activities that help educate, publicise, and emphasise the importance of biodiversity to human well-being.

5. This year’s theme for the International Day for Biological Diversity , “Biodiversity and Agriculture,” seeks to highlight the importance of sustainable agriculture not only to preserve biodiversity, but also to ensure that we will be able to feed the world , maintain agricultural livelihoods , and enhance human well being into the 21st century and beyond.

6. Agricultural biodiversity includes all components of biodiversity related to food and agriculture. Genetic resources (animals, plants, and micro-organisms) are vital for agricultural biodiversity. Pollination and soil biodiversity also provide great support for agricultural biodiversity. Biodiversity in agriculture is necessary to support key agro ecosystem functions and structures, as well as help support food production and security

7. You can use your ability to buy things to help biodiversity. Individual choices on what you eat and buy are important. Whenever possible, choose healthy, local and sustainably – produced foods with little packaging that was not transported long distances.

8. Agricultural College” N icolae Cornăţeanu” organized exhibits, lectures and presentations emphasizing the importance of Biodiversity to the surrounding region and accompanied by presentations and documents.