The International Day for Biodiversity (IBD), dedicated to halting and protecting biodiversity, proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in 2000 to commemorate the Adoption of the Convention on Biological Diversity, is celebrated every year on 22 May.

The chosen theme for the 2024 edition is “Be part of the Plan”, a call to action to halt and reverse the loss of biodiversity. Everyone can play a role in this process, governments, individuals and local communities, non-governmental organizations, businesses, as biodiversity of a given environment means the variety of living organisms, genes, species and ecosystems found in it.

Sustainable development strongly depends on the understanding, protection and conservation of biodiversity, which is currently threatened by the progressive increase in polluting factors and the reduction of habitats.

European Maritime Day

Moreover, on 30 and 31 May, the European Maritime Day (EMD) is celebrated, which is the annual two-day event organized by the European Commission during which Europe’s maritime community gathers to network, discuss and outline joint action in maritime affairs and sustainable blue economy.

The 2024 edition will be held in Svendborg, Denmark, as a physical event at the Academy- Svendborg International Maritime Academy (SIMAC).

The event, organised in collaboration with the Municipality of Svendborg and the Danish Maritime Authority, features a large number of plenary sessions, thematic sessions, specific workshops and pitching sessions organized by the European Commission and stakeholders.

The meeting is addressed to professionals of the maritime sector, governments, public institutions, NGOs and academia, as well as all citizens interested in the Sea.