In his message to mark the occasion, UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent global action to restore and protect biodiversity, describing it as “the foundation of human life and the life support system of our planet.” He warned that “we are destroying ecosystems and degrading biodiversity at unprecedented rates. This is not only an ecological disaster — it is a grave threat to our own future.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that biodiversity loss is a global challenge, and no single country—regardless of how rich or powerful—can tackle it alone, nor can they survive without the rich biodiversity that defines our planet

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that full implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework is the path to achieving harmony with nature by 2050. He urged governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to turn words into concrete action to safeguard species, restore ecosystems, and build a sustainable future.

Vietnam’s commitment to living in harmony with nature

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the region and the world, Vietnam is home to more than 51,000 recorded species and a range of unique ecosystems such as tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. However, due to overexploitation, pollution, land-use changes, and climate change, many species and ecosystems are deteriorating or at risk of extinction.

In response, Vietnam has made strong commitments to the international community by actively participating in the development and implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Domestically, the country has adopted a National Biodiversity Strategy to 2030 with a vision to 2050. Key measures include expanding and effectively managing protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving endangered species, controlling invasive alien species, and promoting equitable access to genetic resources and fair benefit-sharing.

Biodiversity conservation has also been integrated into national socio-economic development policies, with a focus on green transformation and circular economy approaches, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.

Spreading the message for our shared planet

In celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch No. 1863/BNNMT-TTTT on May 13, 2025. The document urges all subordinate agencies and local authorities to carry out coordinated activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting a sense of responsibility for biodiversity conservation across society. The Ministry encourages creative and community-centered communication efforts to spread the message of living in harmony with nature as a fundamental principle of sustainable development.

To respond to International Day for Biological Diversity 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Official Dispatch No. 1863/BNNMT-TTTT dated May 9, 2025, guiding agencies, organizations, and communities to carry out various practical activities to protect biodiversity.

According to the guidance, agencies should intensify communication via mass media, grassroots broadcasting systems, social networks, and digital platforms. Messaging should focus on the vital role of biodiversity for sustainable development, highlight Vietnam’s commitments and efforts under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, and call for collective action from all sectors of society to protect nature, restore ecosystems, and use biological resources sustainably.

A key highlight of the awareness campaign is the nationwide display of banners, posters, and slogans from May 15 to May 25, 2025, in government offices, public spaces, major roads, and residential areas. Suggested slogans include: “Conserve biodiversity – Live in harmony with nature for sustainable development”; “Restore ecosystems – Conserve biodiversity – Secure the future”; and “Biodiversity is life, the foundation of sustainable development.” These messages are designed to emphasize the human–nature connection and our shared responsibility in safeguarding the planet.

Biodiversity loss is a global challenge. No one country, however rich or powerful, can address it alone. Nor can they live without the rich biodiversity that defines our planet. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

Local authorities are also encouraged to organize conferences, forums, community outreach campaigns, and field activities such as environmental clean-ups, planting native trees, habitat restoration, nature photo exhibitions, documentary screenings, and art or literature contests on environmental themes. Special attention is given to educational initiatives in schools, including extracurricular lessons on biodiversity, youth programs, and field trips to national parks and nature reserves.

Additionally, the Ministry is calling on businesses, social organizations, and citizens to actively participate in biodiversity protection initiatives. Small actions such as rejecting the consumption of wildlife, reducing single-use plastics, and making green, sustainable consumer choices all contribute meaningfully to preserving our living environment. Localities are encouraged to develop their own action plans tailored to local contexts, integrating biodiversity efforts with broader environmental protection and climate change adaptation strategies.

Through these activities, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hopes to foster greater public awareness and encourage society-wide engagement in nature conservation. This aligns with this year’s international theme — living in harmony with nature for sustainable development, for a safer future for all life on Earth.

Acting together for a sustainable future

The International Day for Biological Diversity 2025 serves as a timely reminder of the deep connection between nature and human survival. Conserving biodiversity is not only about protecting animals, plants, or ecosystems — it is also about ensuring food security, public health, climate resilience, and the sustainable development of society as a whole.

Heeding the call of the UN Secretary-General, Vietnam remains committed to global environmental goals and continues to promote international cooperation for fair and effective biodiversity conservation. Only by living in harmony with nature can humanity secure a safe and prosperous future for generations to come.

Ngoc Huyen