For 2005, the theme for International Day for Biological Diversity is "Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World.’’ The theme works with the reality that the world is changing faster than ever before. Growing human populations and expanding consumption are placing great pressure on biological diversity. This year’s theme reminds us that, in addition to providing the physical conditions for all life, biodiversity also plays an important role in protecting life and making it resilient to the pressures brought about by change.

The theme is also especially relevant for this year in the context of the launch of the biodiversity synthesis report of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. This five-year program, initiated by the United Nations SecretaryGeneral, studied the relationship between ecosystems and human well-beings. The report findings underline the importance of biological diversity in providing concrete services upon which human life depends, including all important security and provisioning functions. In 2005 the celebrations sponsored by the Secretariat for the International Day for Biological Diversity will coincide with the launch of the Biodiversity Synthesis Report.

In the Philippines, the celebrations to commemorate International Biodiversity Day will be led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and several non-government organizations. The celebration each year of the International Day for Biological Diversity is an occasion to reflect on our responsibility to safeguard this precious heritage for future generations.