International Day for Biological Diversity on 22 May 2026: Acting locally for global impact

Key facts

• The International Day for Biological Diversity is observed on 22 May, and the theme for 2026 is Acting locally for global impact.
• The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) is the global alliance of regional associations and national federations dedicated to animal care and habitat conservation.
• Conservation efforts by WAZA members align with Target 4 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to halt human-induced extinctions.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has introduced reporting mechanisms that allow actors beyond governments to demonstrate their contributions to biodiversity recovery.
• The Oklahoma City Zoo and its partners secured the first protected area dedicated to the Critically Endangered Campbell’s alligator lizard in Guatemala.