BioDiversity E Café

May 21st: People, Culture and Biodiversity

Indigenous people and local communities also play a pivotal role when it comes to sustainable of biodiversity.

Introduction: Biodiversity is the source of our cultural and spiritual enrichment. Species, genetic diversity and diversity of ecosystems are frequently integral to religious, cultural and national identities. All major religions, for example, include elements of nature and 231 species are formally used as national symbols in 142 countries. The particular relationship between indigenous peoples and nature has enabled them to conserve the largest percentage of the Earth’s biodiversity. On the other hand, many relationships between humans and nature occur in urban areas. Ecosystems such as parks and other effective area-based conservation measures provide recreation and a knowledge resource for visitors, an urban oasis for (re) connecting people with nature, and biodiversity is a frequent source of inspiration for artists and designers.

Resources: UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity

http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13179&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

Video: A world without culture is a world without a future

https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDCMUCkD7gm3Am3M3k156lk46t3A&v=ye1wT7gtdeU&feature=emb_rel_end

Saying: "Although COVID-19 has not succeeded in curbing dialogue among cultures, the long-term consequences of the crisis, especially in economic terms, might inflict severe damage on diversity, as periods of crisis are conducive to concentration and standardization. It is this insidious threat that looms."

- Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, on the occasion of World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Did you know? May 21^st is celebrated as World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Fact: The creative and cultural industries (CCI) contribute US$2,250bn to the global economy (3% of GDP) and account for 29.5 million jobs worldwide.

Culture: A Source of Resilience

During this time of mass confinement, billions of people are turning to culture as a source of comfort, well-being and connection. There has been a surge in the creation of, and access to, cultural content online - from virtual visits to museums and galleries, streaming of films and even community choirs via social media - showing its fundamental role as a source of resilience for communities. Major crises throughout history have often given rise to a renaissance of culture and an explosion of new forms of creativity, so vital for human progress.

Why does cultural diversity matter?

Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension. Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development. Cultural diversity is a driving force of development, not only with respect to economic growth, but also as a means of leading a more fulfilling intellectual, emotional, moral and spiritual life. This is captured in the culture conventions, which provide a solid basis for the promotion of cultural diversity. Cultural diversity is thus an asset that is indispensable for poverty reduction and the achievement of sustainable development. At the same time, acceptance and recognition of cultural diversity – in particular through innovative use of media and Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) – are conducive to dialogue among civilizations and cultures, respect and mutual understanding.

References:

https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/culturaldiversityday

https://www.cbd.int/ https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day

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