The United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and people all over the world are working to safeguard irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss. This is vital for current and future human wellbeing. We need to do more. Now is the time to act.

The International Year of Biodiversity is a unique opportunity to increase understanding of the vital role that biodiversity plays in sustaining life on Earth.

The Year 2010 was chosen to coincide with the biodiversity target agreed by world leaders in 2002. During the Year scientists will report on a global trend on biodiversity. The third edition of the Global Biodiversity Outlook, to be published in May, is expected to report that most trends are negative.
On the basis of this scientific information, countries will over the year evaluate what actions will be needed in the next decade and will set the vision for the next 30 years.

www.cbd.int

21 January: UNESCO celebration of the International Year of Biodiversity

2 February: World Wetlands Day

Caring for Wetlands – an answer to Climate Change

23 February: International Spay Day

The objective of the day is to encourage pet owners to have their animal spayed or neutered.

21 March: World Forestry Day

This day aims to promote awareness of how forests are managed, and the sustainable use of forests.  The many benefits of forests are highlighted - catchment protection, habitat, recreation, scientific study, and as source for products, including timber and honey.

22 March: World Water Day

UN-Water has chosen ''Communicating Water Quality Challenges and Opportunities" as theme for World Water Day 2010. The overall goal of the World Water Day on 22 March 2010 campaign is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity.

www.worldwaterday.org

22-28 March: National Water Week

Water week promotes awareness of water conservation and efficient use of this scarce natural resource.

23 March: World Meteorological Day
Purpose: Focus attention on the important role that meteorology and meteorological services play in the general welfare of mankind.

www.wmo.int

27 March: Earth Hour

The objective is to get communities involved in the simple act of turning off the lights, to make a difference to global warming.

22 April: Earth day

Earth Day -- April 22 -- each year marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.
We invite you to be a part of this history and a part of Earth Day. Discover energy you didn't even know you had. Feel it rumble through the grass roots under your feet and the technology at your fingertips. Channel it into building a clean, healthy, diverse world for generations to come.
www.earthday.net

3-9 May: National Bird Week

The annual SASOL Birdlife South Africa National Bird Week is an opportunity to promote birdwatching.

22 May: International Day for Biological Diversity

Theme: Biodiversity for Development

See www.cbd.int/idb

23 May: World Turtle Day

Land, freshwater, and sea turtles are facing imminent threats to their survival, simply because of human activities. Turtles are the reptile most affected by the pet trade, not to mention the food and traditional medicine industries.

www.hsus.org

31 May: World No Tobacco Day

The aim of the day is to encourage a move towards a smoke-free society.

5 June: World Environment Day

World Environment Day 2010 highlights the theme “Biodiversity — Ecosystems Management and the Green Economy.”  World Environment Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment.  Commemorated each year on June 5, World Environment Day is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action

8 June: World Oceans Day

www.theoceanproject.org

Pick your favorite * Protect your favorite

This year’s theme focuses on our ocean’s great diversity of life and how we can all help in its conservation. Since everyone has a favorite ocean animal, we are interested in connecting their favorite species with what they can do to help conserve our world's ocean. Pick your favorite and protect it - try to pick just one favorite; it’s hard! We can help motivate people to take conservation action: Together, we can make a difference!

17 June: World Day to Combat Desertification

Enhancing soils anywhere enhances life everywhere

1 September: National Arbour Day

1 - 7 September: National Arbour Week

Promote the planting and maintenance of indigenous trees in South Africa.

5-11 September: World Water Week

Theme: The Water Quality Challenge - Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement

13-19 September: National Clean-Up Week

National Clean-Up week coincides with International Coastal Cleanup Campaign.

16 September: International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer

18 September: World Water Monitoring Day™

World Water Monitoring Day is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

www.worldwatermonitoringday.org

18 September: International Coastal Clean-up Day

Clean up, fix up and conserve the local environment.  See more at www.cleanuptheworld.org.

22 September: World Car Free Day

Put the heat on the city planners and politicians to develop an effective public transport system - and take the heat off the planet!

24 September: Heritage Day – South Africa

Purpose: Focus attention on the importance of South Africa's natural and cultural heritage

September 27: World Tourism Day

The day aims to foster awareness among the international community of the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values.

2 October: World Farm Animals Day

Bring awareness to the farm animals and encourage humane treatment of these animals.  The date honrous the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of humane sustainable farming.

4-8 October: Weedbuster Week

Focus on creating public understanding of the negative impacts of invasive plant species and weeds.

5 October: World Habitat Day

A day designated to reflect on the state of human settlements.

11-29 October: Nagoya Biodiversity Summit

11-15 October: National Marine Week

The aim of National Marine Week is to create awareness of the marine and coastal environment and the benefits that coasts, oceans and the resources provide.

16 October: World Food Day

The aim of the World Food Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty.

8-19 November: United Nations Climate Change Conference

27 November: Birding Big Day

The purpose of Birding Big Day is to raise funds for bird conservation.  To participate, count the number of bird species you see during a twenty-four hour period, between midnight and midnight and within a radius of 50km.

5 December: International Volunteer Day

A day to celebrate the contributions and the people who volunteer for various causes and communities.

9 December: International Anti-Corruption Day

The aim of the anti-corruption communication campaign is to support a positive and pro-active stance against corruption.

11 December: International Mountain Day

The year 2002 was the International Year of Mountains. As this year drew to a close, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly proclaimed December 11 to be International Mountain Day. This observance aims to draw attention to the important roles that mountainous regions play in water and food supply.