The theme of IBD 2005 is "Biodiversity: Life Insurance for a Changing World". 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 for IBD 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.

Commemoration of IBD 2005 in Copenhagen will include posters, tours and demonstrations in the various units of the Statens Museum for Natur (the Zoological Museum and the Botanical Garden) and in GBIF offices.

Included in the tours will be a 10 minute introduction to GBIF and its data portal, followed by 5 minutes about DanBIF and 5 minutes about the EEA.

The United Nations proclaimed May 22 The International Day for Biological Diversity (IBD) to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. When first created by the Second Committee of the UN General Assembly in late 1993, 29 December (the date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity), was designated The International Day for Biological Diversity. In December 2000, the UN General Assembly adopted 22 May as IBD, to commemorate the adoption of the text of the Convention on 22 May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. This was partly done because it was difficult for many countries to plan and carry out suitable celebrations for the date of 29 December, given the number of holidays that coincide around that time of year.