2010 has been declared the International
Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations – this means twelve months of celebrating the sheer variety of life on Earth and taking advantage of the range of events running all over the country.
On 22 May (the international day for biodiversity) the Natural History Museum is holding a
biodiversity festival.
If you're wondering why biodiversity is so important, consider that
The Living Planet Index has shown a 30% decrease in animal species between 1970 and 2005, and it makes it easier to understand why we need to support communities and governments in protecting the species we do still have.
At the biodiversity festival you'll be able to explore the wildlife garden, talk to scientists, really get to grips with changes in biodiversity and link up with other events taking place across the UK in the Darwin Centre's interactive Attenborough studio.
There's something for all the family at this festival and once you've explored biodiversity to the max you could help decorate a huge elephant sculpture that will be displayed on the West Lawn, take in some theatre and arts performances or join in with the
Nettle Weekend, which is also happening on the same day.
