RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – May 22 marks International Day for Biodiversity, reminding us to protect Earth’s diverse plants, animals, microorganisms, and ecosystems. Biodiversity includes species diversity, genetic variation, and ecosystems like forests, lakes, deserts, and agricultural landscapes.

This year’s theme, “Acting Locally for Global Impact,” underscored community participation and sustainable lifestyles for meaningful global environmental change. The campaign reminds people that global conservation efforts always begin with local action.

In an interview with RRI Voice of Indonesia on Friday, May 22, 2026, Abdulrokhman Kartonegoro, Plant Biosystemic Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) said simple actions at home could help protect biodiversity. Planting native trees, conserving water, reducing plastic waste, and composting help preserve ecosystems and support urban wildlife.

In Indonesia, biodiversity conservation has become one of the major focuses of research and environmental policy. Abdulrokhman revealed that BRIN currently operates a Research Organization for Life Sciences and Environment, which includes seven biodiversity-focused research centers.

These research centers focus on exploring, conserving, monitoring, and sustainably utilizing Indonesia’s biodiversity. Researchers study living organisms, their habitats, ecological relationships, and their role in supporting human life.

As part of saving biodiversity, Abdulrokhman added, taxonomy becomes important. Through taxonomy, scientists can discover and officially describe new species that were previously unknown to science.

He believed that biodiversity could not be protected if it is not properly understood and documented. Indonesia’s rich marine, terrestrial, and aerial ecosystems make it megabiodiverse, yet many species remain undiscovered.

Another important thing to protect biodiversity is collaboration between governments, universities, NGOs, local communities, indigenous groups, and private sectors. This collaborative spirit is reflected in the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2025–2045.

Everyone, regardless of profession or background, has a role in protecting nature. “Take action and leave your fingerprint for nature. Everyone has a role, and everyone has an impact,” Abdulrokhman conveyed.

Through the spirit of the International Day for Biodiversity 2026, the message is clear: protecting biodiversity begins with simple local actions, but together, these actions can create a global impact for the future of the planet.