Our water, food, medicines, clothes, fuel, shelter, energy... all these depend on healthy and vibrant ecosystems, no matter the progress in technology. Biodiversity is the foundation upon which we can build back better. Yet, while there is a growing awareness that biological diversity is a global asset of tremendous value to future generations, a number of species is still being significantly reduced by certain human activities. Human action has significantly altered three quarters of the land-based environment and two thirds of the marine environment. On World Biodiversity Day we are reminded that we humans are part of the solution to this problem.

Respecting our differences is part of who we are and how we relate with others. Our democracies are built upon the appreciation for diversity. On the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOT), the EU reaffirms its strong commitment to promote and protect the full and equal enjoyment of the human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) persons. On this occasion, we illuminated EU buildings in rainbow colours as an act of support.