The year 2010 is the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity. In 2002, world leaders pledged to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010.

Natural history museums, botanic gardens, science centers, civil society organizations and many other science communicators play a major role in raising public awareness of the urgency to fulfill this pledge through their high-quality and varied public events on biodiversity and modern taxonomy. The year 2010 offers the greatest opportunity yet to increase visibility and sensitize a wider public.

In addition to the events listed below, please also see http://www.countdown2010.net/byse/