INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE TROPICS

JUNE 29

Tropics: a hotspot of life, climate influence, and human dependence

In addition to sustaining some of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems—tropical rainforests, coral reefs, mangroves, and savannas—and providing vital ecosystem services like carbon storage, water regulation, and fisheries, the tropics—the area of Earth that surrounds the equator between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn—are also home to hundreds of millions of people whose livelihoods are closely linked to natural resources, making tropical conservation and sustainable development essential to combating climate change, food security, and biodiversity loss.

The tropics are an urgent priority and a global asset. In order to protect them, equitable, integrated strategies that strike a balance between local well-being, sustainable development, and conservation are required. The International Day of the Tropics calls for coordinated action and increases awareness of the region's environmental, social, and economic problems, including biodiversity loss, climate impacts, and development pressures. In order to exchange knowledge, mobilize resources, and adopt science-based policies that strengthen resilience, support livelihoods, and balance conservation with equitable development, it fosters communication between governments, researchers, civil society, indigenous communities, and the private sector.

Significant ecological characteristics and services

• Biodiversity: A significant portion of the world's species diversity, including many endemic and keystone species, is found in tropical rainforests, coral reefs, and mangroves.

• Carbon sequestration: Tropical forests and peatlands are essential for controlling the world's climate because they store enormous amounts of carbon in biomass and soils.

• Water regulation: Tropical wetlands and forests affect local rainfall patterns, preserve freshwater resources, and lower the risk of flooding.

• Fisheries and coastal protection: Coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds stabilize sediments, protect shorelines from storm surges, and support local food security through productive fisheries.

• Cultural and economic significance: Tropical ecosystems provide food, medicine, livelihoods, and cultural identity to billions of people.

Major pressures and risks

• Land-use change: The main factor causing habitat loss and biodiversity decline is deforestation for infrastructure, plantations, and agriculture.

• Growth and intensification of agriculture: Conversion to monocultures and cropland lowers habitat complexity and raises greenhouse gas emissions.

• Climate change: Coral reefs are at risk, species distributions are altered, and droughts and floods become more severe due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, ocean warming, and acidification.

• Urbanization and population growth: Ecosystems and services are strained by rising land, water, and energy demands.

• Pollution and invasive species: Invasive species, runoff, and plastic pollution all contribute to habitat degradation.

Discover the tropics: vibrant ecosystems, rich biodiversity, and thriving communities—all vital to a healthy planet and resilient economies. We should support sustainable tourism, protect forests and coral reefs, and invest in local green businesses to preserve natural wonders, secure livelihoods, and combat climate change.

Together we can keep the tropics flourishing for people and nature.

3 ways to promote tropics :

• Protect tropical forests.

• Support local communities .

• Choose sustainable products.

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

• Volunteer: Join us in our efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability in your community. Whether you have a few hours or a few days to spare, your help is invaluable!

• Partner with Us: If you're part of a nonprofit, business, or government organization, consider partnering with the Environmental Alliance for collaborative projects or events. Together, we can make a bigger impact!

• Stay Informed: Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, events, and ways to participate in our initiatives.

• Attend Events: Participate in our upcoming events and awareness days. Check our calendar for dates and details.

• Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network. Follow us on social media and help us raise awareness about environmental issues.