International Day of the Tropics

International Day of the Tropics History

The International Day of the Tropics is an annual observance that aims to recognize and raise awareness of the significant challenges and opportunities faced by countries located within the tropics. The day seeks to promote the diverse nature of the tropics, as well as challenge the negative stereotypes often related to the region.

The day was first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2016, with the aim of promoting sustainable development within the tropics. The tropics cover approximately 40% of the Earth's surface and are home to over 80% of the world's biodiversity. The region is also a key contributor to global economic growth, with industries such as tourism, agriculture and fishing all relying on the tropical climate.

The United Kingdom recognizes the importance of the tropics, and celebrates the International Day of the Tropics alongside other nations around the world. The day serves as an opportunity to highlight the unique challenges faced by countries in the tropics, such as climate change, poverty and disease. It also promotes the significant contributions that can be made to global development through sustainable development practices in tropical regions. The International Day of the Tropics is observed annually on June 29th.

International Day of the Tropics facts

• According to the UN, almost half of the world's population lives in the Tropics.
• More than 80% of the world's biodiversity lives in the Tropics.
• The State of the Tropics Report pointed out an interesting fact that by the late 2040s, the Tropics will be more populous than the rest of the world combined.
• The British market has been a major destination for tropical products such as coffee, tea, cocoa, spices, and sugar, as well as manufactured goods from rapidly industrializing tropical nations.
• Some of the UK's overseas territories, such as Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and Montserrat, are located in the tropics.

In the News and Trending in the UK for International Day of the Tropics

Top things to do in the UK for this observance

• Read a first-hand account about Carmen Rodríguez and her family's efforts to preserve Colombia's tropical dry forest.
• Browse the 2020 report on the state of the tropics. It covers a wide variety of topics including the environment, human impact, and the application of science and technology.
• Explore the Princess of Wales Conservatory at Kew Gardens in London. This greenhouse maintains a tropical rainforest environment with exotic orchids, ferns, and other tropical plants.
• Many zoos and aquariums in the UK have tropical exhibits, such as the Rainforest Life exhibit at ZSL London Zoo, that can be visited to learn more about tropical animals and their habitats.