Today is the Taxonomy Recognition Day, an initiative spearheaded by TETTRIs, an EU-funded project focused on enhancing taxonomic capacity across Europe. This event, organised by a Europe-wide consortium of Natural History Museums, research institutes, and taxonomic facilities, seeks to elevate awareness of the crucial role taxonomy plays in the preservation of global biodiversity.
The date, May 23rd, was chosen to coincide with the birthday of Carl Linnaeus, the renowned father of Taxonomy, serving as a tribute to the enduring importance of this foundational scientific discipline. Taxonomy Recognition Day represents a collective effort within the European taxonomic community to spotlight taxonomy’s indispensable contributions to scientific inquiry, conservation efforts, policy formulation, and industrial practices.
Across Europe, participating institutions will host events today, inviting leaders from academia and industry, policymakers, and journalists to explore and underscore the profound impact of taxonomy across a wide array of disciplines.
Taxonomy is an essential science that underpins agriculture, business development, medicine, cosmetics, and policy. Moreover, it is the fundamental basis for the protection of biodiversity (#NameItToSaveIt). Recognising the pervasive role of taxonomy in our daily lives, this day aims to highlight its relevance across countries. The event is intended to foster positive momentum for increased support for taxonomists and their work, creating new opportunities and pathways.
With over a million species facing extinction, the need for more taxonomists and enhanced capacity to comprehend the drivers and consequences of this shift becomes imperative. Engaging younger generations in the study of the natural world, its patterns, and evolution is crucial for ensuring that our understanding of biodiversity contributes to a harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature in the future.
From the IICG we join in recognising the valuable work of taxonomists!
Join the #NameItToSaveIt movement, naming a species is the first step to protect it!
Watch the video to find out more 👉🏻 Taxonomy Recognition Day Video