On the occasion of International Biological Diversity Day, the European Topic Centre on Biological Diversity launched a much improved database called EUNIS, European Nature Information System. This database focuses on key biodiversity elements such as species, habitat types, etc and will be ?mproved further during this year with major features such as spatial tools and enhanced data sets.
These on-line information systems will help to assess and understand biodiversity in a wider context. The EUNIS database development was initiated by the Agency in 1997, and the data was made available on the web within European Community clearing House Mechanism process in 2002.
Events were arranged worldwide to celebrate this day and improve awareness of biodiversity and its relevance to human well-being. A synthesis report of the biodiversity part of the UN-driven Millennium Ecosystem Assessment was launched in Montreal, London, Cambridge and Beijing as part of these celebrations.