International Year of Biodiversity Logo

The logo is available for you to use under certain conditions explained in the Communications Guidelines for the International Year of Biodiversity. Usage of the logo requires completion of the waiver form.

 

Official UN languages: ar - en - es - fr - ru - zh

Other language versions have been kindly provided by our partners around the world.
We will be happy to post your official translations.

ca - de - dv - el - eu - fa - hi - hr - hu - it - ja - ko - mi - ms - nl - nn - pl - pt - ro - sk - sl - sv - tr - ur - zh (traditional)

Instructions for use of the logo

The logo is designed to convey the concept of discovery and realization. A host of symbolic iconographic elements are included within the design to depict the scope of biodiversity, which includes marine, flora and fauna aspects. Together, they demonstrate how biodiversity is life and how we, as humans, are realizing our place within this journey.

  2010 International Year of Biodiversity

The logo consists of three core components:

  • The year ”2010” that frames the campaign and the logo elements.
  • The iconographic elements symbolising biodiversity. These include fish, waves, a flamingo, an adult and child, and a tree.
  • The title of the campaign, “2010 International Year of Biodiversity.”

Under no circumstance should any one or more of these components be separated with the exception of the campaign title. The campaign title should not be included on small formats where the words will not be legible. As a guide, the campaign title should not be used if the logo is less than 70 mm or 200 pixels wide.

 
  The title should not be used on logos smaller than 70 mm.

The logo is available in colour and grayscale EPS, GIF, hi-res JPEG and web JPEG formats. The logo is also available in a white and in a light green outline EPS and GIF format, for use on dark backgrounds.

Translating the logo

The logo strapline can be translated. Here are examples in the official United Nations languages. The strapline should not extend past the right extreme of the final “0” of the logo.

We are open to logos in two languages, as shown below. Three language versions are also considered, however in each case they must respect the design principles. If you wish to use such a logo, please submit it to us before you start using it.

 

Clear space

A quarter segment of the “0” should be used as a guide for minimum clear space. To protect the logo from visual interference, this space is required around all of its sides, including background field edges, trim and rules.

Sizing

The logo should never appear smaller than 45 mm wide. For logos smaller than 70mm in width, the title should not appear.

 

Relationship to other logos

When using the logo beside other logos, it should appear at the same height. Always refer to the guidelines of the other logos as well, particularly regarding clear space. As a rule, enough space should be maintained between the logos to maintain their integrity by ensuring that each is distinct and recognizable.

In instances where other logos appear in grayscale, you should use the grayscale version of the logo.

Dos

The logo should only ever appear in the specific two greens shown here (values specified in the Colour palette section). The logos proportions should be kept as it is and never altered. No filters and effects should be applied. The font, size and position of the campaign title should be kept as it is and never altered. The logo should appear in grayscale for use on black and white documents and; in white outline, for use on dark backgrounds (below).

On dark backgrounds, the white or light green outline versions of the logo should be used.

 

The logo can be used on light coloured backgrounds. There should always be enough contrast between the logo and the background it is placed on.

Don'ts

The logo should not appear with any screens.

 

The logo should not appear in any colours other than the specified greens, grayscale and white outline.

 

Only the white and light green outline versions of the logo should be used on dark backgrounds. No other colours should be used.

 

The logo should not be used on dark coloured backgrounds and on backgrounds that do not provide enough contrast.

 

The logo should not be used on dark, busy photographic backgrounds.

 

The logo should not be squashed, stretched or skewed.

Drop shadows and any other effects or filters should not be used. The typeface of the campaign title should never be changed. The size of the campaign title should never be changed. The position of the campaign title should never be changed.

Typefaces

The headline typeface is Helvetica Neue Roman.
The supporting typeface is Helvetica Neue Light.
For online applications and word processing, Helvetica Regular should be used.

Treatment

Headings should have only the first letter of the first word capitalized.
CAPS SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Where possible and aesthetically pleasant, headings should be written in one of the colours from the Colour palette (see below).

Primary palette colours

These colours are commonly associated with biodiversity and nature. Their use will help to build familiarity and solidarity amongst biodiversity actors and initiatives.

Secondary palette colours

These colours have been chosen as representatives of different aspects of biodiversity. Blue represents water, oceans and marine life. Green represents vegetation, forestry and agriculture. Orange represents the sun and feelings of optimism and hope. The colours are vibrant to reflect the spirit of discovery, realization and action.

These colours should not be used for the logo, with the exception of the green which can be used in the outline logo for use on dark backgrounds.

Iconographic style

The elements that make up the logo can be used as icons to represent different aspects of biodiversity.

Download icons (.eps)
Download icons (.jpg)
Download icons (.png)

Image style

Photography can be used to bring vibrancy and context to your communications. As a general rule, images should be optimistic but not trite; colours should be bright; and images should intrigue and engage through the use of unusual angles, close-ups and interestingly cropped compositions. There are two types of image style that can be used:

Discovery and excitement

Images of biodiversity that portray beauty, complexity and evoke a sense of awe and adventure. Patterns found in nature are an example.

Intertwinement, collectiveness and action Images that show people as being a part of nature and intertwined with biodiversity. Images that illustrate the value of action and, in particular, collective action.

Letterheads

Below is the recommended template for letterheads.

 

Reports and posters

Below is a template that can be adapted for posters and for report covers. The logo elements can be used as watermarks on the posters, but no more than one element should be used on any one poster. Elements should be in the dark green from the primary palette, with a 5% tint.

 

Large format usage

Most large format applications, such as billboards and entryway banners, are likely to be in areas where passersby do not have very much time to read a lot of information. It is recommended that such areas are used for teasers and profile-raising, rather than information provision. Thus, text should be kept to a minimum and focus instead should be on the logo and its various elements.

Online

Similar to large formats, online applications, such as web banners, will be opportunities to intrigue audiences rather than to educate them. It is recommended again to keep text to a minimum and maximise on the logo and its various elements.

Animation

Animation is likely to be viewed online. As with the online applications and large formats, text should be kept to a minimum and focus should be centered on the logo and its various elements.

With animation, there is the opportunity to bring the elements of the logo, in a sense, “to life.” For example, the tree could grow from a seedling and the flamingo could fly in.

Below is an example of a possible sequence where the different elements come together and effectively “build” the logo.

 

Usage rules

Uses of the logo

The logo of the International Year of Biodiversity is primarily intended for three kinds of promotional use: information, fundraising and use by a commercial entity, as outlined below:

a. Information uses of the logo

Information uses of the logo are those which are:

  • Primarily illustrative;
  • Not intended to raise funds; and
  • Not carried out by a commercial entity.

All entities interested in using the International Year of Biodiversity logo for information purposes must apply for approval to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. When requesting approval, the entities should provide:

  • A short statement of identity (nature of the organization and its objectives);
  • An explanation of how and where the logo will be used.

Before the logo is used for information purposes, a waiver of liability must be signed by the entity requesting to use the logo.

b. Fundraising uses of the logo

Fundraising uses of the logo are those intended to raise resources to cover costs of activities in support of celebrations for the International Year of Biodiversity to be organized in 2010.

Fundraising uses of the logo may be undertaken only by non-commercial entities. All entities interested in using the International Year of Biodiversity logo for fundraising purposes must apply for approval to the Secretariat of the convention on Biological Diversity. When requesting permission to use the logo for fundraising purposes, the entities must provide:

  • A short statement of identity (nature of the organization and its objectives);
  • An explanation of how and where the logo will be used;
  • An explanation of how the fundraising will take place;
  • A summary budget; and
  • An explanation of how the proceeds would be allocated to cover costs of activities during the International Year of Biodiversity.

Before the logo is used for fundraising purposes, a waiver of liability must be signed by the entity requesting to use the logo.

c. Uses of the logo by a commercial entity

The uses of the logo by commercial entities are all those undertaken by or involving commercial entities, as well as any use intended to lead to commercial or personal profit. All commercial entities interested in using the International Year of Biodiversity logo must apply for approval from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. When requesting permission to use the logo, the entities must explain:

  • The nature of the company or enterprise;
  • The proposed uses of the logo;
  • The names of countries/territories where the logo will be used;
  • The nature of products/services that the entity produces/sells in those areas;
  • How the products relate to disseminating the messages behind the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010;
  • What profits the entity is expected to make from the use of the logo; and
  • A summary budget, giving the expenses and any proposed royalties or contributions the entity is expected to make to local, national or international activities for the preparations of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2009 or in favour of implementation of the activities of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010.

Before the logo is used by a commercial entity, a contract must be signed with the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity. In particular, such contracts must include provisions concerning the waiver of liability. Such contracts must also provide the detailed terms and conditions concerning the use of the logo, including the details of the information enumerated above. Additionally, such contracts must contain the United Nations General Conditions of Contract.

d. Length of use of logo

The “International Year of Biodiversity“ logo will be used during from the end of 2009, during all of 2010 and the first months of 2011, for publications that the UN may produce with or without external partners in connection with the IYB, including, inter alia, posters, brochures, books, videos, flash and powerpoint presentations, banners, illustrations, and animations. This period includes the preparation phase in 2009 for the International Year of Biodiversity, the celebrations of the International Year of Biodiversity in 2010, and any subsequent reporting in early 2011.

Liability

All entities authorized to use the International Year of Biodiversity logo for the purposes specified herein must agree to the following provisions on the waiver of liability:

  • The entity is responsible for ensuring that the activities are carried out in accordance with the applicable law and for ensuring that the appropriate insurance is maintained to cover the risks arising out of such activities;
  • Neither the United Nations nor the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity assumes any responsibility for the activities of the undersigned; and
  • The entity shall hold harmless and defend the United Nations, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and their officials against any action that may be brought against the United Nations, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity or their officials as a result of the use of the logo.

When the logo is used for information and fundraising purposes, the waiver of liability form must be signed by the entity. When the logo is used by a commercial entity, the above provisions on waiver of liability must be incorporated into a contract to be signed by the entity. All duly signed waiver-of-liability forms and contracts must be received by the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity before the proposed activities are carried out.

Inquiries

Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity
Attention: The International Year of Biodiversity logo review board
413 Saint-Jacques Street, suite 800
Montreal, QC, Canada
H2Y 1N9
Fax: +1 514 288 6588
Email: [email protected]

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t like the colours – can I change them?
The logo is designed specifically for the colours shown in this guide. You must use just the colours you see. However, it is possible to use it in grayscale.

How do I add translated text?
Translated text can replace the text you see in English. We recommend that you use the Adobe Illustrator (“.ai”) version and then replace the text. You can then generate your own EPS, JPEG or PDF files.

Can I use this for our national/regional/local International Year of Biodiversity events and campaigns?
One of the main purposes of the logo is to illustrate and co-brand events. Please do so, but remember to complete the waiver of liability.

Can I use this for commercial merchandise?
Any use of the logo for commercial merchandise must be approved by the Secretariat. You will be required to provide information about your project, its relationship to the Year, as well as other details. You will need to incorporate the waiver text as part of your contract (see the “Usage rules” section above).

What formats do you have available and which should I use?
The colour and grayscale logos are both available in EPS, GIF and in two JPEG formats. (The grayscale version should only be used on black and white documents). Please use the EPS for scaling the logo; it is a vector file and so will retain the quality and integrity of the logo. The high resolution JPEG (labelled “hi-res”) should be used for all print communications materials. The GIF and web JPEG (labelled “web”) should be used for all online communications purposes. Where a logo with a transparent background is required, online, the GIF should be used.

EPS and GIF formats of the outline version of the logo are also available. There is a white and green version of each. These are only for use on dark backgrounds.

Additionally, an Adobe Illustrator (“.ai”) file of the logo is available to allow for translation. The file should only ever be used as a working file; once the translation is completed, the file should be converted into an EPS, JPEG or PDF file.

Can I use the 2010 logo as a stand alone or must I use the CBD logo and the UNEP logo as well?
The 2010 logo can stand on its own, or it can be used with your organization’s logo. Use of the CBD and UNEP logos is reserved for events or products that include the participation of these organizations. In such cases, you will need permission. If you do use these, then please refer to the usage guidelines for each of these organizations.

What permissions are required to use the logo?
Permissions relating to the use of the logo should be obtained from the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and will require signing the waiver form. This registration helps the Secretariat know where the logo is being used throughout the world.

Who do I talk to for consultation?
The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity is the focal point and we will be happy to answer any questions.

Send us an email at [email protected] with your questions.

Communications Guidelines

Please read the Communications Guidelines before using the logo.

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