The International Day of the Tropics is observed on June 29 to highlight the importance of tropical regions. The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) established the observance in 2016. The tropics lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn and take in parts of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Pacific. They cover about 40% of the Earth's surface and hold nearly 80% of global biodiversity. The day focuses on climate change, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in these regions.