Nature is humanity’s lifeline. Human health, food, economies and well-being depend on nature. Yet nature is in crisis. One million of the world’s estimated 8 million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction. Meanwhile, ecosystem degradation is affecting the well-being of 40 per cent of the global population.
The spotlight on nature and biodiversity highlights updates from around the UN System, from partners and others, helping to call attention to the need for a just, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
26 Feb
2025
15:18
Inside the effort to save an iconic Caribbean coral reef
Credit: Ocean Image Bank/Hannes Klostermann
The Mesoamerican Reef, the Western Hemisphere's largest barrier reef, spans 1,000 kilometres along the coasts of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. However, pollution and climate change pose increasing threats to this vital ecosystem.
A coalition of organizations is working together to combat pollution and agricultural runoff, with the goal of protecting the Caribbean's iconic coral reefs, which are already under threat from climate change.
25 Feb
2025
19:46
The Cali Fund launches in the margins of the resumed session of COP16
Credit: Convention on Biological Diversity
In a major development under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Cali Fund for the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits from the use of Digital Sequence Information on Genetic Resources (DSI)—the Cali Fund'—which will receive contributions from private sector entities making commercial use of DSI, launched today in Rome in the margins of the second day of the resumed session of COP 16 of the CBD at the Headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
The Cali Fund will mobilize new streams of funding for biodiversity action worldwide in support of the three objectives of the CBD: the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising from the use of genetic resources. Recognizing their role and contributions as custodians of biodiversity, 50 per cent of the resources of the Cali Fund will be allocated to the self-identified needs of indigenous peoples and local communities, including women and youth.
The UN Biodiversity Conference, suspended last year in Cali, Colombia, is reconvening in Rome, Italy, this week at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Quiz: How important is nature to humanity’s future?
Credit: Ocean Image Bank/Gregory Piper
A little over two years ago, world leaders finalized the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark deal designed to halt and reverse the alarming decline of the natural world.
Since nature underpins nearly all economies and societies, experts say the framework is vital to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, humanity’s blueprint for a better future.
In late 2024, UNEP launched a tool showcasing the links between the framework and the global goals. Take this quiz to see how much you know about the importance of biodiversity to sustainable development.
11 Feb
2025
20:22
Kunming Biodiversity Fund call for Expression of Interest for the Independent Technical Advisory Group
Credit: UNEP/Artan Jama
The Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF) is a new Multi-Partner Trust Fund established in 2024 by China, the UN Environment Programme, the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the UN Development Programme to support developing countries to accelerate the implementation of their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans. The KBF is governed at four levels: an Executive Council, an International Secretariat, the Administrative Agent, and an Independent Technical Advisory Group (ITAG).
The ITAG will serve as an advisory body bringing independent, impartial expert knowledge and advice on biodiversity conservation and environmental governance to the Fund. It will act through the combined strengths of its members’ individual professional contributions to ensure the technical integrity, relevance and complementarity of KBF activities.
This is an exciting opportunity to support this new fund in bridging the biodiversity financing gap and ensuring a whole-of-society approach to biodiversity action.
Saving the ocean: 54th International Letter-Writing Competition
It’s time to give the ocean a voice!🌊
For the 54th International Letter-Writing Competition #ILWC, UPU, @IMOHQ, and @UNESCO invite children from around the world to write letters that inspire action to #SaveOurOcean.
Review of trade sustainability and conservation progress for pangolins, seahorses, rosewoods and more at upcoming CITES Standing Committee’s 78th meeting
Credit: Adobe Stock / Alexander Sliwa / filipeprates / mario mairal iNaturalist
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Standing Committee will hold its 78th meeting (SC78) on 3-8 February 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. From African carnivores and anguillid eels to rosewoods and orchids, the meeting will delve into the sustainability challenges and conservation progress for a wide range of species included in the CITES Appendices.
17 Jan
2025
07:09
Now online: IPBES Nexus Assessment
The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Assessment Report on the Interlinkages Among Biodiversity, Water, Food and Health—known as the Nexus Report—Summary for Policymakers is available online.
The Summary for Policymakers contains the most comprehensive assessment of the interconnections between biodiversity, water, food, health and climate.
30 Dec
2024
17:09
Looking back at the environmental highs - and lows - of 2024
Credit: UNEP
From a landmark deal to fund conservation to chilling news about greenhouse gas emissions, 2024 was a rollercoaster year for the planet.
