News Nature Action

Spotlight on nature and biodiversity

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.

08 Jan 2024 17:18

RESTORE series wins Prize of the Jury at Global Science Film Festival

A man walking in a field
Photo: UNEP/Darya Kuznetsova

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration "RESTORE" series has been awarded the Prize of the Jury at the 2023 Global Science Film Festival. The documentary series presents a beacon of hope amid the perilous decline of the natural world. Through ten meticulously crafted short films, the series shines a spotlight on ten locations where nature is staging a remarkable resurgence. These sites stand as the pioneering ten UN World Restoration Flagships, exemplifying humanity's potential to achieve the ambitious objectives set forth in the new Global Biodiversity Framework. The initiatives signify the vanguard of hope for the planet, representing a collective commitment to safeguard 30% of Earth's lands and seas while restoring 20% from the grips of degradation. 

19 Dec 2023 23:53

NBSAP Forum now available in French, Russian and Spanish

NBSAP Forum social media card

The increasing pressure on the planet's biodiversity calls for an urgent need to collaborate and take action. The UN Development Programme, in partnership with the Convention on Biological Diversity and UNEP, have released the ‌National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Forum in French, Spanish, and Russian.

Oriented towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the NBSAP Forum is a valuable platform for policymakers and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and find the resources they need to take action for nature.

More information

05 Dec 2023 18:38

UN Decade achievements and success stories at COP28

Image with text overlayed

On 9 December 2023 from 02:00 - 02:45 PM GST, join the UN Decade workshop "Empowering People, Strengthening Partnership" at the UNEP Pavilion Blue Zone at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

The workshop will serve as a platform for showcasing the achievements and success stories on ecosystem restoration.

04 Dec 2023 09:57

Tackling the True Cost of Financing Adaptation

 

30 Nov 2023 10:12

New partnership: Learn to grow your restoration skills with Earthed

Poster with text on it.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration has partnered with Earthed to help you grow your restoration skills and become a part of #GenerationRestoration.

Nature is in crisis. By 2030, at least one billion hectares of degraded land must be restored. Yet, there are various obstacles that are preventing people from taking part in ecosystem restoration, including lack of access to practical restoration skills, knowledge, and community. This partnership will help to address these obstacles.

Enjoy the learning journey!

06 Nov 2023 23:19

Nature for Life Hub 2023

Nature for Life Hub 2023 poster
Image: Learning for Nature

When: 7-9 November 2023

Where: Virtual sessions

Featuring nature champions, mobilizers, leaders, dreamers, and doers, the Nature for Life Hub 2023 will ignite global action for safeguarding nature and realizing the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. To drive global biodiversity action, we need everyone on board.

Register for the event or follow the sessions online.

25 Oct 2023 16:54

What to expect at the next United Nations Environment Assembly

People at a conference table
Photo: UNEP

In February 2024, world leaders, scientists, and representatives from civil society and businesses from around the world will gather in Nairobi, Kenya, for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the world’s highest environmental decision-making body.

The event comes at a critical time for the Earth, which is facing a triple planetary crisis of climate changenature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Past assemblies have played a pivotal role in shaping global environmental policy, and UNEA-6 is set to follow suit.

Read this Q&A for more information.

13 Oct 2023 16:08

Science body of UN Biodiversity Convention meets in Nairobi to agree on scientific and technical measures to support the implementation of the global biodiversity targets

Elephant
Photo: UNEP

Governments from around the world are meeting this week in Nairobi from 15 to 19 October to recommend science-based measures to support the implementation of the ambitious Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted last December.

Read more

06 Oct 2023 12:32

Asia Pacific environment ministers commit to action to tackle shared planetary challenges

Trees on mountain range
Photo: UNEP/Ishan Kahapola Arachchi

Environment Ministers and senior officials from the Asia and the Pacific region pledged concerted action to tackle the crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution at the Fifth Forum of Ministers and Environment Authorities of Asia Pacific, with the aim of restoring planetary balance and protecting people.

Representatives from 30 Member States in the Asia-Pacific region convened in-person and online for the conference, which took place from 4-5 October 2023 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The Forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Environment of Sri Lanka and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Full press release

21 Sep 2023 12:43

On UNGA margins, world leaders bolster bedrock of international law

A turtle underwater
Photo: UNEP/Kyle Babb

In June 2023, UN Member States adopted a groundbreaking treaty aimed at safeguarding life in the high seas.

As negotiations continue for the 78th session of the General Assembly (UNGA 78), Heads of State, Foreign Ministers, and other top representatives are converging to endorse multilateral treaties which form the bedrock of international legal frameworks.

Full article