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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.

25 Oct 2024 14:49

In Bhutan, the endangered Bengal tiger is making a comeback

Bengal Tigers stage a come in Bhutan

Photo: AFP/Valter Bernadeschi 

Global biodiversity is deteriorating at unprecedented rates due to the climate crisis, nature loss and pollution. In Asia, human population growth and sprawling development are shrinking habitats. 

Bengal tigers are among those affected, especially as they need vast swathes of forest and grassland to roam, hunt and reproduce. 

UNEP-supported efforts to restore ecosystems in Bhutan, however, are providing hope for the big cats. Learn more about the endangered Bengal tiger’s comeback here

24 Oct 2024 15:56

Nature is fundamental to our health

Every day, our health is shaped by the health of the planet. When nature and ecosystems thrive, so do we. The Biodiversity and Health Action Plan aims to strengthen this bond by providing countries with strategies to protect nature while enhancing public health.  

By embracing a One Health approach, we can tackle the intertwined challenges of environmental and human health and accelerate action on the Global Biodiversity Framework. This plan isn't just about saving nature; it’s about ensuring a healthier future for everyone. 

24 Oct 2024 15:09

How Sri Lanka’s bet on mangroves is paying off

Mangroves play a critical role in sheltering coastal areas from storms, erosion and flooding. They also improve water quality and are one of the most effective ecosystems in sequestering carbon. 

In the aftermath of a devastating tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka kickstarted a national drive to foster healthy mangrove ecosystems. Watch the video above to learn more about the country’s mangrove regeneration project, which the UN named a 2024 World Restoration Flagship.

24 Oct 2024 13:23

Six species saved by ecosystem restoration

Saiga antelope
Credit: Unsplash/Dasha Urvachova 

One million species are threatened with extinction, which can bring potentially catastrophic consequences for people and planet. Plummeting populations can hinder essential ecosystem services, including the provision of food and freshwater and climate regulation.  

But under the umbrella of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, efforts are underway to revive battered terrestrial and marine habitats. 

Click here to learn more about six threatened mammals, reptiles and birds stepping back from the brink of extinction with help from restoration. 

23 Oct 2024 15:13

Restoration pavilion at CBD COP16

Restoration poster

Image: German Rojas/ Pixabay 

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and G20 Global Land Initiative have organized a pavilion celebrating nature's comeback story at CBD COP16.

Come and explore innovative approaches from "Play and Score for Nature" to World Restoration Flagships, watch inspiring documentaries, delve into insightful reports and learn how you can make a difference. Connect with the Ecosystem Restoration Hub and like-minded changemakers. 

Also available, a space for bilateral meetings - reach out to restorationdecade@un.org to schedule a session. 

23 Oct 2024 14:36

In Europe's wild Carpathian Mountains, prospect of drought rises

Carpathian Mountains

Photo: AFP/Yvgen Timashov 

Stretching across seven Central and Eastern European countries, the Carpathian Mountains are home to some of the last remnants of Europe's primary forests. The forest has nearly 4,000 plant species, as well as large populations of big carnivores, including lynx, brown bears and wolves. 

As the climate crisis and deforestation threaten environmental health, the Carpathian Convention is providing seven countries with a joint vision and framework for cooperation to protect nature. By applying the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework at the regional level, the Carpathian region is enabling a sustainable future, experts say.  

23 Oct 2024 14:31

Trade Day at COP16

trade day poster

Over 4.3 billion people  depend on biodiversity for their livelihoods, yet up to  40 per cent of the Earth’s land  is degraded. Amid this crisis of nature loss, experts say strong policies are needed to safeguard human health, plant and animal biodiversity, and economic prosperity. 

On 26 October, experts in trade, the environment, biodiversity and development will gather for Trade Day at COP16 in Cali, Colombia. They will discuss how trade-related policies can foster sustainable agriculture, consumption, production and more to support the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework 

Click here for more information about the event. 

21 Oct 2024 19:07

As landscapes heal, Nepal’s most iconic animals stage a comeback

Two tigers
Credit: AFP/Cordier Sylvain 

Forests provide essential ecosystem services, including climate regulation, building materials and medicine. But overuse and land clearing for farmland are imperiling forests’ health – and the rich biodiversity they support. 

In Nepal’s Terai region, nearly 8 million people rely on forests, putting rhino, elephant and tiger populations at risk. Terai Arc Landscape is helping to change that. The initiative, a United Nations World Restoration Flagship, has reforested 65,000 hectares and supported about 500,000 households. Its efforts have helped triple Nepal's tiger population and revitalize forest ecosystems. 

21 Oct 2024 17:00

8th Summit for Subnational Governments and Cities

A city view
Credit: Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI) 

To stave off biodiversity loss, experts say governments must foster increased collaboration across all levels of government and all sectors of society.  

On 26 October, local and subnational government leaders from around the world will gather in Cali, Colombia, for a parallel event to COP16. They will discuss the importance of strong policymaking and investments in biodiversity protection and launch new initiatives that align with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework goal of living in harmony with nature.  

Click here for more information about the event. 

21 Oct 2024 13:08

How a restoration initiative is making African communities more resilient

A beekeeper in a protective suit
Credit: CIFOR-ICRAF  

Droughts, floods, deforestation and unsustainable farming practices are degrading soil across Africa. With desertification also affecting some 45 per cent of the continent’s land area, food security and sustainable development are under serious threat. 

Regreening Africa is providing a much-needed salve. The initiative, a United Nations World Restoration Flagship, has restored over 350,000 hectares of land, helping more than 600,000 households across eight countries. Its regreening efforts have improved groundwater filtration, making rural communities more resilient to the impacts of the climate crisis

Related Sustainable Development Goals