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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.

28 Nov 2024 11:26

Can a network of “eco-villages” save Madagascar’s prehistoric biodiversity?

Eco-village in Madagascar
Photo: UNEP/Florian Florian Fussstetter


Madagascar, the fourth largest island in the world, is home to 5 per cent of the planet’s biodiversity including a unique array of endemic species and diverse wildlife. Today, habitat destruction, overexploitation, invasive species and climate change threaten this unique biodiversity. 

UNEP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) have teamed up to work with local communities to establish eco-villages, areas that give communities the right to manage their own natural resources with the aim of halting deforestation, and protecting plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. 

Eco-villages in Madagascar, previously limited to a few private sites, are now becoming a community-based model for sustainable environmental management nationwide with support from the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development in the country. 

27 Nov 2024 14:23

How “forest gardens” are restoring land – and hope – in Sub-Saharan Africa

Participants of the TREES’ “forest garden” initiative
Photo: UNEP/Todd Brown


Land degradation – referred to as desertification in drylands – affects communities across Sub-Saharan Africa. Falling soil fertility is undermining crop yields and livelihoods, and the ability of countries to feed their fast-growing populations. 

Amid alarm that climate change will intensify the problem, Africa is fighting back, including through restoration initiatives like TREES and the sweeping Great Green Wall project.

TREES’ “forest garden” model combines agroforestry – which incorporates trees and shrubs into agricultural systems – with sustainable farming practices. The goal is to build soil fertility and boost the yields of smallholder farmers. Experts say that is crucial to countering poverty and helping communities become more resilient to the impacts of climate change, including droughts, floods and storms. 

27 Nov 2024 14:01

Landmark UN conference to accelerate global efforts for land restoration and drought resilience

Desert landscape
Credit: Unsplash/Jeremiah Del Mar

 

In a pivotal year of environmental negotiations, with major conferences focusing on biodiversity, climate change and desertification, the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 2 to 13 December 2024. Under the theme “Our Land. Our Future,” the Conference will host representatives of governments, civil society and leading experts to advance global efforts to combat land degradation, desertification and drought while promoting sustainable development. 

More information:

UNEP Pavilion at UNCCD COP16

Host country COP16 website

UNCCD COP16 website

15 Nov 2024 11:38

Informational webinars on Nature4Health Phase II

Grassland
Credit: Unsplash/Qingbao Meng

 

Nature4Health (N4H) is a multi-partner trust fund working to prevent zoonotic spillovers by strengthening the environmental aspects of One Health, an inter-sectoral, interdisciplinary approach that focuses on where the health of people, animals and environments converge.  

The N4H Secretariat is hosting a series of informational webinars on the second round of expression of interest. These sessions aim to provide clear guidance on the application process, including key requirements and essential details. Below is a list of upcoming sessions.

November 2024

25 November - Spanish (Register)  

26 November- English (Register)

26 November - French (Register)

27 November - English II (Register)

February 2025

4 February - English I (Register)

4 February - Spanish (Register)

5 February - French (Register)

6 February -English II (Register)

May 2025

6 May - English I (Register)

6 May - Spanish (Register)

7 May - French (Register)

14 May - English II (Register)

Find out more.

07 Nov 2024 18:09

New reports call for emission cuts and adaptation funding

 Banner image of Adaptation Gap Report 2024. The image depicts a cityscape with a modern urban skyline in the background.

UNEP’s latest scientific reports show that countries are falling short on emissions targets and urgently need to boost climate adaptation efforts. 

The Emissions Gap Report warns that global temperatures could rise by a catastrophic 2.6–3.1°C this century without immediate and substantial cuts to greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, citing wildfires, drought, floods, and heatwaves, UNEP chief Inger Andersen said, “Come hell and high water, inaction on climate adaption is no longer an option” at the launch of the Adaptation Gap Report

04 Nov 2024 08:30

COP16 in Cali, Colombia has delivered

“COP16 in Cali, Colombia has delivered. On nature, climate, health and on marine areas,” said UNEP’s Executive Director, Inger Andersen. 

Some of the major achievements of COP16 include new pledges for biodiversity funding, a Digital Sequence Information fund to give back to nature and its stewards and a stronger voice for Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

01 Nov 2024 15:32

"Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent, and local communities must be protected"- UN Secretary-General

01 Nov 2024 10:34

Here’s how protecting freshwater ecosystems can help countries meet their biodiversity targets

Photo: Unsplash/Chandan Shastri 

The world has mismanaged its freshwater reserves for decades, hampering progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).   

Some 50 per cent of countries globally have one or more types of freshwater-related ecosystems – rivers, lakes, wetlands or aquifers – in a state of degradation, finds a recent report from UNEP. 

As representatives from 196 countries discuss the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework at COP16, there is growing recognition of the value of fresh water and the need to account for it in both national and local policy and financial decisions.  

Lear more about the five ways countries can leverage freshwater to meet their global biodiversity and sustainability goals.  

31 Oct 2024 12:36

Kunming Biodiversity Fund – Launching the call for proposals

Today at COP16, UNEP hosts a side event to formally launch the first call for proposals under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), created by China MEE, UNEP, SCBD, UNDP, and other partners. The fund supports developing countries in implementing the GFB through a whole-of-government, whole-of-society approach.  

The event will announce a US$50 million call for proposals and share updates on initial catalytic projects. High-level remarks from CBD COP15 President Huang Runqiu and UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen will set the tone, followed by a Q&A session for potential applicants. 

A “World Café” roundtable discussion will follow, allowing stakeholders to share insights on maximizing biodiversity funding impact and overcoming implementation challenges. This segment ensures the fund aligns with developing countries’ needs and fosters impactful support. 

31 Oct 2024 09:05

Today is Cooperation Day at COP16!

Governments, international organizations and other stakeholders are gathering today for Cooperation Day at COP16. 

They will discuss the importance of collaboration in efficient and effective implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and other biodiversity-related objectives. 

Panel discussions, interactive sessions and case study presentations will allow stakeholders to exchange ideas, learn about ongoing cooperative processes and provide feedback on biodiversity targets. 

Learn more here