Biodiversity is the complex web that sustains all life, including human existence. Yet, this web is unravelling – one million of the world’s estimated 8 million species of plants and animals are threatened with extinction.
Through the expansion and effective management of protected areas, large-scale ecosystem restoration, and the promotion of sustainable use practices, UNEP is driving global action to safeguard species and secure the benefits that nature provides for humanity.
Conservation, restoration, and sustainable use
Conservation: UNEP works with countries to protect endangered species and their habitats through integrated conservation efforts and international agreements.
Restoration: Ecosystem restoration is vital to species survival. UNEP supports global efforts like the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to bring back[DR1] the habitats that species rely on for their survival.
Sustainable use: Billions of people around the world rely on wild species for food, energy, medicine, materials, and more. Sustainable practices ensure that species and ecosystems can continue to provide resources for local communities without compromising their long-term survival. UNEP promotes policies that balance protection with human needs, such as sustainable fisheries and[DR2] responsible wildlife trade.
Global action
UNEP is at the forefront of global efforts to protect species, contributing to international agreements like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and hosting the CITES Secretariat[DR3] , which ensures international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.
[DR1]i think we have the decade in too many places. also it does not have a species focus so strongly suggest we take this out.
[DR2]protection and human needs are not at odds. this is too polarized for such a complex issue. perhaps polcies that balance ecosystem and human needs to promote sustainable development...or maybe thats too jargony. that said tradeoffs have to be managed and made.
[DR3]do we want to mention we host GRASP partnership?
