There is no quick fix to the climate emergency and the overexploitation of natural resources. But if humanity protects, sustainably manages and restores nature, it can address societal challenges, ensure human well-being and promote biodiversity benefits.
By working with nature, emissions can be reduced by up to 11.7 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year by 2030, over 40 per cent of what is needed to limit global warming.
Approximately US$133 billion per year currently flows into nature-based solutions, with public funds making up 86 per cent and private finance 14 per cent. But more urgent action is needed.
To unlock the full potential of nature and pave the way for the success of the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, greater investment is needed in what nature does best: self-healing.
UNEP’s approach to implementing nature-based solutions
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) works with a range of stakeholders – from small communities on the ground to the highest levels of government – to shift humanity’s relationship with nature and provide sustainable solutions to our unfolding climate crisis.
UNEP, along with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO), leads the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which targets expanded use of agro-ecological farming practices, reforestation and afforestation, and more. UNEP also contributes to tree-planting initiatives and climate-smart agriculture. These programmes reduce land degradation while soaking up carbon and help raise awareness about supporting biodiversity.
UNEP works with the FAO and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in implementing the UN-REDD Programme on reducing emissions from forest degradation. UNEP also helps countries define, implement and monitor their national biodiversity action plans and plan ecosystem-based adaptation to the climate crisis.
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