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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.

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

30 Oct 2024 21:02

UN Secretary-General calls for ‘ambitious agreement’ to end plastic pollution

UN Secretary-General António Guterres speaks at COP16

Photo: UNEP/Duncan Moore

UN Secretary-General António Guterres joined ministers at COP16 today to address the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to end Plastic Pollution.  

“The ball is now in the court of Member States to land an agreement that is ambitious, credible and just,” he said. “An agreement that addresses the life cycle of plastic – tackling single-use and short-lived plastics, an agreement that responds to the needs of people and communities and that unleashes a just transition for all – including 20 million waste pickers around the world.” 

Click here to read his full speech. 

30 Oct 2024 17:13

How the Global Fund for Coral Reefs is helping businesses fix Mexico's seaweed problem

An unprecedented influx of brown seaweed called Sargassum has been clogging the shores of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, causing ecological and economic problems. Deforestation, agricultural expansion, urbanization and rising temperatures are fuelling these Sargassum blooms, experts say.

The Global Fund for Coral Reefs, supported by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and UN Development Programme (UNDP), is helping local businesses turn Sargassum into sustainable products like eco-friendly fertilizer, products for cosmetics and vegan leather. Learn more about the innovative approach here

30 Oct 2024 09:59

Today is Restoration Day at COP16!


Today is Restoration Day, COP16’s prime meeting place for ecosystem restoration.  

Join to watch leaders, experts and advocates from around the world engage in moderated panel discussions focused on finance, monitoring, human rights, partnerships and more. Through these events, attendees can learn how to accelerate progress towards the ambitious goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

30 Oct 2024 09:40

UN Secretary-General Guterres speaks at the High-Level Segment of COP16 on Biodiversity

UN Secretary General speaks at COP16

UN Secretary-General António Guterres yesterday spoke at High-Level Segment of the sixteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP 16) in Cali, Colombia.

“We cannot afford to leave Cali without new pledges to adequately capitalize the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund and without commitments to mobilize other sources of public and private finance to deliver the Framework – in full,” he said.

Click here to watch his full speech.