Sawfish, Photo by Petr Kratochvil

About nature action

Nature underpins the functions and health of the planet and thereby the existence and health of humankind.

Three quarters of land and two thirds of oceans are now impacted by humans and many of nature’s contributions to people are eroding. At the same time, people’s needs are not being met sustainably - if at all. An estimated 720 to 811 million people suffered from hunger in 2020 ( FAO, 2021) and 2.3  billion people in 2021 lived in water-stressed areas (UN Water). By 2030, the world will require even more resources, including more water and more food, while nature loss is expected to continue to accelerate. The only way to ensure a resilient future for our planet and communities is through the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of nature.

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Related Sustainable Development Goals

People and partners

Our work on healthy and productive ecosystems cuts across a number of initiatives, partnerships and other key entities.

  • UNEP - World Conservation Monitoring Centre
  • UNEP - International Ecosystem Management Partnership
  • Marine and Coastal Ecosystems Branch
  • Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Branch
  • Freshwater, Land and Climate Change Branch