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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.

12 Feb 2024 19:00

Migratory species know no borders; nor should conservation efforts

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen delivers a speech
Photo: UNEP/Duncan Moore

"Migratory species tell us how nature is doing. How our planet is doing. Tell us about the challenges that humanity creates for these migratory beings. Challenges of pollution, challenges of climate change, challenges of fragmentation of landscapes, challenges of walls and barriers, challenges of plastic debris, challenges of human activity on the ocean floor, challenges of ocean traffic and so much more." - Inger Andersen, UNEP Executive Director.

Read the full speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP14).

12 Feb 2024 18:23

Landmark UN report: The world’s migratory species of animals are in decline, and the global extinction risk is increasing

Birds flying in the air
Photo: Pixabay/Kranich17

The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report reveals shocking figures of declining species populations. The report investigates the conservation status and population trends of migratory animals and highlights the latest information on their main threats and successful interventions to save them.

Read the press release.

09 Feb 2024 16:07

UN Environment Assembly to take on climate change, nature loss, pollution

Delegates will gather for the sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), the world’s top decision-making body on the environment from 26 February to 1 March 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya.

The assembly brings together 193 Member States, intergovernmental organizations, the broader UN system, civil society groups, the scientific community and the private sector to shape global environmental policy.

Delegates are expected to discuss how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate changenature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.

31 Jan 2024 20:50

GEF family of funds set for ambitious investments in nature

Two penguins
Photo: UNEP/Olle Nordell

The inaugural board meeting of the new Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) will be held during the 66th Global Environment Facility Council meeting from February 5–9.

The Global Environment Facility Council will decide on over $1 billion in funding for climate change adaptation, biodiversity, ocean health, pollution management, and other initiatives.

19 Jan 2024 15:18

In Bhutan, the endangered Bengal tiger is making a comeback

Two tigers look towards the camera, their faces reflected in the water
Photo: Biosphoto via AFP/Valter Bernadeschi

The number of Bengal tigers has increased by 27% since 2015, with 131 now calling Bhutan home. Conservationists, who have seen wild tiger numbers worldwide drop in recent decades, praised the survey, which was done with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Find out more about this beacon of hope in a world where biodiversity is under threat. 

08 Jan 2024 17:18

RESTORE series wins Prize of the Jury at Global Science Film Festival

A man walking in a field
Photo: UNEP/Darya Kuznetsova

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration "RESTORE" series has been awarded the Prize of the Jury at the 2023 Global Science Film Festival. The documentary series presents a beacon of hope amid the perilous decline of the natural world. Through ten meticulously crafted short films, the series shines a spotlight on ten locations where nature is staging a remarkable resurgence. These sites stand as the pioneering ten UN World Restoration Flagships, exemplifying humanity's potential to achieve the ambitious objectives set forth in the new Global Biodiversity Framework. The initiatives signify the vanguard of hope for the planet, representing a collective commitment to safeguard 30% of Earth's lands and seas while restoring 20% from the grips of degradation. 

19 Dec 2023 23:53

NBSAP Forum now available in French, Russian and Spanish

NBSAP Forum social media card

The increasing pressure on the planet's biodiversity calls for an urgent need to collaborate and take action. The UN Development Programme, in partnership with the Convention on Biological Diversity and UNEP, have released the ‌National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP) Forum in French, Spanish, and Russian.

Oriented towards the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, the NBSAP Forum is a valuable platform for policymakers and practitioners to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and find the resources they need to take action for nature.

More information

05 Dec 2023 18:38

UN Decade achievements and success stories at COP28

Image with text overlayed

On 9 December 2023 from 02:00 - 02:45 PM GST, join the UN Decade workshop "Empowering People, Strengthening Partnership" at the UNEP Pavilion Blue Zone at COP28 in Dubai, UAE.

The workshop will serve as a platform for showcasing the achievements and success stories on ecosystem restoration.

04 Dec 2023 09:57

Tackling the True Cost of Financing Adaptation

 

30 Nov 2023 10:12

New partnership: Learn to grow your restoration skills with Earthed

Poster with text on it.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration has partnered with Earthed to help you grow your restoration skills and become a part of #GenerationRestoration.

Nature is in crisis. By 2030, at least one billion hectares of degraded land must be restored. Yet, there are various obstacles that are preventing people from taking part in ecosystem restoration, including lack of access to practical restoration skills, knowledge, and community. This partnership will help to address these obstacles.

Enjoy the learning journey!

Related Sustainable Development Goals