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This month, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a brand-new animation to explain the increasingly popular concept of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA).

Healthy ecosystems can reduce the negative impacts of climate change. For instance, coastal habitats like mangroves provide natural flood defences, well-protected lakes retain water sources during droughts, and healthy forests reduce the risk of devastating wildfires. Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is an approach that uses these ecosystem services as part of a holistic adaptation strategy.

With reports suggesting COVID-19 could spark food shortages around the world, food systems experts and United Nations officials say countries must increase the resilience of their agricultural systems.

When Albert Pati moved closer to the sea to open a beach bar overlooking the Mediterranean in Albania, he never imagined that the sea would also be moving closer to him, now eroding the soil around his restaurant floor.

Small Island Developing States (SIDS), such as the Caribbean Island of Grenada, face a double exposure to external economic and environmental shocks.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said in his recent report on the Socio-Economic Impacts of COVID-19 that governments should not respond to the COVID-19 crisis by making policy and investment decisions that exacerbate existing crises

Most of us spend a large chunk of our lives in one building or another, but have you ever stopped to consider the greenhouse gases linked to the construction of these buildings?

One way to reduce greenhouse gases is the use of recycled and more environmentally friendly building materials.

 Interview with Richard Munang, United Nations Environment Programme expert on climate and Africa

Durban, 3 February 2020 - Representatives from 22 African cities are visiting Durban to receive training on a pioneering initiative that matches real-world challenges in cities with local university students.

Nairobi, 21 January 2020 - The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) are jointly launching the Global Fund for Ecosystem-based Adaptation [2020-2024], which aims to provide targeted and rapid support mechanisms through seed capital for innovative approaches to ecosystem-based adaptation.

“I feel a strong need to share simple stories that will increase people’s knowledge on the importance of forests. Since people tend to believe what they see over what they hear, vlogging is a good way to raise awareness,” says Oluwaseun Adekugbe from Akure, Nigeria.

Presentation vlog of Oluwaseun Adekugbe

NOTE: This story was originally posted in December 2019. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, all dates below have been changed or are subject to change.

UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) Wrap Up with Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme and Under-Secretary-General, United Nations

Madrid, 10 November 2019 – Twelve international organizations providing assistance to developing countries came together at the UN Climate Change Conference today to launch the Alliance for Hydromet Development.

• A new US$10 million programme will encourage innovation for adaptation in developing countries.
• UNEP and the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) will work together to administer US$5 million of small grants.
• Innovation is one of the three strategic pillars of the Adaptation Fund.

Madrid, 09 December 2019 — The Adaptation Fund has announc

Turning plastic waste into pavement slabs, acid water into drinking water and making leather from mushrooms—these are some of the achievements of the 2019 winners for the SEED Low Carbon Awards.

The Mexican city of Xalapa is surrounded by ecosystems that not only harbor stunning flora and fauna, but also provide crucial services to the city and its 580,000 people.

• 10 per cent of Laos’ population will benefit from a new project using nature-based solutions to reduce urban flooding.
• The project is part of a much larger ‘paradigm shift’ in climate adaptation, from hard ‘grey’ infrastructure to integrated solutions that includes ‘green’ infrastructure.
• It is the largest ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) project in Laos, and the first-ever urban EbA project to be approved by the Green Cl

The tiny island of Sylt, a United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) world heritage site, has been hosting the world windsurfing championship since 1984 along its 40 km, low-lying coast that makes for ideal windsurfing conditions.

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have pockets of food insecurity. These can appear and develop for many reasons. And in some cases, simple nature-based solutions can make a significant difference to people’s lives.

In early 2019, The United Nations General Assembly declared 2021–2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.