News

As the world experiences the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, Canada continues to show leadership in advancing environmental action at home and around the world by bringing diverse partners together to find solutions for a healthy planet.

The ISLANDS Programme has launched a new app to turn the tide on plastic pollution

Plastic waste harms human health and the environment, releasing toxic persistent organic pollutants if improperly managed

The Tide Turners app will equip over 100,000 young people around the world with youth-focused community-based solutions to stop plastic waste

West Africa’s six Volta River Basin countries launch initiative to reduce socioeconomic pressures on the basin's natural resources $7-million project aims to reverse ecosystem and water resource degradation in one of Africa’s fastest-growing regions Currently home to 29 million people, the population of the Volta River Basin is expected to top 68 million by 2046

Senegal, Thailand and Uruguay have joined forces to reduce the environmental and health impacts of the dental industry Mercury is a key component of dental amalgam, posing significant risks to human and environmental health when improperly handled and disposed of $13-million initiative will support a holistic approach to accelerate the phase down of dental amalgam use and improve the disposal of mercury-containing waste

Côte d'Ivoire acts to reduce mercury pollution from its artisanal gold mining sector Over half a ton of mercury is used by Côte d'Ivoire’s miners annually $17-million initiative will support access to markets, finance and the uptake of mercury-free technologies by miners

Abidjan, 25th April 2023 – The Ivorian Government has taken decisive action to protect the nation’s health and environment today, launching a $17-million project to reduce the use of mercury in its artisanal gold mining sector.

19 April 2023, Juba – The Government of South Sudan has launched a major USD 9 million-initiative to help communities adapt to climate change by strengthening climate early warning systems and restoring the country’s precious ecosystems in 2 of the 10 states.

Guinea moves to reduce mercury pollution from its artisanal gold mining sector $17-million initiative will support access to markets, finance and the uptake of mercury-free gold mining technologies Mercury poses significant risks to human and ecosystem health

Conakry, 17th April 2023 – The Guinean Government has taken an important step today, launching a $17-million project to reduce the use of mercury by the nation’s artisanal gold miners.

Used to extract gold from ore, mercury is a toxic chemical that can cause irreversible brain damage.

Gabon, Jamaica and Sri Lanka have joined forces to reduce the environmental and health toll of the skin lightening industry $14-million initiative will support a holistic approach to eliminate mercury from skin lightening products and promote the beauty of all skin tones Many skin lightening products include mercury, posing significant risks to human health and the environment

Geneva, 14

The Nigerian Government has announced revised environmental regulations to reduce pollution from its electronics sector. The legislation will strengthen Nigeria’s Extended Producer Responsibility programme, making producers accountable for the end of life of their products. Hazardous chemicals released by e-waste pose significant risks to human and environmental health.

Montreal, 10 December 2022 - As the largest biodiversity conference in a decade kicked off in Montreal, mayors from 15 cities around the world called for increased direct financing to allow cities to implement ambitious greening and ecosystem restoration projects.

Kampala, November 23, 2022 – A new project launched today in Kampala by national authorities and international organizations aims to advance more responsible artisanal gold mining sector across the country.

Puipaa, Samoa, 08 November 2022: The International Coastal C

Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Viet Nam have united to reduce pollution from the textile sector $43-million initiative will support businesses to manage risks to workers and eliminate the most toxic chemicals from their production processes Hazardous chemicals used in textile production pose significant risks to human health and the environment

Islamabad, 14 October 

The Republic of the Congo moves to reduce mercury pollution from its artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector $10.5-million initiative will promote technical solutions, access to markets and finance for artisanal gold miners Mercury pollution poses significant risks to human and environmental health

Brazzaville, 11 October 2022 – The Republic of the Congo has taken an important step towards a sustainable mining sector today, with the launch of a $10.5-million project to reduce the use of mercury by the nation’s artisanal miners.

Nairobi/Washington DC, 26 July 2022 - In a boost to climate change governance, the Global Environment Facility will provide $32 million in pooled, streamlined funding to help developing countries prepare national transparency reports required under the Paris Agreement.

Lisbon, 28 June 2022 – The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) today launched the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Mediterranean Pollution Hot Spots Technical Assistance initiative, which aims to reduce pollution in the Mediterranean marine and coastal environment.

Thirty-three Small Island Developing States join $515 million USD Global Environment Facility initiative to manage hazardous chemicals and waste Joint efforts will prevent the release of over 23,000 metric tons of toxic chemicals and more than 185,000 metric tons of marine litter in island states within five years Tourism, shipping, and recycling companies to facilitate the improved transportation and treatme

Global Environment Facility to provide $43 million in financing for developing countries to fast-track halting of species loss 139 countries get funds to take quick action on nature ahead of global agreement on biodiversity Post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework expected to be adopted later in 2022 will aim to halt and reverse biodiversity loss within a decade

Montreal/New York/Nairobi/

Pacific countries made major strides towards realising the vision of the Cleaner Pacific 2025 today, with the launch of ISLANDS Pacific – a 14-nation initiative aiming to avoid the release of 28,000 tonnes of marine litter, safely dispose of 720 tonnes of contaminated material, and reduce the burden of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and mercury in island communities. 

The Green Climate Fund has approved a USD 21.7 million project to support the establishment of end-to-end climate information services and multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) in Timor-Leste 1.03 million people in Timor-Leste (80% of the population) are expected to directly benefit

Nairobi, 8 October 2021 – A major new project developed by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) will a

The National Park is among the first to be created in the world after the recent launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration The new park offers more room to roam for the critically endangered Balkan lynx

Skopje, North Macedonia, 1 July 2021 – The creation of Shar Mountain National Park in North Macedonia means the final puzzle piece for one of the largest transboundary protected ar

The Nigerian Government, the Global Environment Facility and UN Environment have announced a $15-million initiative to kick off a circular electronics system in Nigeria.

Twenty-seven Small Island Developing States have come together in a bid to manage and eliminate toxic chemicals and waste. The initiative is backed by $450 million in funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and partners. Global program will prevent the release of over 23,000 metric tons of toxic chemicals and more than 185,000 metric tons of marine litter.