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Updates on nature, land and biodiversity

Ocean Image Bank/Gregory Piper

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.

31 Oct 2025 16:26

Deadline extended: World Wildlife Day 2026 Official Poster Contest

World Wildlife Day 2026 Official Poster Contest

 

Submit your design by 9 November 2025 for a chance to gain global visibility. Get more information on the contest and how to take part. 

Last updated at
27 Oct 2025 11:32

Kunming Biodiversity Fund endorses 22 project to fast-track action on biodiversity

Japanese beetle
Credit: rfotostock from Pixabay

 

The Kunming Biodiversity Fund has endorsed 22 full-size projects, supporting 34 countries in achieving the goals and targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework. It aims to implement a whole-of-society approach to address nature and biodiversity loss, which is accelerating at an alarming rate with one million species at risk of extinction largely due to human activities.

Last updated at
23 Oct 2025 12:12

Tracing the ghost of the mountains on International Day of the snow leopard

Snow Leopard
Credit: Adobe Stock/kwadrat70

 

Snow Leopards in Central Asia are officially classified as a vulnerable species, due to Climate change, declining prey numbers and run-ins with livestock. Backed by UNEPs support, a group of volunteer rangers have taken it upon themselves to protect these big cats, despite the danger of patrolling alone, facing landslides, flash floods, thunderstorms and sometimes armed poachers.

Last updated at
15 Oct 2025 13:50

Wider Caribbean nations convene in Jamaica for critical summit on protecting the Caribbean Sea

Turtle entering the sea
Credit: UNEP

 

Kingston, Jamaica, 14 October 2025 – High-level government officials and technical experts from across the Wider Caribbean Region are gathered this week in Kingston, Jamaica for the Eighteenth Meeting of the Contracting Parties (COP18) to the Cartagena Convention, the only legally binding regional agreement for the protection and development of the Caribbean Sea. 

Taking place from 13–16 October 2025, the meeting brings together governments, regional organizations, and partners to review progress made under the 2023–2024 work plan and to shape a new strategic programme and budget for 2026–2027. 

With the Caribbean Sea central to the region’s identity, economies, and wellbeing, countries are working together to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient future. 

Last updated at
25 Sep 2025 10:19

UNEP at UNGA: stay up to date

United Nations General Assembly header

 

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly is currently underway, with UNEP hosting and taking part in a number of events. View daily updates to stay informed.

Last updated at
17 Sep 2025 15:22

From "green soup" to natural oasis: Why Spain granted legal rights to the Mar Menor lagoon

Buildings on strip of land surrounded by water
Credit: UNEP/Thomas Cristofoletti

 

The Mar Menor lagoon, a triangle of warm shallow water and tourist hotspot suffered repeated mass die-offs of fish and vegetation caused by chronic pollution from farms, mines and urban areas.

In response to mounting pressure to protect the lagoon it was granted "legal personality" by the Parliament - a European First. To halt and reverse the degradation of the lagoon the Spanish government launched a comprehensive restoration framework backed by a €675 million budget.

Read more about the long-term revival plan focusing on tackling the deep-rooted causes of the crisis, which has since been named a United Nations World Restoration Flagship. 

Last updated at
16 Sep 2025 12:31

Can chocolate save the rainforest?

 

Find out about how farmers on a small cacao plantation just outside of Cameroon's Dja Faunal Reserve went from scraping together a living on the margins of the reserve to boosting their yields, while preserving the rainforest and protecting wildlife.

Last updated at
27 Aug 2025 14:09

Lakes around the world are in decline. Here’s why – and what can be done about it.

An aerial view of a mostly dry lake bed
Credit: AFP/Frederic Brown

 

There are more than 100 million lakes scattered across the planet, according to one prominent study. 

But many aren’t what they used to be. From Bolivia to South Africa and beyond, climate change, pollution and over-abstraction are drastically changing these bodies of water. Many have dwindled to nothing. Others are bursting their banks. Some have even turned green.  

Ahead of the first World Lake Day, which is 27 August, here’s a closer look at the biggest threats to the world’s lakes – and what can be done about them. 

Last updated at
05 Aug 2025 16:09

New report on possible linkages between the BBNJ Agreement and biodiversity-related MEAs

Blanket Octopus
Credit: Ocean Image Bank/Mike Bartick

 

This technical report examines potential linkages between the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) and several biodiversity-related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) administered by UNEP. 

Adopted in June 2023, the BBNJ Agreement adds a major new dimension to global ocean governance by addressing longstanding gaps in the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

Access the report

UNEP and the BBNJ Agreement

Last updated at
29 Jul 2025 07:19

Food is Never Waste: Scaling Finance and Partnerships to Transform Food Systems

People seated at a panel
Image: UNEP

 

Each year, more than one-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted, costing the global economy over USD 1 trillion annually and generating nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. On 28 July, the United Nations Environment Programme (via the Food is Never Waste Coalition and the Cool Coalition), the Food and Agriculture Organization, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development brought together government leaders and experts from civil society, academia, and philanthropy at the UN Food Systems Summit +4 Stocktaking Moment in Ethiopia to share experiences and strategies on addressing food loss and waste.

Key discussions at the event:

  • Government representatives from Ghana, France, India, and Spain shared practical insights on integrating food loss and waste reduction into their national strategies, highlighting real-world policies and multi-sector partnerships.
  • IKEA Foundation and The Global FoodBanking Network discussed how philanthropic and private-sector initiatives can mobilize finance to scale proven solutions on the ground.
  • Experts emphasized the importance of aligning national pathways on food loss and waste reduction with broader climate, economic, and nutritional goals, showcasing opportunities for deeper international collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The event advanced collective understanding of how reducing food loss and waste is essential for supporting global climate action, food security, and sustainable economic growth.

Last updated at
Topics

Related Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 1

Goal 1: No Poverty
+

Goal 2

Goal 2: Zero Hunger
+

Goal 3

Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being
+

Goal 6

Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
+

Goal 8

Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
+

Goal 12

Goal 12: Sustainable Consumption and Production
+

Goal 13

Goal 13: Climate Action
+

Goal 14

Goal 14: Life Below Water
+

Goal 15

Goal 15: Life on Land
+
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