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Updates on nature, land 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.

14 Jul 2025 15:08

The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025

 

A decade after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the United Nations released today the 10th edition of its annual progress report, The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2025. The report provides a stark assessment and a strong call for action.

While millions of lives have improved, through gains in health, education, energy, and digital connectivity, the pace of change remains insufficient to meet the Goals by 2030. The latest available data show that only 35 per cent of targets are on track or making moderate progress, while nearly half are moving too slowly and 18 per cent have regressed.

"We are facing a development emergency,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “But this report is more than a snapshot of today. It's also a compass pointing the way to progress. This report indicates that the Sustainable Development Goals remain within reach. But only if we act - with urgency, unity, and unwavering resolve.”

14 Jul 2025 09:06

40 Years of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment and the Road to 2063

10 Jul 2025 12:56

Nature at the heart of the 2030 Agenda

An underwater view of a mangrove forest
Image: Unsplash/Kristin Hoel

 

On Monday, 14 July, UNEP will host a side event at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) focused on how the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework can drive progress across the 2030 Agenda, underscoring the link between nature, equity, health, and development.

The discussion will spotlight National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and cross-sector collaboration as key to delivering on the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on those under review this year: Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3); Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8); and Life Below Water (SDG 14).

See more on the side event

Explore UNEP’s full engagement at the HLPF

01 Jul 2025 15:32

New report: unlocking the sustainable transition for agribusiness

A farm field
Credit: Unsplash/Dan Meyers

 

Despite feeding billions, today’s global food system is failing, driving more hunger, harming health, and degrading nature. A new report from UNEP and Chatham House, Unlocking Sustainable Transition for Agribusiness, pinpoints three major barriers that keep the system locked into unsustainable practices: the cheaper food paradigm, market consolidation, and investment path dependencies.

With food systems at the heart of the climate, nature, and pollution crises, the report calls on governments, financial institutions, agribusiness, and civil society to break these lock-ins and accelerate the shift to sustainable and resilient food systems.

Read the press release

16 Jun 2025 16:55

Swimming with sharks to save them

 

For decades, sharks have been portrayed as killing machines. However, it is humans who kill an estimated 274,000 sharks every single day.

Fifty years after the movie Jaws hit the big screen, UN Environment Programme Patron of the Oceans Lewis Pugh is swimming 96km around Martha’s Vineyard to rewrite the narrative and challenge long-held fears about sharks.

16 Jun 2025 13:56

Celebrating 30 Years of AEWA: The African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement

 

Migratory waterbirds connect continents, cultures, and ecosystems. But their journeys are increasingly threatened by climate change, pollution, and habitat loss.  The 30th Anniversary of the African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)—a regional UN treaty stretching from the northern reaches of Canada and the Russian Federation to the southernmost tip of Africa falls on 16 June.

Watch this video to learn more about AEWA and be inspired to take action for migratory waterbirds, biodiversity, and our shared planet.

See other videos below:

Celebrating 30 Years of AEWA: An Investment in Nature, People and our Planet

Celebrating 30 Years of AEWA: The Power of International Species Action Plans

12 Jun 2025 18:07

A new strategic direction for regional seas

People pose for a photo
Credit: UNEP

 

In her opening remarks at the 24th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans held alongside the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen praised the Regional Seas Programme as a “seawall that can help to hold back the surge” of ocean threats.

Speaking to delegates and ocean leaders, Andersen underscored the critical role of regional cooperation in tackling the ocean crisis – from pollution and climate change to the urgent need to protect biodiversity.

She emphasized that meeting global targets is not just about numbers but about ensuring that protected areas truly deliver for people and nature.

“We need to be sure that what we protect is representative of unique and important biodiversity; that the quality of what we protect is ensured; that we have contiguity in ecosystem terms; and that this work is rooted in equity.”

Read the full speech

11 Jun 2025 16:35

UN recognizes World Restoration Flagships in East Africa, Mexico, and Spain

A seal
Credit: UNEP/Todd Brown

 

Three inspiring initiatives have just been named the newest UN World Restoration Flagships. Together, these #GenerationRestoration champions are restoring nearly five million hectares of marine ecosystems across Africa, Europe, and Latin America.

Restoring the Northern Mozambique Channel Region (Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania)

A biodiversity hotspot home to coral reefs, whale sharks, and sea turtles. Countries are restoring over 87,000 hectares with plans to scale up to 4.85 million hectares by 2030.

Ecosystems restoration in Mar Menor (Spain)

Europe’s first ecosystem with legal personhood. Once collapsing due to pollution, it’s bouncing back thanks to joint action by citizens, farmers, and the government.

Comprehensive island restoration in Mexico

A global model for island restoration. After 26 years of work, 85 per cent of lost seabird colonies have returned. The goal: restore 100 islands by 2030.

Read more about the World Restoration Flagships

10 Jun 2025 17:18

BBNJ Agreement sees surge in ratifications at UNOC

Humpback whale tail, Reunion Island
Credit:  Ocean Image Bank/ François Baelen 

 

The Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement) sets clearer protections for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.

At the third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, the number of ratifications rose to 50, bringing the world closer to the 60 needed for the Agreement to enter into force.

For the latest status of signatures and ratifications, visit the UN Treaty Collection website.

Learn more about the BBNJ Agreement

10 Jun 2025 16:59

Advancing ocean cooperation: Regional Seas leaders to meet in Nice

Two men fishing
Credit: UNEP/Lisa Murray

 

The 24th Global Meeting of the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans will take place on 11th June from 08:30 - 18:30 hrs in Nice, France, on the margins of the third UN Ocean Conference.

The meeting brings together regional ocean leaders to strengthen cooperation for ocean governance and aligns action with global commitments such as the Global Goals, the Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), and the Global Biodiversity Framework.

Three new UN World Restoration Flagships will also be awarded, celebrating ambitious, large-scale restoration efforts that demonstrate achievements in sustainable ocean ecosystems and are embedded in the Regional Seas.