The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) funding, are implementing native forest conservation projects which include generating livelihoods and preserving ancestral traditions of rural communities in Argentina, Colombia, and Chile. Don't miss the opportunity to see the impact of these efforts, check out the photo story!

In Benin, black soldier fly larvae decompose organic waste in 12 days, producing natural fertilizer that boosts soil and crop yields.

There are over 100 million lakes across the globe, but many are undergoing dramatic changes. Climate change, pollution, and excessive water use are causing lakes to shrink, overflow, or even change color. According to Dianna Kopansky of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), some of the world’s most iconic lakes have deteriorated significantly in recent decades. She warns that reversing this trend is essential, as countless people depend on lakes for their survival. In honor of the first World Lake Day, here’s a closer look at the biggest threats to the world’s lakes – and what can be done about them. 

Air pollution is a major environmental health risk that worsens climate change, harms economies, and reduces agricultural productivity. It affects everyone, highlighting the need for a collective approach to protect our atmosphere. By working across borders, sectors, and communities, we can reduce pollution through shared efforts and investment. On International Day of Clean Air for Blue Skies (7 September), we urge governments, corporations, civil society, and individuals to act. By tackling air pollution proactively, we can achieve significant change and ensure healthy air for all.

Lakes are among the most vital natural resources on our planet. They provide essential fresh water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. Lakes also play a key role in maintaining biodiversity and contributing to climate regulation. However, they are increasingly threatened by a combination of overuse, pollution and climate change. We must act now. On this first World Lake Day (27 August), let's raise awareness about the challenges lakes face. Let’s take action today to sustain life tomorrow.

The ocean, covering over 70% of our planet, is vital for human existence but faces crises from pollution, overfishing, and climate change. Grassroots actions are essential, exemplified by Shabib Asghar, a PADI Dive Master and UNDP Youth4Climate awardee from Pakistan. After his first dive in 2015, he became Director of Marine conservation Pakistan and launched the Reef Revival Initiative in 2025, focusing on organic coral propagation without artificial structures. Leading a dedicated team, Shabib empowers youth through hands-on projects, promoting sustainable practices like eco-friendly fishing and habitat restoration to protect coastal ecosystems.

Franklin Olivo was exploring the Tagarkunyal jungle in Panama's Darién province when he encountered a harpy eagle, the largest eagle in the Americas. This bird, recognized as Panama's national symbol, holds significant cultural importance for Indigenous groups and plays a crucial role in the rainforest ecosystem. However, it faces threats from hunting and habitat loss, particularly in the Darién region, which is also plagued by poverty and illegal activities. Despite economic pressures from agriculture, logging, and mining, the Guna and other Indigenous Peoples play a vital role in conserving the rainforest through their traditional knowledge and community stewardship. Franklin's sighting of the eagle was part of a monitoring project initiated by Guna leaders to empower local youth as environmental guardians.

Dayana Blanco, from Bolivia, and Maggie Bukowa, from Zambia, represent two influential voices of change within a global network dedicated to talent, conviction, and passion, which serves as the foundation for the Equator Initiative. This initiative recognizes the invaluable wisdom and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities worldwide. Supported by the governments of Norway and Germany, the Equator Initiative aligns with the UNDP's Nature Pledge and Climate Promise initiatives, which aim to enhance livelihoods while safeguarding nature and human rights. The inaugural Equator Prize was established in 2002 during the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, also known as Rio+10, building upon the commitments made during the landmark 1992 Earth Summit.

In Harmony with Nature. What do lush tea fields, spicy wasabi, and floodplains that double as community parks have in common? They’re all part of a global movement where people and nature thrive together! In this lively, globe-trotting article from UNDP Nature, you’ll meet the passionate locals and Indigenous leaders behind COMDEKS — an initiative that blends age-old traditions with modern smarts to protect biodiversity and boost livelihoods. Follow their journey from the forests of Costa Rica to the satoyama heartlands of Japan, and discover how sustainable farming, clever land management, and a whole lot of community spirit are turning everyday places into pockets of ecological magic. It’s proof that saving the planet can start right in your backyard—and yes, it can be delicious too.

Where land and sea meet, a unique ecosystem is found: mangrove forests. Whether offering protection from climate change, supporting livelihoods, biodiversity and more, mangroves benefit us all. In the first study of its kind, FAO, with experts around the world, uncovered a wealth of information on the extent of mangrove forests globally, as well a glimpse into what causes mangrove losses and gains. Find out more about this precious ecosystem and see how mangroves affect our daily lives.

International support and local action are reviving Madagascar’s rainforests, paving the way for their removal from UNESCO’s List of World Heritage in Danger.

PROCARIBE+, a UNOPS-supported regional initiative, is uniting Caribbean nations, communities, and organizations to restore marine ecosystems, empower coastal livelihoods, and build a sustainable blue economy for future generations.

Marcos Uzquiano Howard, a Bolivian park ranger and defender of the Amazon, has always held a deep respect for nature, learning to value biodiversity from his mother and grandmother. Despite his commitment to protecting the environment, he has faced harassment, threats, and persecution from institutional bodies like the National Service of Protected Areas (SERNAP) due to his opposition to illegal mining and deforestation. Although he won a ruling for his reinstatement, he still awaits protective measures to continue his work. In a significant development for environmental justice, Bolivia held its first public environmental hearing under the Escazú Agreement on April 23, 2025, focusing on the protection of the jaguar and environmental defenders like Uzquiano.

From AI to ecosystems, intelligence surrounds us but solving plastic pollution requires action, not just innovation, as we observe World Environment Day.

Plastic permeates every corner of the planet—even in our bodies. This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to #BeatPlasticPollution. Drawing inspiration from nature and science we can all take action to build a cleaner, healthier future powered by real solutions. This year’s observance comes exactly two months before countries meet again to continue negotiating a global treaty to end plastic pollution. Let’s make it happen! Learn how you can help and spread the word.  Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution!