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 World Lake Day (27 August), let's raise awareness about the challenges lakes face. Let’s to sustain life tomorrow.
Natural Resources and the Environment
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 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 . 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 and initiatives, which aim to enhance livelihoods while safeguarding nature and human rights. The inaugural 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.
. 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 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, , 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 , paving the way for their removal from .
, 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 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 .
permeates every corner of the planet—even in our bodies. This World Environment Day (5 June), join the global movement to . 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 . Let’s make it happen! and . Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution!
On October 24, 2024, history was made in the serene hills of Kurumugl village, nestled in the Gembogl District of Simbu Province (Papua New Guinea). The Kulkane Tribe formalized their commitment to preserving the country's natural heritage by signing a Conservation Deed, pledging 9,000 hectares of pristine tropical and montane rainforest to conservation. This milestone event marked the culmination of the first phase of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) project pilot site at Mt. Wilhelm, a significant initiative aimed at reducing the funding gap for the country’s Protected Areas Network. The project is to protect biodiversity while ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities. The Kulkane Tribe’s commitment extends the boundaries of the Mt. Wilhelm Protected Area, safeguarding critical biodiversity hotspots.
Biodiversity is essential for life on Earth. However, it is currently facing serious threats. In 2022, countries around the world agreed on a global strategy——to protect nature and stop its loss within 25 years. This year's International Day for Biological Diversity (22 May), themed 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,' highlights how the Framework supports global goals for a better future and reminds us to take urgent action to protect nature.
Our world would be a very different place without bees and other pollinators! Pollination is essential for agrifood systems, supporting the production of more than 75 percent of the world's crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. In addition to increasing crop yields, pollinators improve food quality and diversity. This year, under the theme "Bee inspired by nature to nourish us all", the World Bee Day (20 May) celebration will shine light on the vital roles of these insects and other pollinators in ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation and food security and nutrition.
Forests cover nearly one-third of the Earth's land, offering vital benefits such as soil and water protection, climate regulation, and biodiversity preservation. They provide essential materials like wood and fibers, as well as food and medicine, which support millions of livelihoods globally. The resilience and adaptability of forests and trees largely stem from their genetic diversity. But what makes forests and trees resilient and adaptable? The answer lies in their genetic diversity. The highlights the urgent need to conserve and sustainably utilize these genetic resources. This is crucial for addressing challenges like deforestation, climate change, and poverty. By advancing research, improving policies, and fostering global cooperation, we can protect forest genetic diversity, ensuring that forests continue to thrive and serve future generations.