• UNEP-WCMC marine experts progress working definition of ‘destructive fishing’ to enable more sustainable and equitable practices

    A new working definition of “destructive fishing” has been drafted following a rigorous consultation process involving 80 fisheries experts from over 30 countries.  Many policies and international frameworks – including the UN Sustainable Development Goals – recognise the need to end destructive fishing practices to conserve marine resources, protect the ocean and ensure peace and…

    UNEP-WCMC marine experts progress working definition of ‘destructive fishing’ to enable more sustainable and equitable practices
  • People collecting spring water in plastic bottles

    Inspiring a whole-of-society mindset shift on water

    For World Water Day, Head of Nature-based Solutions Dr Najma Mohamed explains how nature-based solutions and a rights-based approach to climate and environment policy and practice is the best route to leveraging water for peace Johannesburg is currently confronting an unprecedented water crisis, affecting those living in informal settlements as well as those in more…

    Inspiring a whole-of-society mindset shift on water
  • Large ferns in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

    Forest restoration in action: Celebrating pledges to inspire society

    All over the world, efforts are ongoing to protect, sustainably manage and restore areas of forest. Countries have promised to restore 1 billion hectares of land by 2030 as part of international climate, nature and land goals. Some of these initiatives are famous, covering tens of thousands of hectares and winning awards, such as the…

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    Forest restoration in action: Celebrating pledges to inspire society
  • View of the dais during the opening plenary at UNEA-6

    Supporting a marathon effort for multilateralism at UNEA-6

    Nearly 6,000 delegates gathered in Nairobi recently for the sixth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6). Heads of state, ministers, civil society representatives, Indigenous Peoples, international organisations, scientists and the private sector participated in the meeting, dedicated to the theme of “Effective, inclusive and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and…

    Supporting a marathon effort for multilateralism at UNEA-6
  • Painting of a snow leopard at CMS COP14

    CMS COP14: Optimism for migratory animals, if the world scales up action now

    UNEP-WCMC’s COP14 delegation Kelly Malsch, Frances Davis and Andrew Szopa-Comley reflect on the recent 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, celebrating, in particular, the positive reception of the first comprehensive assessment on migratory species. Last month, more than 2,000 government representatives,…

    CMS COP14: Optimism for migratory animals, if the world scales up action now
  • Leave of the padauk tree against a blue sky

    Ensuring international wildlife trade is sustainable through continual digital innovation

    Today we celebrate World Wildlife Day – an annual event that brings the global community together to recognise how plants, animals and all aspects of biodiversity are crucial to humanity and a healthy planet. This year’s theme is “Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation” and invites us to examine and highlight how…

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    Ensuring international wildlife trade is sustainable through continual digital innovation
  • A Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus)

    UNEP-WCMC and IUCN launch tool to help countries ensure that wildlife trade is sustainable

    A new online interactive tool to help countries assess the sustainability of trading internationally listed wild plants and animals has been launched today by the UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)…

    UNEP-WCMC and IUCN launch tool to help countries ensure that wildlife trade is sustainable
  • Whale and calf, Lewis Burnett / Ocean Image Bank

    Landmark UN report reveals shocking decline in world’s migratory animal populations

    The first-ever State of the World’s Migratory Species report has been launched today, as part of the latest global conference of Parties to the UN Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). The landmark report reveals: While some migratory species listed under CMS are improving, nearly half (44 per cent) are…

    Landmark UN report reveals shocking decline in world’s migratory animal populations
  • Elephants, Botswana, AdobeStock

    5 surprising obstacles to migratory animals’ journeys

    The first-ever comprehensive global overview of the conservation status and population trends of migratory animals today reveals that nearly half of all migratory species that have been recognised as needing protection have declining populations. Many migratory species undertake long and difficult journeys to reach their feeding or breeding grounds. These vital stages of animals’ lifecycles…

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    5 surprising obstacles to migratory animals’ journeys