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Summer grazing in the high mountain meadows has been part of the landscape in the Central Balkans Biosphere Reserve for centuries, as it ensured livelihoods for local populations on both sides of the range. Since the early 1990s, there has been a dramatic decline in the traditional practice. Considering that improved management is paramount for successful biodiversity conservation and restoration efforts, the Central Balkan Biosphere Reserve reached out to the . This project, which is generously supported by the Government of Italy, matches the challenges of with the expertise of senior and young scientists.

Martha Isabel “Pati” Ruiz Corzo, a , has spent the best part of four decades fighting to protect Sierra Gorda – a dramatic expanse of mountains, valleys and wild beauty in the heart of Mexico. 

Lewis Pugh, 's , has completed a 507km swim down the United States’ Hudson River to emphasise the urgent need to protect the world’s waterways. Despite the physical pain of the swim, he was motivated by the extraordinary biodiversity he saw and it stiffened his resolve to keep advocating for damaged marine ecosystems across the globe. He chose the Hudson to highlight successful efforts to clean the river in recent decades and encourage other countries to adopt similar efforts in some of the world's most polluted waterways. 

Mangrove forests are mostly found in warm areas with calm coastlines, shallow water, and soft ground. The size and type of mangroves can vary depending on environmental conditions.  Sustaining a rich food web - from detritus decomposers to fish, mammals and birds - mangrove ecosystems represent an interphase between terrestrial and marine communities. In the first study of its kind, with experts around the world uncovered a wealth of information on the extent of mangrove forests globally. The study also gives a glimpse into what causes mangrove losses and gains. Find out more about this precious ecosystem and .

are known for their . Despite covering less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they harbor more than 1/5 of mapped global species richness.

The Heritage sites are estimated to protect over 20,000 globally threatened species. Today, up to 1/3 of remaining elephants, tigers and pandas can be found in these sites, as well as at least 1 in 10 great apes, giraffes, lions and rhinos. For some species on the brink of extinction, UNESCO World Heritage sites have become the last line of defense. They are home to all remaining Javan rhinos, vaquitas (the world’s smallest cetacean) and pink iguanas, as well as more than half of all Sumatran rhinos, Sumatran orangutans and mountain gorillas.

However, biodiversity in UNESCO World Heritage sites is threatened by human pressures and climate change.

The International Atomic Energy Agency () Director General explains how the Agency is monitoring the discharges of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan into the ocean. "Credibility, reliability depend on availability of information. And this is what the the IAEA will give."

The  is aimed at ensuring that ships, when being recycled after reaching the end of their operational lives, do not pose any unnecessary risks to the environment, human health, and safety. The -implemented project on Safe and Environmentally Sound in Bangladesh has helped to make this accession of the Convention possible.

Sand and dust storms are an essential element of the Earth’s natural bio-chemical cycles but are also caused in part by human-induced drivers – including climate change, and unsustainable land management and water use. In turn, sand and dust storms significantly impact the environment and agriculture, as well as our health, livelihoods, and socio-economic well-being. This year, the United Nations observes the first International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms in recognition of sand and dust storms and their negative impacts as issues of international concern.

 safety review has concluded that Japan’s plans to release treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station into the sea are consistent with IAEA Safety Standards.

biosphere reserves are tangible proof that humanity can live in balance with nature. 11 more sites are joining this powerful network, which is more relevant and necessary than ever.

The world is inundated by plastic. More than is produced every year, half of which is designed to be used only once. Less than 10% is recycled. An estimated  end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. What is less known is that microplastics find their way into the food, water, and air we consume. The good news is that we have science to tackle the problem. This World Environment Day let’s find solutions to plastic pollution. Join our campaign .

There has never been a more urgent need to revive damaged ecosystems. Take on the nature crisis by preventing, halting, and reversing the loss of nature. Play this game and learn how to restore.

and partners are helping Maasai men and women become beekeepers which is helping regenerate the forests around their hives. 

Moored off Yemen’s Red Sea coast, the FSO Safer is a supertanker in advanced state of decay that will soon break apart or explode if the world does not act, warns. A massive spill from the Safer would destroy pristine reefs, coastal mangroves and other sea life across the Red Sea, expose millions of people to highly polluted air, and cut off food, fuel and other life-saving supplies to Yemen, where 17 million people already need food aid.

We know that the world is facing a planetary emergency of nature loss and climate change. It is made worse by the impacts of inequality, conflict, insecurity and health crises. aims to put nature at the heart of a shared global understanding of sustainable development. Where nature is being protected and restored as a planetary safety net for humanity, safeguarding our food, our water and our livelihoods and jobs, our climate, our health, our security – and our economies. And where nature enables people to rise out of poverty and inequality to live in a more just and sustainable future.