51³Ô¹Ï

Natural Resources and the Environment

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.

Military personnel pack up a camp as a large sandstorm cloud approaches in Kidal, Mali

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 51³Ô¹Ï 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.

Aerial view of the Amazon Rainforest, South America

The Tropics host extraordinary biological and cultural diversity with a complex history and challenges. Most people suffering from extreme poverty live in the Tropics, and the exploitation of resources by colonial powers has shaped economies with serious disadvantages. Despite that, there is a promising future with a growing, more educated, and young population that can maintain its economic growth. This International Day of the Tropics, let´s celebrate their extraordinary diversity while highlighting not just their challenges but opportunities.

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.

a close up of a bee on a flower

Bees and other pollinators are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. They help maintain biodiversity and ensure the production of nutritious food. However, intensive monoculture production and improper use of pesticides pose serious threats to pollinators. This year, for World Bee Day (20 May), calls for global action to support pollinator-friendly agricultural production and highlights the importance of protecting bees and other pollinators. this Friday 19 May, 10:00 (Rome time, Italy).

Goats on an argan tree

Argania spinosa, known as the argan tree, is not just a tree. This Moroccan multipurpose species supports income generation and rural women’s inclusion, increases resilience, and improves climate adaptation. For centuries, the argan tree has been a mainstay of the Berber and Arab-origin indigenous rural communities, which developed a specific culture and the unique knowledge associated with the traditional production of argan oil by women. Let’s celebrate and get to know the importance of this magical tree on the International Day of Argania.

indigenous village in the rainforest in the mountains

The 19th UN Forum on Forest (UNFF19) takes place on 6 to 10 May in New York. UNFF is a high-level intergovernmental policy meeting to implement forest-related agreements, foster a common understanding of sustainable forest management, and monitor and strengthen political commitments. This edition will evaluate the implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2017-2030, while the thematic priorities focus on enhancing forest-based benefits, increasing the area of protected forests, mobilizing resources, and strengthening scientific cooperation.

The tail of a tuna catch on an artisanal fishing boat made with branches

It is rich in Omega-3 and it also contains minerals, proteins, and vitamin B12, among other advantages. As a result of the amazing qualities of tuna, the fish are threatened by overwhelming demand, overfishing, and climate change’s effects. That is why, every 2 May, we observe World Tuna Day, to underline the importance of conservation management. Promoting systems to protect tuna stocks for the health of the ocean ecosystem will also ensure the livelihood of those small-scale fishing markets that provide employment, income and food security in the most disadvantaged areas of the world.

UN Women highlights the importance of collecting gender-environment data to improve women and men’s lives. It shows women and men in Tonga talk about their interactions with the environment, the effects of climate change, and the impact of disasters.