Seagrasses are marine flowering plants found in shallow waters around the world, from the tropics to the Arctic Circle. They provide a range of environmental, economic and social benefits to humans, making them one of the most valuable coastal and marine ecosystems on Earth, but they are under threat. The combined pressures of coastal development, pollution, climate change, dredging and unregulated fishing are damaging seagrass ecosystems. World Seagrass Day (1 March) raises awareness of the importance of managing, conserving and restoring seagrass for a sustainable blue economy.
Natural Resources and the Environment
Saiasi Sarau, a Fijian sailor, has a deep connection to the ocean, which has sustained him since childhood. After starting as a fisher, he became a captain and now works as a fisheries observer in the Cook Islands in the southern Indian Ocean. His role involves collecting scientific data on catch and bycatch, as well as monitoring seabird interactions to ensure ecosystem safety. Currently in Mauritius for a workshop on scientific observation in deep-sea fisheries, organised by the Common Oceans Deep-sea fisheries project and led by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (), Saiasi joins peers from various countries to learn standardized procedures for data collection. The workshop emphasizes the importance of independent observers and responsible fisheries management, especially after previous overfishing led to ecosystem damage.
UN Trade and Development's promotes sustainable biodiversity conservation, fostering economic development through responsible trade practices while benefiting local communities and aligning with global agreements like the (CBD) and (CITES).
The revival of Chile’s Cahuil Lagoon showcases sustainable conservation’s success, as wetlands globally decline by 85% since 1700s, threatening ecosystems due to climate change and urbanization.
The raises awareness on preserving glaciers, highlighting their importance and fragility in the face of climate change.
The MangRes Project in Tumbes, Peru, fosters environmental awareness and community-driven conservation efforts to protect mangrove ecosystems through education and youth engagement.
are critical to people and nature. Although they cover only around 6% of the Earth’s land surface, 40% of all plant and animal species live or breed in wetlands. Their biodiversity matters for our health, food supply, tourism, and jobs. They provide essential ecosystem services, such as water regulation, and about one in eight people on Earth depend on them for their livelihoods. Yet they are among the ecosystems with the highest rates of decline. This World Wetlands Day (2 February), let’s encourage governments and communities to value and prioritize wetlands.
Thawing , accelerated by climate change, could release dormant, deadly microbes and pathogens, posing a growing threat to both human health and the environment.
In a , 2024 also brought moments of triumph and reasons for hope. From groundbreaking business innovations to examples of remarkable resilience during crisis, here are some stories that remind us that positivity and creativity still thrive even in the most turbulent times.
Glaciers are crucial for regulating the global climate and providing freshwater, essential for billions of people, animals, and plants. However, these vital resources are rapidly melting due to climate change, driven mainly by human activities since the 1800s. Â鶹´«Ã½ has designated 2025 as the to highlight the importance of glaciers and ensure that those affected by glacier´s melting receive the support they need. Follow the (21 January, 2pm, CET) and join and to .
Every year since 2005, honours individuals and organizations working on innovative and sustainable solutions to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
In 2024, working on innovative and sustainable solutions to restore land, enhance drought resilience, and combat desertification.
After two weeks of negotiations, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, concluded with commitments from nearly 200 countries to prioritize land restoration and drought resilience policies. Nations pledged , desertification and drought, especially addressing the most vulnerable countries. Agreements included creating caucuses for Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities, advancing science-based policies, and promoting private-sector engagement initiatives. COP16 set the foundation for a global drought regime, to be finalized at COP17 in Mongolia by 2026.
The aims to protect climate-resilient coral reefs and transition coastal economies to "ocean-positive" practices.
In Tambiri, women like Dabiré Ngalle are leading efforts to preserve shea trees, vital for their livelihoods, amidst an escalating ecological crisis.
Mountains cover about 27% of the Earth's land surface, they are home to around half of the world's biodiversity hotspots and provide fresh water for half of humanity. But they are increasingly threatened by climate change and overexploitation. This International Mountain Day (11 December), under the theme "Mountain solutions for a sustainable future – innovation, adaptation and youth", the observance focuses on engaging youth to develop innovative and adaptive strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of mountain ecosystems.