G繹kova Bay, a sparkling blue body of water on the Mediterranean coast off T羹rkiye, is one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots and one of the most successful marine ecosystem conservation initiatives. This is in large part thanks to Zafer Kizilkaya and the efforts of his organization, , a . At its outset, the organization focused primarily on the creation of marine protected areas, which allowed fishing but limited development, and included no-take zones, which forbid all fishing and were critical to fully restoring marine ecosystem functions after years of overfishing. The organization still maintains the highest level of respect and reverence for the small-scale fishermen who have accumulated generations of knowledge about local fishing conditions of this Mediterranean spot.
Natural Resources and the Environment
The sea urchin is considered a culinary delicacy in many countries and faces the threat of overfishing in some areas. However, while some sites are lacking in the species, other areas are experiencing excessive sea urchin populations that can lead to the depletion of algae and other marine vegetation, so-called sea urchin barrens. These two contrasting situations call for individualized solutions. is countries and farmers tackle these two issues by creating specific guidelines for restorative aquaculture and helping with the removal of urchins and their sale in culinary markets, helping to restore algae populations while enhancing the value of these species.
A healthy environment is a basic human right, , the 13-year-old Colombian Climate Human Rights defender.
Despite its widespread use, mercury has been known for centuries to be toxic. Adopted in 2013, the aims at stepping up action on mercury pollution to help attain a pollution-free planet.
In its natural state, tropical peat occurs in flooded swamps and is one of natures most effective ways of removing carbon from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate global warming. When peat catches fires, it releases up to ten times more carbon than forest fires. Indonesia is home to 40 per cent of the worlds tropical peatlands, and they hold up to 57 billion metric tonnes of carbon. It is indisputable that the protection and restoration of the Indonesian peatlands is vital for the planet. As part of this, and partners are supporting communities that are at the forefront of peatland restoration and conservation by strengthening cooperation between villages.
Given that many nations that are at a high risk of disasters are also the ones that have a significant proportion of the population living below the national poverty line, is urging individuals to take action to put an end to the vicious cycle of disasters and worsening inequality.
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for more than 40% of global energy consumption and over 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. Its rapid energy demand growth will persist, posing challenges for energy security, affordability, and climate change mitigation. To address these challenges and promote a cleaner, more resilient, interconnected energy future, the U.N. and Thailand will co-host the (19-20 October). The event brings together energy leaders, policymakers, and experts to find solutions to these problems. and !
assist deliver on its mandate and programme which include providing scientific solutions to the most urgent challenges facing the planet and humankind, and guidance on sound policies and effective environmental laws and institutions in support of a healthy planet for healthy people.
These large rodents are famous for their impressive engineering skills. They create wood and mud structures to block streams cutting logs and branches using their massive teeth and strong jaws. Such natural barriers increase water levels upstream and slow down river flow. By copying the beavers' techniques, humans can make rivers safer, using materials like logs, branches, mud and leaves.
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 worlds 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 Earths 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 worlds 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."