Action for nature

Bold transformations in policy and practice are needed for a nature-positive shift.

Our core work areas, from increasing biodiversity finance to strengthening environmental governance, are responding to the current crisis of global nature loss. Leveraging our convening power, thought leadership, multi-sectoral expertise, and the UN’s largest portfolio of on-the-ground sustainable development programming and policy solutions, we’re supporting solutions that work for people and for the planet. 

To reaffirm global commitments, we know that we must take bold shifts in policy and practice. 

• Putting nature at the heart of development. Nature is not accounted for nor sufficiently valued in our understanding of development and economics. Therefore, it is critical for countries to understand that economic development and environmental are not mutually exclusive, to transition towards sustainable and nature-positive development models, to recognize nature as the foundation of   human wellbeing and prosperity, and as a powerful driver of poverty eradication and sustainable development. Reassessing traditional measures of development, shifting to natural capital accounting in development decision-making, and increasing funding to stem the tide of nature loss is essential.  
• Reforming subsidies and incentives that are harmful to biodiversity is critical to achieve sustainable development. Subsidies that harm nature should be redirected, repurposed, and eliminated, including subsidies that promote unsustainable productions patterns, the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers, over-harvesting of fish, timber and other resources, and conversion of natural ecosystems to managed lands.
• Mainstreaming nature within national and regional development policies is needed to address the nature crisis. Better coherence and alignment between Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) can support countries to be ambitious and meet the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework and Paris Agreement more effectively. This integration can also offer opportunities for countries to take a rights-based approach that captures perspectives of indigenous communities and maximizes the potential role of nature-based solutions.
• Increasing coverage of protected areas and other conserved areas: designating protected land and sea areas that are important for biodiversity and its contribution to people is a key strategy, ensuring ecologically vital lands are conserved through inclusive governance practices and policies, based in a human rights approach, that recognize local communities and indigenous peoples as stewards of natural resources and recognize their dependence on ecosystems and biodiversity for their livelihoods and well-being.