Tag: animals
The Next Wave – How to Beat Future Pandemics
Ebola, SARS, Zika, HIV/AIDS, West Nile fever and now COVID-19. These are some of the highest-profile diseases to emerge in the last several decades. And while they emerged in different parts of...
More Conservation Efforts Critical to Save the Vaquita – World’s Smallest Marine Mammal
While optimism can be in short supply when it comes to wildlife conservation, the spotting of three vaquita calves in October 2019 in the Upper Gulf of California in Mexico was a...
Innovative Program Connects Donors and Tree-Planting Groups
In 2018, the United Nations (UN) declared 2021-2030 as the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in an effort to reverse centuries of damage to forests, wetlands and other ecosystems. The following year, as...
What COVID-19 Means for Ecotourism
For decades, ecotourism has helped to conserve nature and protect endangered species. COVID-19 and the subsequent closure of ecotourism sites has had an indelible impact on wildlife and the communities that protect...
The State of the World’s Forests: Forests, Biodiversity and People
As the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity 2011–2020 comes to a close and countries prepare to adopt a post-2020 global biodiversity framework, this edition of The State of the World’s Forests (SOFO)...
Honey Bees Feel Sting of Viral Disease
There’s nothing new in nature. Viruses have been around for as long as plants and animals, if not longer. Most viruses are benign to humans and other animals and in fact are...
The Delicate Relationship Between People, Wildlife and the Pathogens
In the past, coronaviruses that circulated in humans caused only mild infections. This changed in 2002, when the SARS-CoV virus presented itself in humans as the disease we now know as SARS....
Next Generation Farming With Solar Panels
Solar panels are sprouting on farmland like mushrooms after the rain, but there’s no such thing as a free lunch. If too many solar panels replace too much cropland, there goes the...
Virus Which Causes COVID-19 Threatens Great Ape Conservation
Both great ape research and tourism have allowed people to learn about chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and orangutans, and to observe them from a close proximity. Great ape tourism also serves as an...
Global Light Pollution Is Affecting Ecosystems – What Can We Do?
For hundreds of millions of years, the web of life on land has been dependent on, and determined by, day and night, light and dark. Photosynthesis, the process by which plants grow,...
Coronavirus Outbreak Highlights Need to Address Threats to Ecosystems and Wildlife
Diseases passed from animals to humans are on the rise, as the world continues to see unprecedented destruction of wild habitats by human activity. Scientists suggest that degraded habitats may encourage more...
World Wildlife Day Highlights Importance of Sustainable Use of Wildlife in “Biodiversity Super Year”
Joining the global celebration of the United Nations World Wildlife Day, representatives of UN Member States, UN System organizations, international and non-governmental organizations, rural communities and youth gathered at the UN Headquarters...
Seven Ways You’re Connected to Coral Reefs
World Wildlife Day (3 March) is a chance to appreciate all that nature provides. This year’s theme, “Sustaining all life on Earth”, gives thanks to our natural world that allows wild animals,...
Major New Actions for Migratory Species
Ten migratory species added to global wildlife agreement including the Asian Elephant, Jaguar and Great Indian Bustard
Gandhinagar declaration sends strong message on importance of migratory species for new global biodiversity...
Three Ways the United Nations Environment Programme Works to Address Illegal Trade in Wildlife
The world is dealing with unprecedented threats to wildlife. The loss of habitat from farming, mining and new urban developments has dramatically decreased the natural space for wildlife. Add to that the...
Mexico City, a Megalopolis’ War on Plastic Bags
Paper cones, called “cucuruchos”, have been traditionally used by shoppers in Mexico City for carrying spices and grains. Now these plastic-free alternatives are making a comeback, along with straw baskets and reusable...
