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Home , Biodiversity loss, Deforestation, Global Young Greens, World Environment Day

WORLDWORLD ENVIRONMENTENVIRONMENT DAYDAY 20202020

A PRACTICAL GUIDE for individuals, faith groups, businesses, cities, governments, schools & universities, youth groups and civil society GUIDE

The theme for World Environment Day, 5 2020 is — a call to action to combat the accelerating loss and degradation of the natural world. One million and animal species risk , largely due to activities. Hosted by , in partnership with , World Environment Day urges us to rethink how our economic systems have evolved and the impact they have on the environment. These are issues the world cannot lose sight of even as we tackle the coronavirus and the ongoing crisis. Colombia has one of the highest diversities of species in the world, boasting among many others, 3500 types of orchids and 19 per cent of the world’s bird types. The government has made biodiversity preservation a national priority.

The World Environment Day website provides latest updates on registration, online events, the agenda and live feeds.

2 WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?

Biodiversity, or biological diversity, is the But we have not taken care of . We variability of living things that makes are witnessing unparalleled bushfires in up life on . It encompasses the , and , locust 8 million or so species on the planet invasions in the Horn of , and the – from and animals to fungi death of coral reefs. The ongoing COVID-19 and bacteria – the that pandemic – the latest in a string of house them – such as oceans, , zoonotic disease outbreaks – shows that mountain environments and coral reefs the planet’s health is linked to our health. – as well as the found among them.

Healthy ecosystems, rich with biodiversity, are fundamental to human existence. Ecosystems sustain human life in a myriad of ways, our air, purifying our water, ensuring the availability of nutritious foods, nature-based medicines and raw materials, and reducing the occurrence of disasters.

3

WHAT IS AT STAKE?

One million plant and animal species The good news is that we can reverse “Biodiversity – the essential are facing extinction – some within the trends of by variety of life forms on Earth decades – according to the latest reimagining our relationship with nature report by the Intergovernmental and acting now to increase ambition – continues to decline in -Policy Platform on Biodiversity and accountability for its protection. We every region of the world, and Services (IPBES). Every must conserve and restore and significantly reducing nature’s species plays an important role in wild spaces, change the way we capacity to contribute to keeping an ecosystem balanced and produce and consume food, promote healthy. Losses in biodiversity and infrastructure people’s well-being. This can increase the spread of and transform to become alarming trend endangers infectious diseases and viruses. custodians of nature. economies, livelihoods, food

The global is intricately tied The world’s response to the COVID-19 security and the quality of to biodiversity. Services provided by pandemic has shown early action and life of people everywhere, biodiversity are worth an estimated US$ solidarity to tackle pressing issues that according to four landmark 125-140 trillion per year, more than one threaten our societies. As countries science reports written by and a half times the size of global GDP. start to plan ways to build back The food we eat, the air we breathe and better, getting nature at the heart of more than 550 leading experts the water we drink come from nature. all decision making for people and the from over 100 countries.” As we head towards a of 10 planet must be our top priority. Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform billion people on this planet, we must on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (2019) embrace the opportunities and value of the and not work against it.

4 WHAT ARE THE DRIVERS OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS?

The five main drivers of biodiversity loss OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS as identified by the latest IPBES and The over-exploitation of resources by Pollution is a major and growing threat to GEO-6 report stem from our activity. people, including for fishing, and biodiversity, with devastating effects on Biodiversity loss can be prevented wildlife poaching is threatening the very freshwater and marine . There may through changing what we consume, existence of creatures great and small; now be around 5 trillion macro and mi- how we produce and where we protect from iconic wildlife, like the , the croplastic pieces floating in the ocean, mak- nature. Stronger environmental policies most illegally trafficked on the ing up 60 to 90 per cent of marine debris. and accountability measures will help planet, to the beluga sturgeon, prized for Open waste dumps impact plants and an- drive these changes in behaviour. its caviar. can force people into imals, while , and other activities like poaching and , chemicals harm pollinators like bees and while unsustainable development en- bats, which are natural predators of pests. -USE CHANGE croaches upon wild areas and fuels Our demand for food and resources is demand for wildlife products. driving , changing patterns INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES of , and destroying natural threaten biodiversity habitats across the globe. Twenty-six CLIMATE EMERGENCY by acting as parasites or competitors, per cent of the planet’s ice-free land and the increase in ex- altering habitats, crossbreeding with is used for and 33 per treme drives habitat loss and local species and bringing diseases. cent of croplands are for livestock feed. degradation. For example, warming seas has increased the Today, one-third of the world’s topsoil are melting sea ice; intact ice flows are movement and introduction of species has been degraded from acidification, critical for sustaining polar bears, seals beyond their original ranges through pollution and other unsustainable land and fishing birds, meanwhile acidifying trade and , disrupting their new management practices. oceans are bleaching coral reefs. One es- host communities and habitats. timate suggests that by 2050, one in six species could be threatened with extinc- tion if current warming trends continue.

5 BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND COVID-19

This World Environment Day, as many World Environment Day aims to inspire It’s Time #ForNature are isolated at home, let us reflect on everyone to make their voices heard what got us here. — citizens need to urge their govern- This World Environment Day, ments to deliver on their commitments The COVID 19 pandemic is a reminder to safeguard nature, end pollution and It’s Time #ForNature. that human health is linked to the plan- ensure that environmental laws are Time to reimagine our et’s health. Coronaviruses are zoonotic, upheld. Companies need to develop relationship with nature. meaning they are transmitted between sustainable supply chains, as well as animals and people and research shows agricultural and practic- Time to put nature at the heart that these diseases are on the rise. At es that do not harm the environment. of all our decision making. present, about 1 billion cases of illness, Citizens and civil society groups should We know what it will take to and millions of deaths, occur every year look at how to preserve and restore live well in harmony from zoonoses. Sixty per cent of all degraded ecosystems. And consum- known infectious diseases in ers should rethink what they buy. With with nature. are zoonotic, as are 75 per cent of all our lives upended, we can unite to find emerging infectious diseases. ways not only to live well in harmony Will we prioritize our common with each other but also with nature. Scientists predict that if we do not home enough to heed her call? change our behaviour towards wild habitats, we are in danger of more virus outbreaks. To prevent future zoonoses, we must address the multiple threats to ecosystems and wildlife, including habitat loss and fragmentation, illegal trade, pollution, invasive species and, increasingly, climate change.

6 HOW WE’RE ASKING YOU TO HELP

This practical guide is structured in three parts: learn, share, and act. It is sensitive to the fact that many people may be isolating due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All you need to participate is a connection to the internet, a book, or even just your imagination.

LEARN: SHARE: ACT: Being confined to our homes is the In the build-up to World Environment Following 5 June and leading up to perfect opportunity to learn more Day, which is 5 June, UNEP will be the fifth UN Environment Assembly in about the wild species and habitats opening conversation threads in eight 2021– when the world’s environment with which we share . This languages across its social media ministers will set global priorities – time indoors can be a chance to reflect channels. We will be asking you to tell we ask all of you to begin to act on on the role of nature in our lives and us why it’s time #ForNature. This will the knowledge you have acquired the ways in which we can advocate for be the opportunity for you to share to help end biodiversity loss and positive change. why you love our natural world, for the climate crisis. Only by doing our governments to showcase their efforts part can we allow nature to heal and to protect nature and for organizations ensure a better and healthier future for to advocate for their cause. everyone.

7 Each one of us has a role to play in ending biodiversity loss and preserving nature for hu- man well-being. As individuals WHAT CAN we must rethink what we buy and use and become conscious INDIVIDUALS DO? consumers. If we are to change our current course of destruc- tion to one of custodianship of nature, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with our fam- ily and friends on World Envi- ronment Day and beyond; and ACT on the things we need to change.

8 Here are some resources for you ● Look into the Anatomy of Action, ● Learn more about the International to LEARN about how you can which maps out actions individuals Plant Protection Convention here, see protect nature: can take to reduce their this guide for tips on how to commu- footprint nicate about the issue, and use this ● Find out what your city and national anatomyofaction.org resource for social media assets government is doing to protect the environment ● Sign-up to iNaturalist, an online com- ● Find out if your cosmetics and prod- munity of naturalists, where you can ucts contain harmful microbeads ● Join Earth School and take part in record your observations of plants through the Beat the Microbead app the 30 lessons on the environment and animals, meet other nature-lov- beatthemicrobead.org/download-the- hosted by TED-Ed and curated by ers, and explore the natural world beat-the-microbead-app-and-take- some of the best nature teachers in part-in-ocean-conservation/ the world ● Learn about the emissions-gap left ted.ed.com/EarthSchool for countries to limit global temper- ● IUCN’s #NatureforAll Discovery Zone atures to 1.5°C. offers a range of creative tools – from ● Learn about how you can help fight unenvironment.org/interactive/emis- videos to lesson plans, to comic books climate change through the United sions-gap-report/2019/ – to help you learn about nature Nations’ Act Now campaign un.org/en/actnow/ ● is a global non-profit working to create a world ● Learn about pollution and where people and nature can thrive how it affects marine species through UNEP’s through UNEP’s ● Read these reports on land use, Clean Seas campaign cleanseas.org/ land rights and related impact on the environment ● Find out about the endangered spe- catalogue.unccd.int/823_GLO_Full_ cies that are trafficked in the illegal Report_ENG.pdf catalogue.unccd.int/825_Transforma- wildfor.life/the-campaign tive_action_brochure%20GM.pdf catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf

9 Here are some ideas for how you Here’s how you can ACT for nature: ● Plant an urban garden on your bal- can SHARE the message on World cony or backyard or get involved in Environment Day: ● Change your diet to more environ- supporting a community urban gar- mentally friendly foods, especially den with native flowering plants ● Head to UNEP’s social media feeds your main protein sources from 28 May to 5 June and share ● Minimize use of household chemicals with the world why action for ● Travel less - limit your travel when that can have toxic effects on nature is so critical. Be sure to things go back to normal after the and . Instead, experi- use the #ForNature and Coronavirus pandemic ment with natural products, such as #WorldEnvironmentDay hashtags vinegar and plain old soap and water ● Leave some wild green spaces in your garden where pollinators and ● Create a compost in your garden or ● Tag a couple of people/organizations/ ground dwelling insects can thrive windowsill and grow some of your companies in your reply and ask own produce them to join the conversation ● Let your city and national governments know that it is ● Explore how to buy locally produced ● CITIES4FORESTS has launched the important they meet environmental products and foods Challenge. Join the photo targets they’ve pledged contest and plant a cities4forests.com/forest-challenge/ ● Avoid buying single-use . Plastic waste that ends up in nature ● Be accurate in the information you is often mistaken for food by animals share by ensuring you use reputable both on land and at sea. For many sources to counter misinformation species, it can cause severe injury and death

● Recycle as much as you can

10 Faith groups have a role to play in ending biodiversity loss and preserving nature for human wellbeing. Faith leaders WHAT CAN FAITH at every level can inspire worshippers to live in harmony LEADERS AND with the earth and seek green jobs. If we are to become true FAITH GROUPS DO? custodians of nature, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with our community on World Environment Day and beyond; and once it is safe to do so, ACT on the things we need to change.

11 Here are some resources for faith ● Islam and the Environment is a guide Here are some ideas for how you groups to LEARN about how they can for educators of children offering can SHARE the message on World protect nature: teaching aids, simple tasks and crea- Environment Day: tive activities ● UNEP’s Faith for Earth Initiative aims issuu.com/lutfiomar/docs/teach- ● Lead an online religious sermon, to encourage and engage with faith- ers-guide_body_v3 homily, discussion or similar con- based organizations toward achieving versations highlighting parts of faith the Goals ● You can find Judaism-related educa- books that underline protection for and fulfilling the 2030 Agenda tional resources on the environment the environment unenvironment.org/about-un-envi- including activities, discussions and ronment/faith-earth-initiative/reli- lesson plans at , a non-profit ● Share faith passages on environmen- gions-and-environmental-protection environmental organization tal protection on your social media aytzim.org/resources/education- accounts and tag other faith groups ● The Yale Forum on religion and ecol- al-materials to do the same ogy provides a library of resources regarding different religions and their ● Human Responsibility and the Envi- ● Organize a donation drive for an teachings on the environment ronment is a journal article written environmental cause in your area to fore.yale.edu/search/node/biodiversity from the Hindu Perspective which worshippers can contribute digitalcommons.butler.edu/cgi/view- ● Laudato Si, the second encyclical of content.cgi?article=1077&context=- ● Highlight changes your place of Pope Francis laments environmental jhcs worship will make to become more degradation and global warming sustainable once in-person activities www.vatican.va/content/franc- ● The Sikh community’s contribution resume and encourage worshippers esco/en/encyclicals/documents/ to the UNDP/Alliance of Religions to do the same papa-francesco_20150524_encicli- and Conservation Plans whose aim ca-laudato-si.html is to help the world’s major reli- ● Share info about the COVID-19 pan- gious traditions improve their rela- demic and how it relates to biodiversity tionship with the environment, can loss to help counteract misinformation be found here arcworld.org/downloads/Sikh- EcoSikh-Seedplan-5YP.pdf

12 ● Pair up with a social enterprise that ● Enhance the concept of protected provides for a areas managed by faith-based discounted price for worshippers and organizations encourage them to join ● As faith-based organizations and ● Pair up with a local supermarket to religious institutions own 5 per cent collect expired food that you can of commercial forests on earth, then give for free to the needy encourage sustainable practices to protect and regenerate forests

Here’s how you can ACT for nature: ● Encourage tree plantings at gatherings

● Distribute seeds of native plants to ● Encourage learning about biodiversity faith followers during faith gatherings conservation in prayers ● Separate waste and recycle solid ● Transform places of worship into waste by producing compost to be environmentally friendly and sustain- used as fertilizers able venues, setting an example for the community ● Take part in negotiations and confer- ences convened by governments and ● In faith teachings, discuss the impor- international organizations on the tance of conserving biodiversity, as environment well as poaching’s devastating im- pacts on nature and the economy ● Emphasize a need to “build back bet- ter” following COVID-19 with environ- ● Encourage healthy eating habits, ment at the heart of decision making including ways to reduce the con- sumption of and encourage ● Mobilise followers to take collective other unsustainable choices actions to reduce waste and consume less

13 The private sector has a key role to play in curbing biodi- versity loss and preserving natural resources. Business- WHAT CAN es rely on their host environ- ments and ecosystems for BUSINESSES DO? inputs into production and manufacturing processes. They can incorporate bold, sustainable practices in their supply chains and financing. If we are to change the current course of destruction to one of custodianship for nature, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with our community on World Environment Day and beyond; and ACT on the things we need to change.

14 Here are some resources for ● The GEO for Business briefs aim to ● Read these reports on land use, businesses to LEARN about how they bring the science of UNEP’s Global land rights and related impact on can protect nature: Environment Outlook to the business the environment community for the transformational catalogue.unccd.int/823_GLO_Full_ ● The Global Compact change needed to build a green and Report_ENG.pdf is a non-binding UN pact to circular economy. Better Business, catalogue.unccd.int/825_Transforma- encourage businesses worldwide Better World, a report by the tive_action_brochure%20GM.pdf to adopt sustainable and socially Business Commission, identifies catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ responsible policies, and to report on actions business leaders can take SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf their implementation to set the world on the path to unglobalcompact.org sustainable, inclusive growth ● Consult these resources to learn how report.businesscommission.org/report to protect land from degradation ● The One Planet Network is a global catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ commitment to accelerate the shift ● The OECD- Private Sector Peer SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf towards Learning Policy Brief explores climate https://knowledge.unccd.int/ and production in both developed change and ways to promote -toolbox and developing countries. oneplanetnetwork.org .org/dac/peer-reviews/Policy-Brief- ● Learn about good land 4-Private-Sector-Engagement-to-Ad- by consulting this podcast and this ● UNEP Private Sector Engagement re- dress-Climate-Change-and-Promote- knowledge tool developed by the UN sources, include strategy reports and Green-Growth.pdf Convention to Combat factsheets ● This report ex- ● The UNEP 2019 Global Status Report ● Learn more about the International amines best environmental practices for Buildings and the Construction Plant Protection Convention here, see for the food and beverage sector Sector examines the key drivers this guide for tips on how to commu- ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publica- of emissions in the nicate about the issue, and use this tion/eur-scientific-and-tech- building industry resource for social media assets. nical-research-reports/ best-environmental-manage- ment-practice-food-and-bever- age-manufacturing-sector

15 Here are some ideas for how businesses ● Green your firm’s roofs or facades by ● Create market mechanisms to off- can SHARE the message on World planting or flowers to improve ther- set carbon, such as allowing farmers Environment Day: mal comfort and increase biodiversity to participate in a voluntary carbon market where they can be rewarded ● Announce a new initiative, target, ● Encourage staff and clients to join for adopting conservation practices or transformational action that will World Environment Day celebrations such as no-till farming and planting improve your environmental footprint by asking them for their suggestions cover crops and explain how you will achieve it on how the business can contribute to restoring and preserving nature ● Transform investments and opera- ● Launch an open call for innovative tions to generate no net loss and a ideas to make your business more positive gain in biodiversity environmentally mindful Here’s how business can ACT for nature: ● Halt deforestation and work ● Join the CEO Carbon Neutral Challenge ● Understand, value and disclose your towards zero natural habitat conver- impact and dependency on nature sion for production ● Consider becoming part of a coalition, such as Business for Nature, that ● If your business requires raw ● Consider fully the calls for action to reverse nature loss material, responsibly source benefits and natural capital costs through certifications like incurred by your economic activities Stewardship Council (FSC), B Corp or ● Announce the removal of single-use Alliance Certified ● Incorporate concerns at plastic in your business operations the earliest stages of planning and supply chains on social media ● Support efforts by governments to and tag other businesses to do so invest in of water- ● Look at how to produce, distribute, shed areas to improve consume and dispose of resources ● Announce new measures to reduce and quantity, and to achieve benefits in ways that optimize resource use, food waste and tackle carbon emissions for people and ecosystems minimize gas emissions and avoid harmful chemicals that ● If you are a fashion business, consid- hurt biodiversity er publicizing the adoption of natural dyes and fabrics in your products

16 ● Use green building materials like those sourced from waste streams, sustainably produced regenerative materials, solar powered shingles and efficient insulation

● Source locally to support local value chains, and where possible, source sus- tainably farmed or harvested products

● Invest in research and development of climate-smart for your business ● UN Business Guide on COVID-19 provides an opportunity to private sector to contribute and support efforts to tackle this crisis

● UN Global Compact has created a for CEOs to record video on their companies activities in response to COVID-19 (CEOs Taking Action)

17 Cities house the majority of people living on the planet today and consume around 75 per cent of the resources that WHAT CAN come from nature. By 2050, the UN predicts 80 per cent of CITIES DO? the will live in urban areas. Consequently, cities have a huge role to play in preserving the planet’s finite resources and providing services for people. If we are to change the current course of destruction and embrace greater custodianship of nature, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with our citizens on World Environment Day; and ACT on the things we need to change.

18 Here are some resources for city ● This UNEP report shows how local ● The Nature of Cities initiative curates mayors, councils and municipalities governments and decisions can help conversations about urban solutions to LEARN about how they can protect improve the state of the global envi- to environmental challenges biodiversity: ronment www.thenatureofcities.com/

● These UNEP Guidelines explore ways ● The Cities and Biodiversity Outlook ● Cities4Forests encourages cities to to harness climate and resource summarizes how af- better connect, conserve, manage, potential for health and well-being at fects biodiversity and examines 10 and restore forests around them neighbourhood level ways cities can strengthen conserva- cities4forests.com/ unenvironment.org/news-and-sto- tion and use natural resources more ries/story/new-neighborhood-creat- sustainably ● Learn how to better integrate nature ing-new-community-around-sustain- into urban life by consulting these ability-and-social ● Consult these resources to learn how resources: to protect land from degradation citieswithnature.org/ ● This UNEP report examines how cities catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ cbc.iclei.org/una-handbook-series/ can become sustainable and resource SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf cbc.iclei.org/value-nature-urban-life/ efficient as urban grow knowledge.unccd.int/drought-toolbox sustainabledevelopment.un.org/con- tent/documents/1124SustainableRe- ● The UN Habitat Guidelines look at how sourceEfficientCities.pdf to balance territorial development by enhancing urban-rural linkages ● The UNEP GEO Cities Report provides local governments, scientists, pol- ● CitiesWithNature, an initiative host- icy-makers and the general public ed by ICLEI, IUCN and The Nature with reliable and up-to-date infor- Conservancy, is a shared platform for mation on improving urban environ- cities and their partners to engage mental planning and management and connect citieswithnature.org/what-is-citie- swithnature/

19 Here are some ideas for how cities ● Announce new targets pertaining to ● Create urban gardening opportunities can SHARE the message on World nature and biodiversity for communities Environment Day: ● Produce a sustainable development ● Join the CitiesWithNature initiative Here’s how cities can ACT for nature: report to be updated on a regular basis that recognizes and enhances the value of nature in and around cities ● Adopt a “Whole-of-Government” ap- ● All cities, large and small, are invited to proach, to allow a wide vision towards become part of a unique initiative that ● Sign up to the C40 Cities Climate sustainable urban development recognizes and enhances the value of Leadership Group nature in and around cities across the ● Include nature-based solutions as world. Join Cities with Nature ● Announce a new “green area” to be part of your city climate strategy created in your city ● Enlist urban planners to analyse how ● Develop combined transport and more trees can be planted in resi- ● Use social media accounts to highlight ecosystem corridors, naturally shad- dential neighbourhoods and close to the native biodiversity that exists with- ing pedestrians and cyclists while schools and hospitals in your city and what is in danger of connecting key green spaces in and being lost unless measures are taken around the city ● If native watersheds were built over due to urban expansion, enlist plan- ● Send native plant seeds to citizens ● Set targets to protect and create ners to analyse whether they can be on World Environment Day that they green spaces in the city, and intro- restored can plant on their balcony or garden duce innovative policies such as ob- to encourage biodiversity ligations to recreate as much green ● Allocate funds for biodiversity resto- space as a ration in your annual budget ● Join the Climate and Clean Air Coalition is eating up ● In collaboration with scientists, find ● Join the Cool Coalition ● Consider making living roofs and out what ecosystem services you solar panels mandatory requirements could make use of in your city and ● Have the mayor host a virtual chat in the specifications for tendering of protect or restore them with citizens pertaining to questions affordable housing about the environment in the city

20 Strong and committed environ- mental policy is key to ending biodiversity loss and preserving nature for human wellbeing. WHAT CAN Governments have a central role in changing our current de- GOVERNMENTS DO? structive course towards one of greater custodianship for the natural world by protecting and safeguarding wild spaces with ambition and accountability. Biodiversity is necessary for a range of human rights, includ- ing the rights to life, health, food, water and culture. In order to protect human rights, States have an obligation to protect ecosystems and biodi- versity. When we know more, we can do more. So, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with citizens on World Environment Day; and ACT on the things we need to change.

21 Here are some resources for ● This UNEP factsheet outlines how ● Learn about the Sustainability, Sta- governments to LEARN about how they states can mainstream biodiversity bility, Security (3S) and the Great can incorporate biodiversity: into government decision making Green Wall Initiatives unenvironment.org/resources/fact- ● The Convention for Biological Diver- sheet/mainstreaming-biodiversity-in- sity website outlines the biodiversity formation-heart-government-decis- Here are some ideas for how policies of countries ion-making governments can SHARE their targets on cbd.int/countries/ World Environment Day: ● Learn more about the International ● The Global Forests Resource Assess- Plant Protection Convention here, ● Head to UNEP’s social feeds from ment provides essential information see this guide for tips on how to 28 May to 5 June and share with for understanding the extent of for- communicate about the issue, and the world why action for nature is est resources, their condition, man- use this resource for social media so critical. Be sure to use the #For- agement and uses assets. Nature and #WorldEnvironmentDay fao.org/forest-resources-assess- hashtags ment/en/ ● Read these reports on land use, land rights and related impact on ● Announce a national biodiversity ● This is the homepage for the Sus- the environment initiative and specify how you will tainable Development Goals as part catalogue.unccd.int/823_GLO_Full_ achieve it of the UN 2030 Agenda Report_ENG.pdf sustainabledevelopment.un.org/ catalogue.unccd.int/825_Transforma- ● Have officials host a virtual chat on tive_action_brochure%20GM.pdf new conservation measures in light ● This guide examines how to protect catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ of COVID-19 and share clips widely biodiversity in the tropical forests SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf in Asia ● Share interesting facts on social me- nap.edu/read/989/chapter/12#394 ● This Convention on Biological Diver- dia and in speeches about biodiversi- sity report offers policy guidance for ty that exists within your country and the integration of biodiversity and what is in danger of being lost unless ecosystem services measures are taken

● Announce a ban on single-use plastics

22 ● Announce strict new measures to ● Financial regulatory authorities ● After COVID-19, consider keeping in protect marine areas/watersheds should create and strengthen finan- force hours in which cars and trans- cial mechanisms (bonds, incentives) port should not be in use to allow for ● Publicize new measures to protect and regulatory frameworks (reporting wildlife to roam freely and to mini- forests, national parks and biodiver- or disclosure) to support the wider mize noise and levels sity hotspots uptake and scaling of efforts by indi- vidual private sector actors on biodi- ● Work with UN agencies to promote ● Start a national awareness campaign versity preservation sustainable development practices to get citizens educated about what and meet targets such as the Paris biodiversity is and how to protect it ● Engage with policymakers on wildlife Agreement and the Sustainable De- in their everyday lives to help deliver corridors and conservation and pro- velopment Goals AICHI Target 1 vide a fund for action that is in line with what conservationist’s estimate ● Mainstream Nature-based Solutions is needed to protect biodiversity (NbS), while minimizing detrimental Here’s how governments can ACT for impacts of grey infrastructure pro- nature: ● Phase out the production of jects on ecosystems and biological fuels and invest in renewable energy, diversity ● Put biodiversity conservation at the while translating workers’ heart of decision making and at the jobs into the renewable sector ● Promote healthier and more sustain- top of the national agenda able diets and the global reduction ● Phase out motor vehicles that are of food waste ● Restore degraded landscapes and powered by diesel and petrol and provide subsidies and incentives that commit to electric mobility targets ● Increase public investments in sus- reward restoration and sustainable tainable farming and agricultural resource use ● Place protections on natural areas landscape restoration to protect na- and ensure that heavy fines are en- ture and enhance healthy food pro- forced if they are not respected duction

● Boost the implementation and up- ● Make natural resource management take of Strategic Environmental Im- sustainable in the policy chain pact Assessments

23 Schools and teachers have a critical role to play in nurtur- ing young people’s affinity for nature and building curricu- WHAT CAN SCHOOLS la that underscore the value of biodiversity and interest in AND TEACHERS DO? future green job opportunities. If we are to change the current course of destruction to one of environmental custodianship, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowl- edge with our communities on World Environment Day; and ACT on the things we need to change.

24 Here are some resources for school ● The Nature Conservancy is a global ● Use art as a way to spread the children to LEARN about how they can non-profit working to create a world message i.e. a virtual painting protect nature: where people and nature can thrive or exhibition or a music challenge ● TE-Ed Earth School will help youth ● Learn more about the International understand and celebrate our natu- Plant Protection Convention here, ● Head to UNEP’s social media feeds ral world, while learning about how see this guide for tips on how to from 28 May to 5 June and share dependent we are on our planet. This communicate about the issue, and with the world why action for na- contains some of the best environ- use this resource for social media ture is so critical. Be sure to use the mental lessons all under one roof assets #ForNature and #WorldEnvironment- ed.ted.com/earth-school Day hashtags ● This education kit will teach ● The World Wildlife Fund offers pri- your students about combating ● Tag a couple of people/organizations/ mary, secondary and university level desertification companies in your reply and ask educational resources on biodiversity them to join the conversation schools.wwf.ca/ ● IUCN’s #NatureforAll Discovery Zone offers a range of creative tools – from ● CITIES4FORESTS has launched the ● The World’s Largest Lesson, narrat- videos to lesson plans, to comic books Forest challenge. Join the photo ed by United Nations Messenger of – to help you learn about nature contest and plant a tree Peace Malala Yousafzai, introduces cities4forests.com/forest-challenge/ the Sustainable Development Goals to children and young people Here are some ideas for how you ● Schools can announce their commit- vimeo.com/138852758 can SHARE the message on World ment to phase out single-use plastic Environment Day: ● The Convention for Biological Diver- ● Post videos interviewing your family sity has created a lesson plan for ● Find the Earth School lesson you members about how they are making teachers love the most and share it with your sure your home is using resources cbd.int/doc/bioday/2008/ibd-2008- friends by using #EarthSchool and efficiently framing-booklet-en.pdf #ForNature as the hashtag

25 Here’s how you can ACT for nature: ● Encourage students to eat enough food so that they’re satisfied but not ● Encourage students to think through wasteful their average day and explain how much of the plastic they encounter – ● Factor in a daily biodiversity lesson, like straws and single-use water bot- in which you may teach students tles – are more a matter of conven- about an or one ience than necessity. Describe how that is so magnificent it sparks their they can opt out of using single-use imagination on why wildlife is impor- plastics tant

● Host a tree-planting event at school ● Encourage children to think about consumerism and why it can be dan- ● Create opportunities for young peo- gerous to our planet ple to engage in nature-based-ac- tivities. Lead a monthly nature hike, ● Teach about the opportunities that organize sports activities outdoors will come from green jobs and host walks to discover local and fauna

● Teach students how to make their voices heard through writing letters to local government demanding more protection for local biodiversity

● Encourage parents through educa- tional school activities to recycle and to buy food with less packaging

26 Young people are the future, and the decisions made now will determine the kind of world you will inherit. Increas- WHAT CAN YOUTH AND ingly, you are making your voices heard with real impact. YOUTH GROUPS DO? Young people have a role to play in preventing biodiversity loss and preserving nature for our future. If we are to change the course of destruction, we must first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowl- edge with our communities on World Environment Day; and once it is safe to do so, ACT on the things we need to change.

27 Here are some resources for youth ● This Youth XChange Training kit on ● Learn about good land stewardship to LEARN about how they can responsible consumption by consulting this knowledge tool protect nature: unesdoc..org/ark:/48223/ developed by the UN Convention to pf0000158700/PDF/158700eng.pdf.multi Combat Desertification ● GEO 6 for youth boils down high-lev- el, scientific messages on the state ● The World Wildlife Fund offers pri- ● Find out if your cosmetics and prod- of the environment in terms young mary, secondary and university level ucts contain harmful microbeads people will understand educational resources on biodiversity through the Beat the Microbead app unenvironment.org/resources/as- campus.wwf.ca/ beatthemicrobead.org/download-the- sessment/global-environment-out- beat-the-microbead-app-and-take- look-6-youth ● TED-Ed Earth school helps youth part-in-ocean-conservation/ understand and celebrate our natu- ● Anatomy of Action maps out priority ral world, while learning about how ● IUCN’s #NatureforAll Discovery Zone actions individuals can take to re- dependent we are on our planet. offers a range of creative tools – from duce their ed.ted.com/earth-school videos to lesson plans, to comic books anatomyofaction.org – to help you learn about nature ● Learn more about the International ● Learn about endangered species Plant Protection Convention here, see trafficked in the illegal wildlife trade this guide for tips on how to commu- Here are some ideas for how youth through UNEP’s WildforLife campaign nicate about the issue, and use this groups can SHARE the message on World wildfor.life/learn resource for social media assets. Environment Day:

● UNEP Major Group for Children and ● Read these reports on land use, ● Host a webinar or a live Q&A to Youth is a group of individuals and land rights and related impact on discuss biodiversity and nature youth organizations that work to- the environment based-solutions wards environmental conservation catalogue.unccd.int/823_GLO_Full_ and the representation of young Report_ENG.pdf ● Use art as a way to spread the mes- people’s voices in governance and catalogue.unccd.int/825_Transforma- sage. Produce a podcast, video, vir- conservation processes tive_action_brochure%20GM.pdf tual painting competition or a music www.youthenvironment.org/ catalogue.unccd.int/1210_UNCCD_ challenge SPI_2019_Report_1.2.pdf

28 ● Head to UNEP’s social media feeds Here’s how youth groups can ACT from 28 May to 5 June and share for nature: with the world why action for na- ture is so critical. Be sure to use the ● Host a tree-planting event, #ForNature and community clean-up or eco-picnic #WorldEnvironmentDay hashtags. ● Organize events street actions or ● Tag a couple of people/organizations/ marches to advocate for govern- companies in your reply and ask ments to reduce nature loss them to join the conversation. ● Demand from your leaders bold ● The World Resources Institute has decisions and concrete actions to launched the Forest Challenge. Join protect nature the photo contest and plant a tree cities4forests.com/forest-challenge/ ● Shape future climate ambitions by presenting examples of youth ● Be accurate in the information you participation in climate change share by ensuring you use reputable policymaking sources to counter misinformation ● Think about entering a career that is ● Share info about the COVID-19 environmentally conscious pandemic and how it relates to biodiversity loss to help counteract ● Volunteer for local clean-ups misinformation ● Lead by taking actions to reduce waste and consume less

29 As civil society we have a role to play in preventing biodiversity loss and preserving nature for our WHAT CAN future. If we are to change the course of destruction, we must CIVIL SOCIETY first LEARN about what we can do; SHARE that knowledge with ORGANIZATIONS DO? our communities on World Environment Day; and once it is safe to do so, ACT on the things we need to change.

30 Here are some resources for civil ● Learn about the emissions-gap left ● Tag a couple of people/organizations/ society to LEARN about how they can for countries to limit the global tem- companies in your reply and ask protect nature: perature rise to 1.5°C them to join the conversation. unenvironment.org/interactive/emis- ● Learn about how you can help fight sions-gap-report/2019/ ● The World Resources Institute has climate change through the United launched the Forest Challenge. Join Nations’ Act Now campaign ● Learn more about the International the photo contest and plant a tree un.org/en/actnow/ Plant Protection Convention here, cities4forests.com/forest-challenge/ see this guide for tips on how to ● Learn about through communicate about the issue, and ● Be accurate in the information you UNEP’s Clean Seas campaign and use this resource for social media share by ensuring you use reputable how that affects marine species assets sources to counter misinformation cleanseas.org/ ● TED-Ed Earth school helps youth ● Organize a donation drive for an ● Find out about the endangered spe- understand and celebrate our natu- environmental cause in your area to cies that are trafficked in the illegal ral world, while learning about how which members can contribute wildlife trade dependent we are on our planet wildfor.life/the-campaign ed.ted.com/earth-school ● Highlight changes to your place of operations that will make it more ● Look into the Anatomy of Action, which sustainable once in-person activities maps out actions individuals can take Here are some ideas for how civil resume and encourage members to to reduce their carbon footprint society can SHARE the message on World do the same anatomyofaction.org Environment Day: ● Share info about the COVID-19 pan- ● Sign up for a free online course on ● Head to UNEP’s social feeds from demic and how it relates to biodiversity nature-based solutions for disaster 28 May to 5 June and share with the loss to help counteract misinformation and climate resilience world why action for nature is so pedrr.org/education-training-courses/ critical. Be sure to use the ● Pair up with a social enterprise that massive-open-online-course-mooc- #ForNature and provides renewable energy for a on-nature-based-solutions-for-dis- #WorldEnvironmentDay hashtags. discounted price for members and aster-and-climate-resilience/ encourage them to sign-up

31 ● Pair up with a local supermarket to ● Mobilize followers to take collect expired food that you can collective actions to reduce waste then give for free to the needy and consume less

● Use art to spread the message, ● Encourage healthy eating habits, for example, by holding a virtual including ways to reduce the con- painting competition or exhibition sumption of meat and other unsus- or a music challenge. tainable choices

● Enhance the concept of protected Here’s how civil society groups can ACT areas managed by organizations for nature: ● Encourage tree plantings at gatherings ● Distribute seeds of native plants to members during gatherings ● Demand from your leaders bold decisions and concrete actions to ● Separate waste and recycle solid protect nature waste by producing compost to be used as ● Present examples of civil society participation in climate change ● Take part in negotiations and confer- policymaking ences convened by governments and international organizations on the environment

● Emphasize a need to “build back better” following COVID-19 with en- vironment at the heart of decision making

32 YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS

It will take the entire global community to counter biodiversity loss and eco- system degradation. We are grateful to you for helping us share the important messages contained in this package. We applaud the many who join us on World Environment Day and help reimagine our relationship with nature.

We’d like to ask for your feedback about this guide. Did you find it useful? Would you share it with others? What can we improve? Please contact us at [email protected]

Thank you from everyone at UNEP.