WILD FOR LIFE

Three-quarters of the land-based environment, 85% of wetlands and two third of oceans have been negatively altered by human activity. UNEP's wild for life is a journey through four distinct ecosystems: oceans, peatlands, savannahs, forest; to show how they produce vital goods and services for humanity. how they are under threat and how you can help. the journey starts with exploring the magic of mangroves seagrass Meadows and coral reef.

We cannot live without nature's goods and services. Peatlands, one of the least known ecosystem on earth and they have been working since the time begin. To filter freshwater, nurture medicinal plants, provide flood protection, store Carbon. Peatlands covered 3% of the planet's surface but they store twice as much as carbon as all the wold's forest. They are the ultimate nature based solution.

Journey through an endangered ecosystem. At the turn of the century, 10 million elephants roamed the Africa Savannah. Today, estimates suggest fewer than half a million remain. Poaching, habitat destruction and human wildlife conflict are threatening the survival of iconic species. Savannah, home to African elephants and other vital species, are are also threatened. They are the one of the largest ecosystem in the world and covers around 20% of the global land surface. Important wildlife corridor such as the Athi-Kaputiei Plains in Kenya has declined by more than 90% since 1978. The reason for the decline of savannah are land conversion for agriculture and urban expansion. To protect these habitats local community must on alternative income, through and inclusive wildlife economy. Sustainable Tourism, for example allows local communities to benefit from nature. This world elephant day join the journey through three diverse savannas to learn more about this unique in ecosystem.

A third of the Earth's surface is covered by forest that have taken centuries to grow, providing essential ecosystem benefits such as, carbon sequestration, purification of water and air, as well as conserving soil and preventing the risk of natural disasters. They are also home to iconic and endangered species and are essential to prevent biodiversity loss. Though forest laws has load in the past decade, we still lose 4.7 million ha of this vital ecosystem every year, an area equivalent to the size of Denmark. Agriculture, specially for soy, beef, palm oil, cocoa and coffee, is the main driver of forest loss. The United Nations environment programme is working with countries, the private sector and local communities to develop stronger laws and deforestation-free supply chains. People can help by buying certified agricultural products from area that have not been cleared of forest. This is the journey through the world's most iconic forests and vital habitat. 

UN environment programme has created immersive digital experience for its Wild for life campaign. These four ecosystem-based "journeys" show the magic of interconnected natural systems and inspire people to take action to protect these distinct ecosystems. Nature sustains all life on earth but nature is under threat. In May 2019, Intergovernmental Science-Policy platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services(IPBES) report confirm that world's biggest biosphere, "upon which humanity as a whole depends", is declining faster than at any time in human history. Countries around the world, the United Nations, international and national organisations, businesses, governments and key opinion leaders are all working together to raise awareness, entact and enforce stronger laws, and step up support to local communities efforts to stop the illegal trade in wildlife. The mission is to bring species back from the brink and preserve or restore nature for the benefit of the people and the environment.