Nature is full of contrasts. 🌍 Every species and every landscape is part of the delicate balance that makes life on Earth possible. But this diversity is disappearing at an alarming rate: around one million species are at risk of extinction, and by 2050, 90% of the Earth’s land surface could be degraded, according to UNESCO. Through its network of Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and Global Geoparks, UNESCO works with local communities, scientists and Indigenous Peoples to turn commitments into action. The results show it works: while monitored wildlife populations worldwide have declined by 73% since 1970, those within UNESCO-designated sites have remained comparatively stable. Ahead of #COP17, these examples remind us that protecting biodiversity is possible, but scaling up action is more urgent than ever. #ForNature #ForThePeople #COP17