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Of all the water on earth, only 3% of it is freshwater, 97% of it being salty. Most of this 3% is located in the polar icecaps and in underground reservoirs. It is estimated that only 3% of freshwater reserves are found in rivers and lakes1.Water, so abundant and revered for its ability to give life, is becoming a scarce resource

Important Plant Areas (IPAs) are internationally significant sites for plant diversity – or more simply the best sites for plants. Identified at national level, using internationally standardised criteria, they provide a framework for implementing target 5 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

The aim of this guide is to help people to look at different livelihood options and assist in assessing how promising these options may be. The world livelihood means different things to different people, here it is used to mean: how to make our living, the things we use and the choices we take to make sure our lives run well.

This book is divided into 3 sections. The first section explores some of the main themes currently concerning forests and gender. The second section looks at case studies from around the world, demonstrating the wealth of learning and experience that is resulting from increased awareness and integration of gender issues within forestry work. The third and final section takes a step back and examines issues and progress at the international and global levels, bringing us up to date and forecasting future challenges and developments.

The GEF and UNCCD Secretariats collaborated on this new book to convey how sustainable land management (SLM) practices are helping shape a sustainable future for people and the planet. The book is illustrated with high quality photos donated by the GoodPlanet Foundation and from other sources, to demonstrate how human ingenuity is largely driving innovations in soil, land, water, and vegetation management. It describes how harnessing natural, social, and cultural capital is addressing fundamental needs for livelihood and well-being—food, water, energy, and wealth—while delivering global environmental benefits.