Life on land

Nearly a third of the globe is covered by forests, which are home to 80 per cent of all land species of animals, plants, and insects. Forests and agricultural systems sustain our air, water, and food, but extreme deforestation and land degradation are threatening vital biodiversity and the billions of people who depend on the land for their livelihoods.

UNU research analyses the intersections of ecosystem change and resource use to find sustainable human-environment solutions that can preserve biological and biocultural diversity as well as safeguard traditional agricultural systems and rural livelihoods.

Showing 1-12 of 401 results

News

Turning Lichens into High-Tech Starts with the Typical Petri Dish

Erika Calla learnt how to cultivate Peruvian lichens to be able to study the secrets to their tolerance to ultraviolet radiation

22 Jan 2026

News

Bringing Analytical Chemistry to the Field

Fellow Joana Macagno's commitment to practical innovation is finding a way to precision agriculture, and highlights the advantages of collaboration.

18 Dec 2025