In Colombia’s Guaviare department, once marked by fear of jaguars, local communities are transforming conflict into coexistence. As hunting, deforestation and shrinking prey fueled attacks on livestock, retaliatory killings pushed the species toward local extinction. Since 2021, a community‑led governance strategy has united organizations to create the Jaguar Protection Corridor, promoting ecotourism, education and sustainable practices that protect both livelihoods and wildlife, reshaping human–jaguar relations. Read the full story to see how coexistence becomes a path to conservation.
ĢƵDP
Kuxatur is a community-centered initiative in Mexico that builds sustainable tourism models to protect biodiversity, strengthen local livelihoods, and balance ecosystems with growing visitor demand.
Exposed to the world of science, technology, engineering and mathmatics (STEM) at a young age, Leen Alaya, a 24-year old innovator from Aleppo, Syria, is on a mission to revolutionize the way children learn programming - with a little help from ĢƵDP. “Some of my earliest memories are of accompanying my mother to work at the University, where she was a professor in the Faculty of Computer Systems Engineering,” recalls Leen. By age eight, she was participating in national informatics Olympiads and hackathons, demonstrating a keen interest in problem-solving and programming. .
When it comes to climate action, major emitters receive prominent coverage. But there’s another story, less often told, that deserves attention. At the United Nations Development Programme (ĢƵDP), over the past decade, we have been working hand in hand with over 90 percent of all developing countries on advancing local and national climate action. Here are some .
With global wealth abundant but unevenly connected, investing in human capital through solidarity, domestic resources and private financing is both the smartest and most effective way to close development gaps and achieve the SDGs.
In Kazakhstan, becoming a falconer demands time, dedication, and a deep understanding of birds of prey. Tleukabyl Yessembekuly, a farmer from Aksu-Ayuly and founder of the local farmers' association, learned the virtues of patience and vigilance through falconry. Faced with ecological challenges from climate change and land-use shifts, Yessembekuly proposed a project to restore natural springs and plant forage crops. His initiative received backing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme, managed by the United Nations Development Programme () in Kazakhstan.
In Gaza, Palestinians have endured two years of devastating war, leading to significant losses, including loved ones, homes, and personal belongings. They have witnessed the destruction of roads, schools, apartment buildings, and hospitals. Amid these challenges, they are working tirelessly on the frontlines of recovery. ĢƵ Development Programme () is facilitating safer and healthier communities by clearing debris, restoring wastewater systems, wells, and providing clean water to those in need. In 2025, ĢƵDP projects employed 2,819 local workers to support essential services across Gaza.
The in determining whether global cooperation can overcome economic slowdown, conflict and division to advance peace, prosperity and sustainable development.
Indigenous Peoples and traditional communities in Acre, Brazil, are pioneering forest conservation — and shaping how climate finance is used to keep their forests standing. Told through their own voices, 's documentary reveals how they navigate daily realities while protecting Acre’s Amazon Forest for future generations.
Nestled between majestic mountains and shimmering waters, Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Basin is more than a scenic wonder, it is a living landscape rich in biodiversity, cultural heritage, and community spirit. Today, this region is at the heart of a powerful movement to restore and protect nature through a global initiative that supports community-led conservation and empowerment by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP), implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (). The initiative promotes sustainable agriculture and organic farming, restoration of wetlands and wild plant habitats, ecotourism and youth education and community training. It combines innovation with traditional knowledge.
In 2025, the global community notched important achievements for human well-being. But conflict, disasters and other crises clouded the skies over the development landscape. Against strong headwinds, countries took determined steps towards realizing their visions for a sustainable development. And the United Nations Development Programme () was at their side. Marking its , ĢƵDP continued to evolve to meet the complex challenges of the present while laying the foundations for a more resilient future. Here are some with partners, in 2025.
In Nepal’s remote Nubri Valley, , founded in 2018 by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, merges Indigenous knowledge with nature-based solutions to fight climate change. In 2021, the initiative tackled COVID-19-driven food shortages in Samagaun by building 62 bioclimatic solar greenhouses for year-round organic farming. Combining modern and traditional techniques, these earthquake-resistant structures improve food security and strengthen resilience against climate shocks.
A key symbolizes the security of a home, while a phone with internet access opens the door to information. Financial tools like credit cards and cash enable access to food and services. For many living in poverty, violence, or disaster, these rights are hard-won achievements. Promoting and protecting human rights is vital for sustainable development. ĢƵ Development Programme () collaborates in over 60 countries and territories to strengthen national human rights systems and help states fulfill their obligations. By securing essentials like clean water and advocating for justice, ĢƵDP demonstrates that human rights are essential for safety, equality, and respect in everyday life.
For the Seychelles, a small island developing state in the middle of the ocean, land is limited, and 200 years of human settlement has already seen significant impacts on both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. On the main island of Mahé, where 86% of the population live, land is being actively developed for tourism, agriculture, housing, and other human needs. The impacts of these demands can be seen and felt where today less than 5% of the original native forest remains intact. To reverse this damage and restore degraded land, the project ‘Ridge to Reef’, is working to improve tree cover and restore soil. Funded by the and implemented by the Seychelles Government in partnership with , the 'Ridge to Reef' approach focuses on the connection between land and sea to address environmental degradation. Nelson Renaud, chairman of the Local Food Producers Association, says "By taking care of the land, we can grow food that will take care of our community."
The Imus–Ylang Ylang–Rio Grande Rivers in Cavite, Philippines were once-vibrant waterways that supported fishing, recreation, and livelihoods across ten municipalities. Decades of pollution, industrial and domestic wastewater discharge, improper waste disposal (especially plastics), erosion and siltation have transformed them into degraded rivers with severe water contamination. To revive the rivers, local governments, communities and agencies have introduced a mix of solutions. These include installing trash traps and waste-management systems upstream, building sanitary landfills, composting organic waste, reinforcing buffer zones along riverbanks, and deploying “river rangers” to manually remove plastic and other debris. Flood-risk management infrastructure — such as the 35-hectare Imus Retarding Basin and the nearby Bacoor Retarding Basin — has been completed to store excess rainfall and prevent overflow, reducing downstream flooding risk. Downstream, community-led reforestation and mangrove-restoration efforts aim to rehabilitate coastal zones and wetlands.