UNV recognizes that sustainable management of natural resources and community-based approaches to climate change are inextricably linked to poverty reduction. Read

This Guidebook presents valuable advice on how to design gender-sensitive, community-based projects and programmes. It draws on a wealth of experiences and examples from UNDP CBA Programmes, together with lessons learned from Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programmes and UN Volunteers’ experiences within the field. Read

Tashkent, Uzbekistan: The Ecological Boomerang project is training volunteers on issues related to ecology, sustainability and environmental responsibility. This is only the first step towards the realization of a large project aiming to have a positive impact on the environment. Read

Pristina, Kosovo: Lack of awareness about environmental issues is widespread in Kosovo. Plastic bags and other waste are often indiscriminately thrown away, polluting soil, rivers and underground water. UN Volunteers are helping to draw attention to these problems and encouraging more environmentally-friendly habits among citizens. Read

Bonn, Germany: If the next generations are to benefit from development, then development has to be sustainable. This is the challenge we all face. Yet, the best solutions are often the simplest ones, and the theme of the 64th annual UN DPI-NGO conference, being held in Bonn, Germany from 3 to 5 September, says it all: Sustainable Societies, Responsive Citizens. Read

Vuno, Albania: The camp helped to increase awareness among the participants about volunteerism and the importance of voluntary actions for community mobilization and local development. Read

Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina: Hundreds of citizens in Bosnia and Herzegovina got together to celebrate World Environment Day on June 5th. United Nations agencies, ministries, municipalities, towns, schools and NGOs around the country organized clean-ups, exhibitions and cultural events. Read

Bonn, Germany: Forest conservation and natural resource management become more sustainable when there is ownership at the community level. Read

In marking World Migratory Bird Day 2011, 14-15 May, Flavia Pansieri, UNV Executive Coordinator, notes the critical role volunteers play participating and engaging others in the environmental movement. Read

Kavango, Namibia: On 5 February 2011 His Excellency Hifikepunye Pohamba, President of the Republic of Namibia, paid a two-hour visit to the Siya Community Based Adaptation(CBA) Self Help Group in the Kavango Region. Read