Natural Sciences
UNESCO leverages its global scientific networks and expertise to promote sustainable societies and environmental protection, closely aligning with the EU's green and blue agendas.
UNESCO is entrusted by its Member States to lead global efforts in the implementation of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030), the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development (2024-2033) and the Decade of Action for Cryospheric Sciences (2025–2034).
The cooperation between UNESCO and the EU strengthens evidence-based approaches to global environmental and societal challenges and enhances community resilience. Through comprehensive natural sciences programs and networks of natural designated sites, UNESCO contributes significantly to the EU's environmental priorities.
UNESCO has partnered with the EU over the past decade through more than 50 EU-funded projects, encompassing areas such as research and innovation in ocean and marine sciences, climate change adaptation, technological advancement, soil literacy, and disaster risk reduction. UNESCO’s role focuses on establishing science-policy dialogues, conducting policy analyses, and implementing capacity-building initiatives that foster North-South cooperation.