# Our work on biodiversity

Fighting plastic pollution to conserve biodiversity


## Plastic pollution: A growing threat to biodiversity

Biodiversity underpins life on Earth, supporting ecosystems, economies, and human well-being. Its decline poses severe risks, especially as over half of the world’s GDP—$44 trillion—is moderately or highly dependent on nature. The 2019 IPBES Global Assessment Report identified pollution, including plastic pollution, as one of the direct drivers of biodiversity loss and the Kunming-Montréal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted by the CBD COP15 in 2022, specifically addresses plastic pollution in Target 7.Without intervention, plastic pollution is expected to double by 2040, further endangering ecosystems and accelerating biodiversity loss.


## Connecting global agendas on plastics and biodiversity

We recognize the importance of aligning the plastics agenda with broader global environmental priorities—particularly biodiversity loss, a crisis both directly and indirectly affected by plastic pollution.With support from the Government of Canada, we are expanding our efforts to address the critical link between plastic pollution and biodiversity.


## Our objectives

As a neutral multi-stakeholder platform, we aim to:Inform government and business efforts to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity.Support public and private actions addressing biodiversity loss caused by plastic pollution.


## To reach these objectives, we focus on:


### Assessing biodiversity and plastic pollution

within national environmental, social, and economic contexts.


### Analyzing the dynamics

of plastic pollution that affect biodiversity and ecosystems.


### Mapping key national and local stakeholders

that are involved regionally and globally in biodiversity and plastic action.


### Evaluating existing policies, actions, and initiatives

to identify gaps and opportunities.


## Our actions


### Assessing the impact of plastic pollution on biodiversity


### Funding 25 local biodiversity and plastic pollution initiatives


### Aligning the global plastics and biodiversity agendas


### Fostering knowledge exchange


## Country Assessments: Impact of Plastic Pollution on Biodiversity

Developed in collaboration with government, industry, academia and civil society, this assessment series examines how plastic pollution threatens biodiversity across 9 countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa, analyzes the systemic drivers behind the challenge, and presents practical, evidence-based actions to reduce plastic pollution, halt biodiversity loss and accelerate circular economy solutions.

[View all](https://initiatives.weforum.org/api/communities/v1/public/initiatives/site/page-redirect?initiative_id=4efe162b-4d71-49dc-8504-858e403af99f&page_id=f71958de-a194-4cb4-a9ea-b21ade533643)


## Case Studies

*Browse case studies with filters*


## Plastic Pollution and Biodiversity: a Global Overview

Explore our new report on how plastic pollution affects biodiversity and the ecosystem services that support economies and human well-being.

[Read more](https://www.weforum.org/publications/plastic-pollution-and-biodiversity-a-global-overview/)


## Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative

The Biodiversity Small Funds Initiative offers funding opportunities to support impactful projects on the ground.With the support of the Government of Canada, this initiative aims to empower local non-profit organizations and community initiatives tackling the dual challenges of plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.

[Learn more](https://www.globalplasticaction.org/biodiversity-small-funds-initiative)


## Read more

[View all](https://initiatives.weforum.org/api/communities/v1/public/initiatives/site/page-redirect?initiative_id=4efe162b-4d71-49dc-8504-858e403af99f&page_id=f71958de-a194-4cb4-a9ea-b21ade533643)


## Insights

*Articles, analysis and thought leadership*


*Partner organizations and sponsors*