An atlas of a key natural resource, Africa's soil, aims to give people outside the science world insight into its importance and management.

Scientists must partner with development actors and local communities to safeguard important plants.

A study in Peru has proposed to implement best engineering practices to reduce environmental damage from oil exploitation in the Amazon.

The biodiversity of tropical forests helps to curb malaria transmission and should be considered in plans to eradicate the disease, say researchers.

More evidence and better communication are needed to get the issue onto the global sustainable development agenda, a UN conference hears.

The economic value of drylands from such things as farming and tourism is far greater in developing than developed nations, a study reveals.

A biodiversity agreement among the Brazilian government, the industrial sector and the FAO aims to ease Brazil's ratification of the Nagoya Protocol.

Datasets relating to national climate change vulnerability in 2010 and predictions for 2030 are now available freely via an online portal.

Artisanal mining has a bad press, but with stronger, evidence-based policies, it could be greener and fairer, says a report.

Policymakers in Africa lack the data they need to make decisions or budget properly on environmental issues, say experts.

Citizens in Brazil and Chile want a market of sustainable public procurement, but there is still much to achieve, finds a study.

Indonesia is claiming success in forcing clouds to rain over the ocean before they reach flood-stricken capital Jakarta, but critics are unconvinced.

A global biodiversity panel modelled on the IPCC has appointed its first chairman and a scientific advisory panel, following week-long negotiations in Germany.

More than 140 nations have agreed the first global, legally-binding treaty to prevent man-made emissions of mercury into the environment.

The scientific community is uncertain about its role within the post-Rio+20 agenda and work on sustainable development goals.

A US$400 million project is set to replace the Philippines' tricycle taxi system with greener battery-run models.

Agricultural research must be moved to the heart of efforts to limit climate change's impacts on those living in dry areas, says a report.

Indigenous species and local community involvement are key to regenerating the world's forests, argues a report by global forest experts.

Observatories set up in Bhutan and Nepal will closely monitor air pollutants and track their source.