The Natural Sciences sector takes a systemic, integrated approach to implementation, drawing upon the complementary profiles of its science programmes, with a focus on skills and knowledge enhancement for more integrated management of natural resources and the development of green economies.
The Natural Sciences sector drives initiatives with far-reaching impact, such as the Man and the Biosphere Programme, the International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme, and the protection of Natural World Heritage sites.
The UK plays a vital role in UNESCO’s global natural sciences mission, with leading experts and UNESCO-designated sites driving innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration for a better future.
UNESCO establishes an international normative framework for the natural sciences through Conventions, Recommendations, Commissions, Committees, and other agreements. The Conventions and agreements help develop national policies in the natural sciences and set-up international frameworks for collaboration between researchers.
| Convention | Year | UK Ratified (Year) |
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat - an international agreement promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands. | 1971 | 1976 |
| 1982 | 1982 |
We inform and advise on international and domestic natural sciences matters to UNESCO and UK (and devolved) government, ensuring that the UK is seen as a world-leading, and trusted, authority in global natural sciences policy.
The UK National Commission for UNESCO ensures the UK’s leading specialists, intellectuals and academics are contributing to and shaping UNESCO’s natural sciences mandate. We also advise the UK and devolved governments on policy relating to UNESCO’s natural sciences activities.
Every accredited expert within our network is tasked with a specific committee or programme within UNESCO’s framework.
Professor David Drewry is the UKNC Non-Executive Director who has responsibility of the Natural Sciences portfolio.
UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Energy Technologies at Swansea University, led by Professor Matthew Davies
UNESCO Chair in the Development of a Sustainable Geoenvironment at Cardiff University, led by Professor Devin Sapsford
UNESCO Chair on Geoscience and Society at the University of Plymouth, led by Professor Iain Stewart MBE
UNESCO Chair on Informatics and Multi-hazard Risk Reduction at Loughborough University, led by Professor Qiuhau Liang
UNESCO Chair on Responsible Foresight for Sustainable Development at the University of Lincoln, led by Professor Ted Fuller
UNESCO Chair on Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Engineering at UCL CEGE, led by Professor Dina D'Ayala
UNESCO Chair on Water Science at the University of Birmingham, led by Professor David Hannah
UNITWIN Network on Ecohydrological Interfaces Under Change at the University of Birmingham, led by Professor David Hannah and Professor Stefan Krause
UNESCO Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science at University of Dundee, led by Professor John Rowan
Dr Kirstin Lemon, British Geological Survey (BGS): Member of UNESCO Global Geoparks Council
Professor Marc Metzger, University of Edinburgh: Chair, UK Man and the Biosphere Committee
Professor Harry Dixon, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology: UK Committee of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS)
