The United Nations, along with scientific groups, governments, foundations and international agencies plans to carry out the most extensive study of the state of world's ecosystems to pinpoint areas of decline and suggest remedies so that they continue to provide goods and services needed for the fast expanding population. The major study, to be launched on the world environment day on June 5, comes on the heels of a pilot project undertaken by the World Resources Institute (WRI), which found that in many regions, the capacity of ecosystems to meet human needs is diminishing and requires fixing.

It also found that threats to biodiversity and human health are growing and vulnerability to environment disasters, such as foods and landslides, is increasing.
Called the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA), the 21 million dollars four year study will examine the process that support the world's grasslands, forests, rivers and lakes, farmlands and oceans. It will involve 1,500 of world leading scientists in the field.
The MA is expected to provide decision-makers with authoritative scientific knowledge concerning the impact of changes to world's ecosystems on human livelihoods and the environment.

It will also provide the governments, the private sector and local organisations with better information about the steps that can be taken to restore the productivity of world's ecosystems. Bureau Report