Engagement between UNEP and civil society is necessary, both for UNEP and for the protection of the planet’s fragile web of life. In this engagement lies the potential for resurgence of democracy and ecological awareness.” (Dr. Vandana Shiva, Natural Allies, 1st edition, 2004). Indeed, responding effectively to today’s pressing environmental challenges will require the full and effective participation of all sectors of society. UNEP has placed particular emphasis in recent years in reaching out to civil society and mainly to the nine Major Groups as adopted at the Rio Earth Summit, namely: Business and Industry, Children and Youth, Farmers, Indigenous Peoples and their Communities, Local Authorities, Non-Governmental Organizations, the Scientific and Technological Community, Women, and Workers and their Trade Unions. This second edition of Natural Allies: Engaging Civil Society in UNEP’s Work provides a clear picture of how civil society can and does work with UNEP, both benefiting from and strengthening UNEP’s programme of work. UNEP hopes this book will contribute to assisting civil society catalyse the political and social changes needed if we are to accelerate a transition to a resource efficient, low carbon, sustainable Green Economy in the 21st century.