The vital resources of people in poor countries are predominantly their natural resources: soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity. These must be safeguarded against overuse and destruction. GIZ advises its partners in developing countries on the sustainable management of forest resources and protection of tropical forests, nature conservation and management of nature reserves, maintaining biodiversity and the effectiveness of ecosystems as well as controlling desertification.

In many cases, such as in the Sahel region and the Amazon Basin, GIZ promotes regional, environmental cooperation across borders in partner countries. To increase efficiency and focus more on local requirements, GIZ also supports the decentralisation of natural resource management.