Supporting the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Context

Ecosystems support all life on Earth – and yet they are being degraded and destroyed all around the world. While the international community has agreed on global goals for ecosystem restoration, it is not doing enough to achieve them. To change this, the United Nations (UN) followed an initiative put forward by El Salvador in declaring the decade from 2021 to 2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Protecting and restoring forests, peatlands, mangroves and other ecosystems not only has a direct impact on curbing climate change and the rapid loss of biodiversity; it is also fundamental to sustainable development, the fight against poverty and the long-term welfare of humanity itself. Since the UN Decade officially began in June 2021, it has been building on a strong and diverse global movement to promote the restoration of ecosystems.

Objective

Key stakeholders successfully implement the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in partner countries.

Approach

This IKI project is improving communication and collaboration among relevant stakeholders involved in restoring ecosystems around the world, with a special focus on forests and forest landscapes. This includes carrying out a series of workshops for local implementation organisations to share their experiences, form networks and foster the global restoration movement. At the same time, the project assesses existing instruments and funding opportunities and disseminates implementation experiences on digital knowledge platforms, thus aiding local organisations in expanding their current undertakings. Through international events and public relations work, it also increases political awareness and relevance of the UN Decade.

Last update: March 2023