In the midst of an environmental crisis, the United Nations (UN) Decade on Ecosystem Restoration offers a glimmer of hope for reviving our planet. It’s a 10-year push to give Mother Nature some much-needed TLC.
You might think a decade is a long time, but scientists warn that these next 10 years are crucial if we want to tackle climate change and save millions of species from extinction.
So, what can you do to help?
Here’s a look at 10 simple actions outlined by the UN Decade that can help create a #GenerationRestoration.
It’s time to roll up our sleeves and start making a difference!
EMPOWER A GLOBAL MOVEMENT
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration has a big, bold mission – to stop and reverse the damage done to billions of hectares of ecosystems worldwide. It’s a huge undertaking, especially when you consider the vast range of ecosystems and the different threats they face.
Picture lush forests threatened by land-grabbers and wildfires, or farmland so eroded that it might only have a few good harvests left.
It’s clear that no single organisation can handle this alone, which is why the UN Decade aims to bring together as many people as possible to help.
So how can you get involved?
Start by finding out about restoration projects in your area. There are plenty of groups already working to make a difference, and you can join them or even start your own initiative.
It’s about connecting with others who care about the same things and doing what you can to help restore our planet, one small step at a time.
FINANCE RESTORATION ON THE GROUND
Restoring ecosystems takes more than just good intentions – it requires substantial resources. The groups doing the work often operate on tight budgets and face uncertainty about long-term funding.
While the benefits of restoration far outweigh the costs, getting things started often requires billions in initial investments.
This is where governments, international lenders, development agencies, and private businesses must step up and increase their support.
But it’s not just big players who can make a difference. Individuals can also contribute, whether it’s through donations, volunteering time, or sharing skills with a restoration project.
Every little bit helps when it comes to healing the planet. So, if you’re looking for a way to give back, find a cause that resonates with you and dive in.
SET THE RIGHT INCENTIVES
Restoration is great for the planet and people, but those who lead these efforts don’t always get the recognition or rewards they deserve. Restoration often requires significant up-front investment and may involve sacrificing some financial gains that come from less sustainable practices.
Yet, there’s a way to turn this around – redirecting agricultural and fishing subsidies, which sometimes fund harmful practices, toward supporting restoration instead.
In the long run, healthier ecosystems mean more abundant harvests, steadier incomes, and a better environment for everyone.
While it might feel like you’re missing out on quick profits, restoration offers a much bigger payoff in the long term.
It’s about playing the long game and reaping the benefits of a thriving, sustainable planet.
By shifting focus and rewarding those leading the charge, we can make a significant impact.
CELEBRATE LEADERSHIP
Restoration has gained serious momentum in recent years, with campaigns to plant trillions of trees and community-led planting festivals.
The Bonn Challenge has seen over 60 countries commit to restoring 350 million hectares of forest landscapes. And Indigenous peoples have been guardians of their ecosystems for generations.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to keep this energy alive. It celebrates those who lead the way and encourages others to join the cause.
Whether you’re an individual looking to make a difference or a community ready to roll up your sleeves, now’s the time to be part of something big. The more people who get involved, the greater the impact.
Let’s get planting, restoring, and working together to heal our planet.
SHIFT BEHAVIOURS
The factors driving ecosystem destruction often stem from global trends.
Deforestation, overfishing, and soil degradation are tied to larger patterns of consumption.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to tackle this by partnering with organisations to promote eco-friendly consumption.
This might involve encouraging people to eat less meat or choose products from sustainable sources.
By making simple changes in our daily habits, we can support restoration and ease the pressure on ecosystems.
It’s about making conscious choices that have a positive ripple effect. With enough people on board, these small changes can lead to a significant shift toward a healthier planet.
So let’s be more mindful of our consumption and choose options that help restore and protect the world around us.
INVEST IN RESEARCH
Restoring ecosystems isn’t a simple task. What works in one region might not work in another, or could even cause harm.
Plus, with climate change reshaping weather patterns, restoration requires flexibility.
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to revert things to their original state, especially when hotter temperatures and shifting rainfall call for more resilient plants and crops.
Scientific research is key to understanding the best approaches to restore ecosystems in this changing context. This requires substantial investment to find what works for each specific location, whether it’s a forest, wetland, or coastline.
The good news? There’s a growing interest in restoration.
But to make a real impact, we need to be strategic, exploring and investing in methods that rebuild our planet step-by-step. Let’s embrace the challenge and work towards a future that’s both sustainable and resilient.
BUILD UP CAPACITY
Thousands of conservation and restoration projects are already underway. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration taps into their passion and expertise to boost ecosystem recovery. However, many practitioners face hurdles when trying to scale up their efforts.
Other sectors, like finance, often need more data to make informed decisions about supporting restoration.
The UN Decade aims to empower marginalised groups who are most affected by ecosystem damage. This includes Indigenous peoples, women, and youth, encouraging them to lead restoration efforts.
By providing these groups with the resources and support they need, the UN Decade seeks to remove barriers and create more inclusive restoration.
The ultimate goal? A movement that not only restores ecosystems but also strengthens communities.
CELEBRATE A CULTURE OF RESTORATION
To move from harming to healing the planet, we need everyone involved. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is calling on artists, storytellers, producers, musicians, and influencers to join #GenerationRestoration. Using their talents, these creatives can spread the word, spark action, and inspire people to make a difference. Through music, art, film, and social media, they have the power to engage others in restoring our planet.
If you’re a creative or just care about the Earth, join the movement. Let’s heal the planet one song, story, or painting at a time.
BUILD UP THE NEXT GENERATION
Young people and future generations are the ones most affected by the rapid destruction of ecosystems. They also stand to gain the most from new sustainable jobs driven by a restoration-focused economy.
The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration connects youth wellbeing with restoration goals.
By promoting education on ecosystem restoration, today’s children can become tomorrow’s ecosystem ambassadors, equipped with skills for sustainable careers. This way, the benefits of restoration will endure long after the UN Decade ends.
LISTEN AND LEARN
If you’re involved in restoration, the UN wants to hear from you. Take their quick survey to share insights about your work and help them understand what support is needed. – Izah Azahari
