UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030

The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a call for the protection and revival of ecosystems all around the world, for the benefit of nature and people (led by UNEP and FAO).

Ireland, UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration billboard (2020) by Gearóíd Ó Foighilthe United Nations

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030

is led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and various partners.

UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: 10 years to heal the planet (2020) by UNEPthe United Nations

Coral reef restoration on coast of Banaire (2017)the United Nations

The UN Decade aims at restoring the health and productivity of degraded terrestrial, freshwater and marine ecosystems. 

Sea Turtle (2017)the United Nations

Jamaica, Oracabessa Bay, A former fisherman who is now a coral gardener. (2015) by Kadir van Lohuizenthe United Nations

This way,

we can reduce the loss of biodiversity, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and create jobs and livelihoods. 
By reviving nature we can improve our health, and address the biodiversity and economic crises.

Europe, UK, Yorkshire Moors, Round-leaved sundew on a peatland bogthe United Nations

What do we have to do?

Since we have already destroyed too much, we must: - PROTECT ecosystems that are still in good shape
- HALT degradation everywhere it occurs
- REVERSE degradation wherever possible.

This Earth Day, join #GenerationRestoration with Alec Baldwin (2021) by Produced by: Ann-Kathrin Neureuther, Florian Fussstetter, Joseph Corcoran & Stephanie Footethe United Nations

Farming village in the Ethiopian highlands (2019)the United Nations

What is an ecosystem?

Farmlands, forests, freshwaters, grasslands, savannahs, deserts, shrublands, mountains, oceans, coasts, peatlands, as well as urban areas are all ecosystems.

Baobabs in Madagascar (2017) by UNEP/Lisa Murraythe United Nations

Life Underwater (2015)the United Nations

South Africa, A boundless and green restored landscape (2019)the United Nations

Seychelles Coast (2015)the United Nations

Sunlights on the big tree (2016)the United Nations

Colourful urban environment (2020) by Duncan Moorethe United Nations

Europe, A wild rabbitthe United Nations

What is biodiversity?

Crested Cranes (2019)the United Nations

Arctic Fox (2020)the United Nations

From mammals to birds, from fish to amphibians, reptiles, insects, mollusks, etc., all is biodiversity.

New Zealand, A pied stilt foraging for food by Olle Nordellthe United Nations

Gorilla mum with a baby (2016) by UNEPthe United Nations

Rhinos (2016) by UNEPthe United Nations

Forest ranger with a chameleon (2017) by UNEP/Lisa Murraythe United Nations

Beekeeping (2017)the United Nations

Bull Elephant in front of Kilimanjaro (2019) by Duncan Moorethe United Nations

Africa, Kenya, Watamu, Mangrove forest and freshwater (2020) by UNEP/Duncan Moorethe United Nations

Grass, trees, flowers and cactus. Conifers, bulbs, herbs and fruits. Biodiversity is all around us.

Jamaica, Oracabessa Bay, Coral reefs (2015) by Kadir van Lohuizenthe United Nations

Red and White Spotted Mushrooms (2016)the United Nations

South Africa, Restoring ecosystems through the planting of speckboom (2019)the United Nations

A colourful plant landscape (2016)the United Nations

Life on Planet (2016) by Stanislav Shmelevthe United Nations

South Africa, Green landscape (2019) by UNEP/Florian Fussstetterthe United Nations

Plastic pollution at the beach (2016) by UNEPthe United Nations

Why restoration?

We have been overexploiting and degrading many ecosystems, causing the erosion of several ecosystem services, which are essential for life on Earth. Now it is time to fix what we have been destroying and to enjoy the benefits of a healthy environment.

Poached elephant (2019) by Florian Fussstetterthe United Nations

The results of our illegal hunting and fishing activities are visible and numerous. 

Sharks, animal abuse (2015)the United Nations

The Living Shoreline - Building a resilient waterfront in Manhattan (2021) by UNEPthe United Nations

South Africa, A farmer restoring ecosystem through planting (2019) by Florian Fussstetterthe United Nations

Do you want to protect ecosystems and biodiversity?

Here is what you can personally do: 
Try a more plant-based diet, paying attention to the origin of the products you buy
Reuse, transform and repair your clothes, furniture and home appliances
Question your real needs when buying new products

Recyled plastic dress, Ugandathe United Nations

Every little action has an impact on the environment

Avoid or drastically reduce single-use plastic
Sort and recycle your waste 
Never dump your waste in the environment
Stop using pesticides and herbicides, preserve insects, little fauna, as well as flora. Every single animal and plant is important.

Group of gelada monkeys (2019) by Duncan Moorethe United Nations

Join us !

- Visit our website and take part in the challenges around the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
- Read the Ecosystem Restoration Playbook for tips on how to restore an ecosystem. 
- Take the Survey for youth from Europe and Central Asia to have your voice heard.


UNEP logothe United Nations

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