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.
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.