World Environment Day, which fell on Saturday June 5^th, saw the launch of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. This ten-year project is supported by over 70 countries around the world and aims to highlight the importance of reviving the damaged ecosystems which sustain our planet. The final year, 2030, coincides with the timeline that scientists have outlined as the last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change.

The UN believes that restoring and reversing the damage and degradation of ecosystems is key to combating climate change, ending poverty and preventing a mass extinction on Earth.

Each and every one of us can make a difference, that’s why this initiative is being billed as a global rallying cry to heal our planet, starting with Make a Difference Week (#MADweek) from June 5^th to 13^th with a focus on local action.

Bethanie Walker, Executive Director for the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) says:

“Make a Difference Week is a fantastic way to inspire engagement from the ground up, but it is just the beginning.  For the UN Decade to succeed we must continue to build momentum, following the path of change-makers like Milene, Robin, and many others – including thousands of SER members –  doing inspirational restoration work around the world.”

What is ecosystem restoration?

The term ecosystem restoration refers to aiding the recovery of damaged or destroyed ecosystems while preserving those which are still intact. Restoration can take many forms, from planting helpful fauna to removing those which are causing pressure on the local environment, all with the aim of enriching the biodiversity of an area.

By the end of the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, it is hoped that the restoration of over 350 million hectares of damaged ecosystems could remove up to 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from our atmosphere.

Restoration can take place in all types of ecosystems, from cities to oceans and forests to farmlands and anyone can take part, no matter how small. Smaller projects can make a positive impact on the world around you, while larger projects can have enormous benefits, even helping to prevent natural disasters such as floods.

How to take part

Waste Logics are proud to support the UN Decade strategy and will be looking at projects which can be undertaken both individually and as a team; we will be sharing our commitment and actions on our website and through our social media. If you would like to get involved with the initiative yourself, you can join the movement here.