Ecosystems are restored

Ecosystems which have been damaged by human presence do not have to remain degraded. Through certain activities, they can gradually be restored to their previous state, or a similar equivalent. Here we consider actions which contribute to this.

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About this Positive Pursuit

Ecosystems which have been damaged by human presence do not have to remain degraded. Through certain activities, they can gradually be restored to their previous state, or a similar equivalent.

Ecosystems are restored when:

They are actively restored (e.g. by replanting native trees, repairing natural flood defences, and re-introducing native species to speed up recovery); or
They are allowed to regenerate naturally (e.g. by protecting degraded areas from further human interference and managing wild fire risks).

This Positive Pursuit encompasses any action which achieves such an outcome.

Why it’s needed

Human activity has left virtually no corner of the Earth untouched.
Less than 25% of the Earth's land surface has escaped substantial impacts of human activity. This is expected to fall to less than 10% by 2050.
Land degradation is undermining the health of the global population and the planet.
Worsening land degradation caused by human activities is undermining the wellbeing of two fifths of humanity, driving species extinctions and intensifying climate change. It is also a major contributor to mass human migration and increased conflict.

SDGs this will contribute to

2. Zero hunger
Hundreds of millions of people today go hungry, while unsustainable farming practices degrade soil quality, use too much water, reduce biodiversity, and put rural communities under pressure.
Learn more about SDG 2
6. Clean water and sanitation
Access to clean freshwater is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people today do not have access to clean water for drinking, cooking and sanitation.
Learn more about SDG 6
11. Sustainable cities and communities
Half of humanity now lives in cities, and the number is increasing. For cities to thrive we must address the pressures that rapid urbanization is placing on freshwater, infrastructure, air quality and people’s health.
Learn more about SDG 11
13. Climate action
The effects of climate change - from changing weather patterns and more extreme weather events to rising sea levels - are impacting all countries, disrupting national economies and affecting people's lives.
Learn more about SDG 13
14. Life below water
The world’s oceans – their temperature, chemistry, currents and life – drive natural processes that make the Earth habitable for humankind. Careful management of this global resource is critical to our future.
Learn more about SDG 14
15. Life on land
Land degradation, deforestation and desertification - caused by human activities and climate change - pose big challenges to sustainable development and undermine the livelihoods of millions of people.
Learn more about SDG 15