Strategic Support for the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration

Preparation of 10 Policy Papers on ecosystem restoration

Project
Duration: May 2022 - Jun 2023

The UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and officially launched on World Environment Day in June 2021. The aim is to more effectively address the urgent need to restore important ecosystems and habitats. This shall be supported through numerous centralised and decentralised actions worldwide. The Decade thus contributes significantly to the implementation of the three Rio Conventions (UFCCC, CBD and UNCCD) and to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The UN Decade offers the opportunity to link thematic areas that were previously treated rather separately, as well as to clarify their interdependencies and to create synergies. This includes, for example, linking the topic of ecosystem restoration with different topics in the areas of biodiversity and climate. To illustrate these linkages, Ecologic Institute is preparing a total of 10 policy papers for the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). These papers are intended to support key German actors in implementing the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration as part of the overarching GIZ project "Supporting the Design and Implementation of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration" (DEER).

The policy papers link ecosystem restoration with topics such as Nature-based Solutions (NBS), deforestation-free supply chains, Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as part of the UN Climate Agreement of Paris, or adaptation to the consequences of climate change.

Strategic Impulses for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030): A series of policy briefs

15 June 2024

Publication:Policy Brief

cover page of Policy Paper No. 9 by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection. The title reads 'Die Rolle nachhaltiger Produktionsmethoden und Investitionen sowie naturpositiver Lieferketten für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen', translating to 'The Role of Sustainable Production Methods and Investments as well as Nature-Positive Supply Chains for the Restoration of Ecosystems'.

How can companies and societies effectively design the shift towards greater sustainability? This policy brief highlights the importance of sustainable production methods, investments, and nature-positive supply chains for the restoration of ecosystems and outlines action approaches for a sustainable future.

Die Rolle nachhaltiger Produktionsmethoden und Investitionen sowie naturpositiver Lieferketten für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

In an increasingly interlinked and globalized world, indigenous peoples and local communities are essential for the preservation of their rights, cultures and access to land and resources. What role do they play in the dialog around environmental protection and social justice? This policy paper sheds light on the challenges and opportunities for indigenous peoples and local communities and explores how their voices can be heard and respected in international forums.

Die Rolle von Indigenen Völkern und lokalen Gemeinschaften, Frauen und Jugendlichen für die Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

Document cover for a policy paper by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. The title 'Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften' translates to 'The Restoration of Forest-rich Landscapes'. Below, the authors Gregory Fuchs, Sandra Naumann, and Rebecca Noebel.

This policy brief examines the Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) approach, considering global (e.g., the Bonn Challenge) and regional (e.g., AFR100) initiatives for restoring (forest) ecosystems, among others, and assesses their contribution to the UN multilateral goals.

Die Wiederherstellung waldreicher Landschaften

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy paper addresses the restoration of marine and coastal ecosystems. It advocates for synergies among UN decades and underscores the need to integrate various approaches to restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.

Die Wiederherstellung von Meeres- und Küstenökosystemen

Year 2023

Presentation:Speech

At the online conference, "Moore II: Restoring Intact Ecosystems and Sustainable Use – Pathways to Success," held on 25 April 2023, Gregory Fuchs presented a policy paper stressing the need for freshwater ecosystem restoration. The event, organized to support the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, specifically focused on peatland restoration.

Freshwater Ecosystem Restoration

25 April 2023
Gregory Fuchs

Publication:Policy Brief

This policy paper addresses the restoration of freshwater ecosystems. It delves into a policy milieu where the UN Decades of Ecosystem Restoration and the Water Decade emerge as pivotal, particularly bolstering SDGs 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper offers policy recommendations that advocate for the integration of specific measures into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), alongside the proposal for a binding international water treaty and the appointment of a UN special representative for water.

Die Wiederherstellung von Süßwasserökosystemen

Year 2023

Publication:Policy Brief

Cover of Policy Paper No. 7 from the series for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), entitled 'The Results of the CBD COP15 and their Importance for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.' It displays the emblem of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection. Below, an image of a mist-laden rainforest is visible. Authors Gregory Fuchs and Rebecca Noebel from the Ecologic Institute, and Mathias Bertram from GIZ.

This policy brief offers a nuanced analysis of the outcomes from CBD COP15. It particularly focuses on the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and its ramifications for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The document articulates policy recommendations designed to ensure the GBF’s ambitious restoration targets are achieved efficiently and on schedule.

Die Ergebnisse der CBD COP15 und ihre Bedeutung für die UN-Dekade zur Wiederherstellung von Ökosystemen

Year 2023

News

Following four years of development negotiations, Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework on 19 December 2022, replacing the CBD's Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 and its Aichi Targets. Ecologic Institute produced a series of policy briefs on ecosystem restoration, which is a key priority and specific target in the new global biodiversity framework. A separate publication on the outcomes of the CBD COP15 and their relevance to the UN Decade for Ecosystem Restoration is in preparation.

A New Global Biodiversity Framework – Assessments of COP15 outcomes

31 January 2023

Funding: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany
Partner: Ecologic Institute, Germany
Team: Gregory Fuchs

Rebecca Noebel

Sandra Naumann
Duration: May 2022 - Jun 2023
Project ID: 60020
Keywords: Biodiversity

Governance

Nature-based Solutions and Green Infrastructure