Ecosystem restoration is essential for meeting global and national goals of halting biodiversity loss and cutting greenhouse gases emissions. However, restoration projects have been slow on the ground and the initiation of new ones has been halted due to lack of funding and capacity.
This UNEP report aims to support the acceleration of much needed restoration work across Europe by providing inspirational examples of the many benefits that restoration can achieve. It shows how degraded ecosystems in Europe are being restored by the efforts of organizations, local communities and governments with each facing local challenges.
Each initiative tackles a different ecosystem with benefits ranging from boosting biodiversity to climate change mitigation and adaptation, to socio-economic benefits, including benefits to vulnerable communities. A set of important enabling factors that promote restoration is highlighted in the study. The report is also accompanied by a policy brief (download link below) targeted at policymakers and their opportunities to support ecosystem restoration.