Video by Zsuzsa Zicho
Ecosystem restoration has a positive and direct impact on all our lives
Healthy ecosystems underpin everything that humanity needs to sustain life on this planet, yet almost three quarters of our planet’s land is degraded, and more than 3 billion people are affected by soil erosion which is caused by land mismanagement and unsustainable agricultural techniques.
The restoration work at communities draws carbon down and cools the surface temperature of the earth. Restoring degraded land also increases local biodiversity; restores water-systems; improves soil fertility; reduces soil erosion, floods and drought; and reestablishes entire food webs. Restoring the earth brings about a significant reduction in poverty through the return of sustainable and regenerative livelihoods in degraded areas, leading to a more beautiful and resilient Earth.
It is empowering to know that, by being part of the Ecosystem Restoration Communities movement, you, as an individual, can have such a significant impact through the simple act of working together to build biologically diverse, life-supporting ecosystems.
Restoring ecosystems creates a world of abundance, with more than enough natural and financial health and wealth for us all. That is a powerful message in times where climate change, biodiversity loss, loss of fertility and poverty seems to limit our options more and more. No, we can increase our options if we restore the natural function of our planet.
The power of community
At Ecosystem Restoration Communities, we empower local action to achieve global ecological regeneration. We believe that every individual has the power to effect change, transforming degraded lands into thriving habitats that benefit biodiversity, climate stability, and human well-being. Our mission is to revitalise the planet by restoring ecosystems through community-driven projects. These projects inspire and positively influence neighbouring farms and communities, rapidly scaling out the work we support. This makes Ecosystem Restoration Communities uniquely impactful and sustainable. By nurturing local leadership and fostering knowledge exchange, ERC is creating a worldwide movement where nature and communities flourish together for generations.
We are part of a truly global effort
In June 2021 the United Nations launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, recognising that it is vital that we act now to reverse the effects of land degradation that is bringing about biodiversity loss, a lack of food and water security, compromised livelihoods and a reduction in carbon sequestration, which is essential to stave off the worst effects of climate change and to create a safe CO2 level in the atmosphere.