30 August 2018: The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), on behalf of the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR), has published a report titled, ‘Restoring Forests and Landscapes, the Key to Sustainable Future,’ which showcases the success of large-scale restoration of landscapes burdened by natural or man-made disasters.

The report was launched at the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) Nairobi 2018, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 28-30 August.

Focusing on positive messages from ongoing restoration projects, the report presents diverse cases studies, including: a project in Chile to establish payments to farmers restoring riparian areas; a national project in Ghana that includes establishing commercial teak plantations and reintroducing native tree species; restoration of the Fandriana-Marolambo landscape in Madagascar that includes planting indigenous trees and related economic activities; and a project in Turkey to restore 2.3 million hectares that includes soil and water protection, restoring tree cover along roadsides and establishing green belts around cities.

A global ecosystem restoration movement offers “the best hope to limit climate change, create green jobs, and improve food and water security.”

Among regional initiatives discussed in the report are Initiative 20×20 to bring at least 20 million of hectares of land in Latin America and the Caribbean into restoration by 2020, and the African Forest Landscape Restoration (AFR100) Initiative to restore 100 million hectares of degraded landscapes by 2030.

Discussing how to scale up these successes, the report highlights three key messages on the need for: “leadership, visibility and reach” through enhanced efforts at all levels; supporting countries to realize their restoration commitments through stronger guidance and tools; deepening commitments by targeting “benefits as well as hectares”; and scaling up funding and investment.

Noting that the forest and landscape restoration approach has been successfully tested in over 50 countries, Tim Christophersen, GPFLR Chair, said the time has come to scale up. Commenting on the report, he described a global ecosystem restoration movement as offering “the best hope to limit climate change, create green jobs, and improve food and water security.”

UN Environment Executive Director Erik Solheim noted there is “clear potential” for an area of 350 million hectares of degraded land to be restored by 2030, which will help contribute to the fight against climate change, biodiversity loss and poverty. [Publication: Restoring Forests and Landscapes, the Key to Sustainable Future] [GPFLR Website] [GPFLR News Release] [SDG Knowledge Hub Story on GLF Nairobi 2018]