Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration

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RESTORING ECOSYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION TO ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION

Level: Introductory | Estimated completion time: 2 hours | Certificate upon completion

Skills: Understanding ecosystem functions, choosing appropriate restoration approaches, applying the ten restoration principles, integrating gender equality and social inclusion into restoration planning, linking restoration to ecosystem services and global frameworks

What does it truly take to bring a damaged ecosystem back to life? This foundational journey is your essential guide to the science, principles, and purpose behind ecosystem restoration. You’ll move from the basics of how ecosystems function to the global frameworks that unite restoration efforts worldwide. Discover the key differences between restoration and rehabilitation, master the 10 guiding principles for effective action, and see how real-world projects connect local efforts to global goals. Start here to build the core knowledge you need to confidently join the movement to heal our planet.

Task 1: Defining ecosystems

Task 2: Understanding ecosystem properties

Task 3: Seeing ecosystems in their broader context

Task 4: Restoration, rehabilitation, and beyond: what do these terms really mean?

Stop and check 1

Task 5: Ecosystem services: Why nature matters to people

Task 6: Choosing the right restoration approach for the right context

Task 7: The 10 principles of effective ecosystem restoration

Task 8: GESI in ecosystem restoration: Laying the foundation for inclusive action

Stop and check 2

Task 9: Case study: Nature-based coastal restoration in Hong Kong

Task 10: Case study: Rehabilitating a dune forest ecosystem after titanium mining in South Africa

Task 11: How restoration aligns with global frameworks

Final test

Certificate of completion

Additional Resources

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United Nations Decade on Restoration (UN)

This is a global UN initiative catalysing large-scale ecosystem restoration for people, nature and climate from 2021–2030.

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Restoration Resource Portal (UNEP)

This UNEP hub provides reports, toolkits and policy briefs on ecosystem restoration and nature-based solutions.

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Ecosystem Restoration: Target 2 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (CBD)

This document presents guidance and activities linking ecosystem restoration to the Global Biodiversity Framework.

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Ecological Restoration (IUCN)

This page offers resources, guidelines and standards for planning and implementing ecological restoration globally.

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Bonn Challenge

This initiative is a global effort to restore 150 million hectares (by 2020) and 350 million hectares (by 2030) of degraded land.

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UNDP Nature (UNDP)

UNDP’ Nature Hub offers case studies and guidance to scale restoration for livelihoods and resilience.

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Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR)

This webpage offers resources from a partnership that supports national commitments, technical guidance, finance and case studies for landscape restoration.

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Society for Ecological Restoration (SER)

SER advances the science, practice, and policy of ecological restoration. This website presents technical guidelines, standards, and a restoration resource hub for practitioners and policymakers.

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Step Title

Certificate of Completion

Additional Resources