By Aja Two Crows, Project Manager at the Center for Earth Ethics and Alyssa Ng, Research and Policy Associate at the Center for Earth Ethics.

As we as a global community confront biodiversity loss and climate change, there is an urgent need for a renewed connection between humans and the Earth. Enter Akin, a creative and collaborative zine from the Center for Earth Ethics (CEE), designed to engage this essential dialogue. We are thrilled to introduce the second installment of Akin, "Reclaiming Balance through Ecosystem Restoration."

The interconnected crises of biodiversity loss and climate change are daunting and more pressing than ever. Historically, humans lived in harmony with the Earth, respecting its cycles and changes. Today, however, much of society's relationship with nature is based on exploitation and extraction. As land, soil, and water degrade and species of flora and fauna go extinct, we can fully see the consequences of our collective disconnection from the rest of life. This disconnection fuels the global environmental crisis, highlighting the need to recalibrate our values and ethical systems by investigating and discussing the origins and ramifications of this destructive mentality.

Ecological restoration—efforts to repair damaged ecosystems or maintain existing ones—emerges as a powerful tool in this context. Successful restoration projects are those that integrate values, culture, and spirituality, fostering deeper connections and ensuring a long-term, successful relationship between human communities and the planet. 

Through thoughtful essays, interviews, and stories, this issue of Akin explores how ecological restoration can serve as a vehicle for reestablishing a harmonious relationship with the Earth. This issue features compelling pieces from Gopal Patel, Ned Joyner, Shannon M.D. Smith, Alyssa Ng, and Andrew Schwartz, each offering unique perspectives on ecological restoration and the importance of biocultural relationships. The marriage of art in all of its forms is essential to Akin; we are deeply thankful for our artistic contributors Canisia Lubrin, Bhasha Chakrabarti, Ryder Kimball and Louisa Belk. We are grateful for the insights and contributions of our talented team of editors: Andrew Schwartz, Tim Cross, Ned Joyner, and CEE Executive Director Karenna Gore. 

Akin seeks to uplift the invaluable role of Indigenous communities and this is particularly true when it comes to the topic of ecological restoration. For generations, Indigenous peoples have honored and cared for the Earth, maintaining traditions that embody ethics of reciprocity and mutuality. These practices offer profound insights into sustainable living and environmental stewardship that we explore in this issue. 

"Reclaiming Balance through Ecosystem Restoration" invites readers to reflect on their own connection to the Earth and consider how they can contribute to the restoration and preservation of our natural world. As we navigate the complex challenges of our time, Akin serves as a reminder of the power of community, tradition, and collective action. By embracing the wisdom of Indigenous communities and integrating cultural and spiritual values into ecological restoration, we can reclaim balance and forge a more harmonious relationship with the Earth.

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and its partners, covers terrestrial as well as coastal and marine ecosystems. As a global call to action, it will draw together political support, scientific research and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Find out how you can contribute to the UN Decade. Follow #GenerationRestoration.