London, 9 March 2025 - Created by renowned Italian artist Vesod and curated by the non-profit Street Art for Mankind (SAM), this new mural focuses on urban ecosystem restoration and the vital need to protect local biodiversity and freshwater ecosystems. The mural marks the 10th piece in a global #EcosystemRestorationMurals series spearheaded by SAM, in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), to raise awareness for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration — a global effort to halt, prevent and reverse the loss of nature.
Since its inception in 2021, the Ecosystem Restoration Murals series has reached over 100 million people across major cities worldwide. The first street artwork was created in Brussels, followed by others in Houston and Detroit. Most recently, two large murals celebrated critical ocean species such as humpback whales and orca in Seattle on the occasion of World Environment Day 2024, and four others were unveiled as an outdoor museum during the UN General Assembly and Climate Week in New York.
In London, the initiative has come to Twickenham Riverside ward in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, an area with a deep-rooted commitment to ecosystem restoration. Home to more ancient trees, particularly oak species, than France and Germany combined—many over 500 years old—the borough has a rich history of species conservation that dates back to the time of Henry VIII. 2025 also marks the 20th anniversary of Richmond's first Biodiversity Action Plan, alongside the launch of its updated version.
The 30-meter-high mural, titled "N6tur3", is a striking fusion of futurism and classical art, symbolizing a world where cities and nature exist in harmony. The anthropomorphic willow tree – a key species for the local ecosystem – and regional wildlife emphasize the connection between humanity and nature. The transformation of London into a river reflects local waterways such as the Thames and Crane, envisioning a harmonious future between urban landscapes and natural environments. The mural advocates for the restoration of freshwater ecosystems in and around cities, especially river habitats that are increasingly at risk due to human activities.
As stated by UNEP, the restoration and protection of freshwater ecosystems are critical to addressing the triple planetary crises of nature and biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. Some 81% of cities could improve their water quality by taking care of the ecosystems that surround them. Yet, freshwater ecosystems are declining faster than any other ecosystems, with many facing threats from pollution, habitat destruction, and invasive species.
Regal House was selected for its prime location near to Twickenham’s Allianz Stadium, home to major sports tournaments and other events, ensuring that millions of visitors will experience the mural annually.
This mural project was made possible thanks to the support of E.ON, a funding partner of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. The energy company, which operates Europe-wide, is focused on the energy transition. It also supports the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration through an ambitious programme restoring the areas under power lines across different countries in mainland Europe.
To engage viewers further, a free mobile app called "Behind the Wall®", available on the Play Store and App Store, offers an audio guide when the mural is scanned on a mobile device. The app allows the public to explore the story behind ecosystem restoration, hear from experts, and listen to the artist discuss his work.
Mural Address: Regal House, 70 London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3QS
Mural Unveiling: Sunday, 9 March, coinciding with the England vs. Italy Six Nations match at Twickenham Stadium.
QUOTES:
“Healthy and functioning rivers, wetlands and other ecosystems are essential for food production, water security, and climate resilience. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a worldwide initiative that everyone can contribute to and benefit from. Together, our concerted restoration efforts will ensure a future where lives and humanity can thrive.” Li Lifeng, Director, FAO Land and Water Division.
“We are only as healthy as the nature that surrounds us, and on which we depend. That is why countries agreed on a Global Biodiversity Framework, guiding our actions for nature. Amongst its targets the framework calls on us to protect 30% of natural ecosystems and restore 30% of degraded areas by 2030. This includes terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. If we do not take care of our rivers, we gamble with our health, economic prosperity and wellbeing of future generations.” Neville Ash, Director, UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC)
“I hope this mural will inspire many people to protect and restore nature. UNEP is proud to be associated with this initiative and to work with our many partners to support countries in the sustainable management of rivers, streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. They are essential to our planet’s health and to our survival and wellbeing.” Arnold Kreilhuber, Regional Director for Europe of the UN Environment Programme
“We’re honored and excited to paint in London, in a neighborhood like Twickenham, where biodiversity has been a priority for over 500 years! This mural serves as a reflection on our legacy for future generations. We are the 'Generation Restoration,' and it’s up to all of us to ensure our planet thrives. Our large-scale mural is a powerful reminder to the community—and the 2 million people who visit the stadium each year—that the time to act for our future… is now!” Audrey and Thibault Decker, co-founders Street Art for Mankind.
“We’re here to be the playmaker that brings everyone together for real impact. We believe making new energy work means finding and rallying organisations that share our values—so we can collectively raise awareness and spark meaningful change in every one of our communities.” Scott Somerville, Director of External Affairs, E.ON UK.
“We are thrilled that Twickenham was chosen as the location for this stunning Global Ecosystem Restoration Mural in London. Here in Richmond upon Thames, we have a proud history of protecting our rivers and parks, and our work is ongoing to enhance our local ecosystems. This large mural in the heart of Twickenham reminds us of our connection and commitment to nature. Healthy rivers and outdoor spaces are not just places for recreation, they are a testament to the vitality of the natural world." Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Deputy Leader and Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture & Sport Committee at Richmond Council.
PR Contacts: UNEP Audrey Decker, Street Art for Mankind & Vesod:– [email protected] - +1 305 934 5501 https://streetartmankind.org/ecosystemrestoration/
Visual Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1c188vSIrMJrt9Okkeu5fI5nOnma49ssC
Required credit and tagging information: Photo Credit: @dr_derek for @StreetArtMankind #StreetArtMankind #EcosystemRestorationMurals #GenerationRestoration #ForNature #ClimateAction
NOTES TO EDITORS
About Vesod
Vesod is an Italian street artist known for creating large-scale, surrealistic scenes that incorporate architecture, nature, and human forms. His unique use of geometric shapes blends Renaissance art with futurism. https://streetartmankind.org/artists/vesod/
About the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration: The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 is a rallying call for the protection and revival of ecosystems across the world, for the benefit of people and nature. It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global goals. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the UN Decade, which is led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. https://www.decadeonrestoration.org/
About Street Art for Mankind (SAM)
Street Art for Mankind (SAM) is a non-profit organization curating and producing large murals all around the world with prominent street artists. SAM’s goal is to raise awareness on social justice and environmental issues, and to give the public the means to become actors of change. https://streetartmankind.org/
About Regal House
Regal House is a landmark office building that has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment with sustainability and wellness at the forefront. The building now offers 30,000 sq. ft of modern energy efficient workspace, alongside, a new reception and café area. Regal House has been recognised for its sustainable credentials with a SKA Gold rating, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) rating that assess fit-out projects against strict sustainability good practice criteria.