In response to the growing crisis of biodiversity loss, The Restoration Initiative (TRI) is making significant progress in restoring ecosystems and promoting sustainable land management practices worldwide. This effort comes as the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) will convene from 21 October – 1 November 2024.

The ongoing loss of biodiversity not only threatens the resilience of ecosystems but also the well-being of communities globally. TRI is committed to reversing the impacts of deforestation and land degradation, thereby safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.

Over the next week, TRI will be showcased at a number of events at CBD COP16 (listed below), to demonstrate how ecosystem restoration can be done, while reflecting on the impact of our work and experiences in monitoring, financing and policy influencing.  

Since its inception in 2018, TRI has united ten projects across nine countries, collaborating with three Global Environment Facility agencies—the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—along with governments and strategic partners to overcome existing barriers to restoring degraded landscapes, in support of the Bonn Challenge.

TRI has implemented projects across Africa and Asia, successfully bringing under restoration over 355,672 hectares of land and placing more than 715,164 hectares under sustainable management. These efforts have further empowered over 810,526 people, mitigated greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 27.4 million tCO2eq, and led to the strengthening and adoption of over 62 policies in support of forest and landscape restoration across various countries.

"TRI represents a critical step forward in our global efforts to combat biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. By employing science-based strategies and fostering community involvement, TRI is creating resilient ecosystems that can withstand the challenges of climate change. The initiative's emphasis on ecological integrity and connectivity is vital for the long-term success of restoration projects. I am encouraged by TRI's dedication to integrating ecological principles into their work and am optimistic about the positive impact this will have on both nature and communities worldwide," said Prof. Lu Zhi, Executive Director, Peking University Center for Nature and Society and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Advisory Board member.

"The Initiative is setting a remarkable example in ecosystem restoration by incorporating innovative approaches and sustainable practices. Bamboo, with its rapid growth and ecological benefits, offers a unique solution for restoration projects. TRI's commitment to integrating diverse species and techniques, including the use of bamboo, not only aids in restoring degraded landscapes but also supports local economies and biodiversity. I commend TRI for its forward-thinking strategies and look forward to seeing how bamboo can further contribute to their impactful work," added Arief Rabik, Chairman and Founder of Bamboo Village Trust and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Advisory Board member.

COP 16 will be the first Biodiversity COP since the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). TRI proudly aligns with the GBF Target 2, exemplifying best practices in ecosystem restoration. Adopted during COP15, Target 2 aims to ensure that by 2030, at least 30% of degraded terrestrial, inland water, and coastal and marine ecosystems are effectively restored.

Key Elements of TRI's Approach

Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems: TRI employs innovative techniques such as micro-catchment technology and community-led forest management to rehabilitate degraded landscapes. In Kenya, for example, TRI has successfully restored arid and semi-arid lands, enhancing ecological integrity and connectivity.

Effective Restoration Practices: By integrating traditional knowledge with modern restoration techniques, TRI ensures that its efforts are effective and sustainable. Projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Central African Republic involve local and indigenous communities in various aspects, from selecting restoration areas to choosing species for planting.

Diverse Ecosystem Focus: TRI's projects span various ecosystems, including terrestrial, inland water, marine, and coastal areas. In Guinea-Bissau, Cameroon, and São Tomé and Príncipe, TRI has focused on restoring mangrove forests, crucial for coastal protection and marine biodiversity. The initiative has also engaged in projects in the forests of China, Pakistan, the Central African Republic, and the DRC, as well as in arid lands and river ecosystems in Kenya and agricultural landscapes in Tanzania.

Enhancing Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services: TRI's restoration initiatives aim to enhance both biodiversity and ecosystem services. In China, a forest-landscape restoration approach has been integrated into the management of State-owned Forest Farms to improve ecology, ecosystem services, and biodiversity.

Connectivity and Ecological Integrity: TRI prioritizes the connectivity and integrity of ecosystems, ensuring that restored areas contribute to larger ecological networks. In Cameroon, a TRI project helped reintroduce native bamboo species, which not only aid in restoring degraded areas but also hold significant economic potential for local communities.

National Target Setting and TRI's Role:

As countries submit updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) with increased targets, TRI serves as a valuable reference for target setting and implementation. Utilizing the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM), TRI evaluates degradation from multiple perspectives and incorporates local and traditional knowledge to ensure that restoration actions benefit both biodiversity and local communities.

"As we strive to restore our planet's ecosystems, it is crucial to recognize the invaluable role that Indigenous communities play in this global effort. TRI exemplifies how integrating traditional knowledge with modern restoration practices can lead to sustainable and effective outcomes. By involving Indigenous Peoples and respecting their deep connection to the land, TRI enhances biodiversity and empowers communities to become stewards of their natural resources. I am proud to support TRI's mission and its commitment to fostering inclusive and community-driven restoration efforts," said Lucy Mulenkei, Co-chair, Indigenous Women Biodiversity Network and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Advisory Board member.

TRI has engaged key stakeholders and reinforced enabling frameworks through policy development and capacity building to support restoration efforts. The initiative's successes have attracted additional funding partnerships, with several countries approving new projects under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF). Notably, in the Central African Republic, TRI has enhanced the curricula of national educational institutions, while in São Tomé and Príncipe, the national platform for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) is spearheading restoration efforts nationwide.

Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM)

To track global progress toward the 30% restoration target, TRI emphasizes monitoring and transparent reporting on restored areas. In 2022, the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) was collaboratively launched by UN Decade FAO-led Task Forces to collect area-based information on ecosystem restoration and align efforts with the GBF Target 2.

A core indicator for monitoring progress under the GBF framework is the "area under restoration," and all TRI countries will contribute entries to FERM, facilitating data sharing and the exchange of best practices. TRI measures impacts to biodiversity and people through several other indicators including area under land management, GHG emissions reduced, number of policies and interinstitutional coordination mechanisms, value of resources mobilized for FLR, among others.  

As TRI continues its mission to restore ecosystems and combat biodiversity loss, it remains committed to expanding its efforts and sharing knowledge with global partners. TRI demonstrates how effective policy, governance, and technical and financial enabling conditions can unlock large-scale Forest and Landscape Restoration.

Watch the Restoration Initiative Achievements Journey 

CBD COP16 event details with TRI featured presentations:  

Oct 23 - 10:00 - 11:00 | Multilateral Development Bank Pavilion | Scaling up Landscape Restoration: restoring ecosystems for people and biodiversity

Oct 23 - 16:30 - 17:50 | Farallones - Youth meeting room, Plaza One | Innovative Knowledge Management for scaling practical solutions: Leveraging PANORAMA Global Biodiversity Framework Implementation

Oct 24 - 18:00 - 19:20 | GRULAC meeting room, Plaza One | Restoring Nature: Achieving Global Biodiversity Framework Target 2 Together

Oct 25 - 11:00 - 12:00 | GEF Pavilion | Strengthening Conservation of Primary Forests: The catalytic role of the GEF

Oct 27 - 17:45 - 19:15 | IUCN Pavilion | GPFLR: Forest and Landscape Restoration Strategically Advancing Target 2 implementation  

Oct 28 - 18:45 - 19:45 | GEO Pavilion | Restoration Roundtable: Ecosystem Insights for Global Action

For more information about TRI and its contributions to biodiversity conservation, please visit their website. 

About The Restoration Initiative (TRI)

The Restoration Initiative (TRI) unites 10 countries and three Global Environment Facility agencies - IUCN, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and the United Nations Environment Programme - along with governments and strategic partners to overcome barriers to restoration and restore degraded landscapes in support of the Bonn Challenge. 

About the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021 -2030, led by the United Nations 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.