The United Nations has released a report highlighting the need for increased efforts to restore degraded ecosystems. According to the report, 252 million hectares of degraded ecosystems have been restored worldwide, but to meet global targets, conservation efforts must be tripled. This call to action was made during the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Yerevan, Armenia, from October 19 to 30, 2026.
The report notes that while progress has been made, with 149 countries restoring 232 million hectares of degraded land, mostly in mountainous regions, more needs to be done to meet the 2030 targets. China has made significant efforts, restoring 137 million hectares, followed by Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Ethiopia. However, the report warns that the current pace of restoration is insufficient, and a significant increase in efforts is needed to achieve the goals set out in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The report highlights that restoration efforts have led to an increase in employment opportunities, with over 1 million people involved in restoration activities such as tree planting. However, to achieve the target of restoring 1 billion hectares by 2030, efforts must be scaled up significantly. The report also notes that financial support for restoration efforts needs to increase, particularly from the private sector.
The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the importance of restoring ecosystems, stating that the current pace of restoration is insufficient to meet the 2030 targets. According to the report, if current efforts continue, only 26% of terrestrial biodiversity and 12% of marine biodiversity will be conserved by 2030. The report calls for increased efforts to protect 30% of the Earth's land and sea areas by 2030.
The report identifies several strategies for restoring ecosystems, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting sustainable land use, and protecting biodiversity. It also highlights the need to reduce the use of harmful chemicals, control invasive species, and manage water resources sustainably. The report notes that these efforts can have numerous benefits, including mitigating climate change, improving human health, and promoting sustainable development.
The COP17 conference aims to take decisive action to protect biodiversity, and the report's findings are expected to inform discussions on the way forward. The conference will also consider the proposal to host the next COP meeting in Panama or Ecuador in 2028. The outcome of the conference is expected to have a significant impact on global efforts to conserve biodiversity and restore degraded ecosystems.
Doreen Robinson, Deputy Director of the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Ecosystems Division, emphasized the significance of the report, stating that it highlights the unprecedented efforts needed to restore ecosystems. The report notes that the area of restored ecosystems is equivalent to the size of Algeria or Argentina, but more needs to be done to meet the 2030 targets. The report's findings underscore the need for increased cooperation and commitment to protect the world's ecosystems.
Key points
- The United Nations warns that efforts to restore degraded ecosystems must be tripled to meet global targets by 2030.
- 252 million hectares of degraded ecosystems have been restored worldwide, but more needs to be done to meet the 2030 targets.
- The report calls for increased financial support for restoration efforts, particularly from the private sector.
