G20 Global Land Initiative’s Post

Forest restoration is not a novel concept, however, advancements in science continue to refine and enhance its efficacy. Learn more from the recap of our Community Collaborative webinar: Advancing Effective Conservation and Restoration: https://lnkd.in/e9RJ_BFp

🌳 Forest restoration isn't new, but scientific advancements are continuously improving its effectiveness. Recently, the 1t.org US Community Collaborative hosted an insightful webinar exploring the latest trends in conservation and restoration. The session highlighted research that's building on past successes, shaping a more sustainable future. 🌱 Read about it here: https://lnkd.in/e9RJ_BFp

Why reforestation doesn’t always lead to restoration As climate change and other environmental challenges continue to threaten ecosystems across the globe, planting trees might seem like an obvious—and relatively simple—solution. But non-forest ecosystems, such as savannas and tropical grasslands, won’t benefit from increased tree cover. And in some cases, well-meaning attempts at reforestation can actually do far more harm than good. In a new Science Policy Forum, researchers draw attention to the potential dangers associated with the African Forest Restoration Initiative and other projects that seek to restore degraded and deforested landscapes across Africa. According to their analysis, vast swathes of grassland—adding up to a total area that exceeds the size of France—are inappropriately classified as forest under current programs. Planting trees in these areas, they warn, could devastate the many plant and animal species that are adapted to grassland habitats, as well as the human communities that depend on them. These misguided efforts, they add, also divert resources from damaged forest ecosystems that genuinely need them. “Increasing tree cover in open ecosystems globally represents a major threat, not only for the ecosystems themselves but ultimately for society as a whole,” the authors write. “We must act to avoid a situation where we cannot see the savanna for the trees, and these precious grassy systems are lost irrevocably.” https://lnkd.in/eu7fxZnD

How important is #Reforestation in #ClimateChange mitigation efforts?🍃🌳🌍 Thomas K Rudel's Reforesting the Earth: The Human Drivers of Forest Conservation, Restoration, and Expansion, published by Columbia University Press, explores this question and the factors that enable successful forest #Conservation and expansion, offering useful insights for #Environmentalists, #Policymakers and #Activists. #Review by Mohd Amin Khan.

In heavily degraded sites, Eden starts the restoration process by planting pioneer species, creating more favorable growing conditions for other species in the future. Croton megalocarpus is one of the pioneer species planted for its ecological benefits. As a fast-growing, drought-resistant species, it matures within five to seven years and reaches up to 36 meters in height. The Croton tree's maturation rate allows these trees to provide shade, wind protection, and soil conservation to the surrounding area quickly. Once a site looks like the one here, it's ready for a second round of planting, featuring a more diverse suite of species appropriate for this forest type. This step is vital for supporting biodiversity and combating climate change. Learn more about our restoration efforts here: edenprojects.org #Eden #Restoration #TreePlanting #Sustainability

🌲📚 Happy to share my latest book review on "Reforesting the Earth: The Human Drivers of Forest Conservation, Restoration, and Expansion" by Thomas K. Rudel. In this insightful review published by The LSE Review of Books, Rudel's work sheds light on the diverse ways in which human actions shape forest conservation efforts, restoration projects, and overall forest expansion.

The @National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is leading a pioneering project to restore bull kelp forests in the NOAA's Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries off the coast of California. Bull kelp forests provide crucial habitat for a variety of marine species, including fish, invertebrates, and marine mammals. However, these ecosystems have been declining in recent years due to a combination of factors, including climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The restoration project involves transplanting bull kelp from healthy populations to areas where the forests have been depleted. This innovative approach aims to jumpstart the recovery of these vital ecosystems and create a more resilient marine environment. By restoring bull kelp forests, NOAA hopes to not only support the health of marine species but also enhance the overall biodiversity and productivity of the sanctuary.

🌊 Delving into the depths of marine conservation at Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Institute opens up a world of critical insights about our oceans and coastal ecosystems. From the fragile habitats to protected marine life, every finding shapes our future. 🐠🌿 🔍 As we navigate the impacts of coastal land development, plastic pollution, and climate change on our oceans, one thing is clear: our destinies are intertwined with the sea. What affects the Arctic today ripples to Florida tomorrow. 🌏 🛡️ The research at FAU Harbor Branch doesn't just study marine life; it champions conservation strategies essential for policymakers to safeguard our oceans. It's a reminder that protecting the environment isn't just an option; it's our responsibility for the generations to come. 🌱🌊 💡 Learning from this article is like realizing that each species lost is a piece of ourselves fading away. Just like a coral reef, we may seem sturdy, but beneath the surface, our fragility is evident. It's time to act before the ecosystem crumbles. 🚫⏳ 💙 Supporting initiatives like those at FAU Harbor Branch is not just a donation; it's an investment in a better, sustainable future for our planet. Together, we can be the change our oceans desperately need. 🤝🌊 🌟 Let's dive deeper into marine conservation, not just for the aquatic world but for the interconnected web of life that sustains us all. Join the cause today and be a part of the solution! 🌊🔬 https://lnkd.in/gyPrAVcT #MarineConservation

Land restoration is one of the key themes of #WorldEnvironmentDay. IPBC Partners recognise the essential impact of blue carbon ecosystems to protect coastlines from erosion and storm surge, provide habitat to terrestrial and marine species, and support the communities that rely on them. Restoration of these landscapes is vitally important as degraded mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrass ecosystems emit, rather than sequester carbon dioxide and put the survival of biodiversity and communities at risk. The IPBC’s goals are to increase international commitments, improve national policies, and accelerate on-the-ground implementation of blue carbon conservation, protection and restoration activities. These contribute to the sustainable management of our precious environment. Tools and resources are available on our website - Resources | Blue Carbon Partnership #bluecarbon #seagrass #mangroves #saltmarsh Photo credit: Matt Curnock / Ocean Image Bank Mangroves_Mission Beach_Australia

⭐New Guidelines Launched! 📘Guidelines for the Restoration, Creation & Management of Salt Marshes and Tidal Flats 📅Last week, Wetlands International hosted a successful webinar for the global launch of the Guidelines for the Restoration, Creation & Management of Salt Marshes and Tidal Flats. 🌱The guidelines are scientifically rigorous and practically applicable, supporting practitioners and decision-makers to effectively plan, design, implement and evaluate restoration projects, using best practices. They have a particular focus on supporting the restoration and creation of habitats critical for migratory waterbirds. 🤝These guidelines are a collaborative effort between Wetlands International and the Conservation Evidence Group at Cambridge University, incorporating insights from an international panel of experts. 🌍 We encourage everyone to consult these guidelines in their future projects to ensure the sustainability and resilience of coastal ecosystems. 👉View and download the guidelines here: https://lnkd.in/gHUVj5vZ #NatureBasedSolutions #saltmarshes #tidalflats #biodiversity #climateaction