The United Nations has recognized seven pioneering initiatives across Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia as the 2024 World Restoration Flagships. These projects are instrumental in restoring the health of degraded habitats, marking a significant step in the global effort to rejuvenate our planet's ecosystems.
Announced ahead of the sixth United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi, Kenya, these initiatives are part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. This ambitious campaign aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the depletion of terrestrial and marine life worldwide.
The UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) oversee the restoration efforts, targeting the revival of 1 billion hectares of degraded land and oceans globally. A joint statement from UNEP and FAO highlighted that the seven flagship projects will restore nearly 40 million hectares of habitats and generate approximately 500,000 jobs, contributing to both environmental and economic recovery.
These initiatives not only focus on restoring natural landscapes but also aim to create sustainable livelihoods, aligning environmental health with human prosperity. By prioritizing ecosystem restoration, the UN is paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for communities around the world.
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UN honors 7 initiatives for advancing ecosystem restoration agenda
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