CHAPTER 1

Introduction 1

CHAPTER 2

Global progress in ecosystem restoration 7

  2.1 Restoration data compilation 7

  2.2 A world under pressure 11

    2.2.1 The drivers of ecosystem degradation 11

    2.2.2 Ecosystem loss and degradation in terrestrial ecosystems 12

    2.2.3 Ecosystem loss and degradation in freshwater (inland water) ecosystems 15

    2.2.4 Ecosystem loss and degradation in marine and coastal ecosystems 17

    2.2.5 From interconnected ecosystems to people 20

  2.3 Global restoration commitments 23

    2.3.1 Evolution of restoration commitments 23

    2.3.2 Restoration commitments in terrestrial ecosystems 27

    2.3.3 Restoration commitments in freshwater (inland water) ecosystems 29

    2.3.4 Restoration commitments in marine and coastal ecosystems 30

  2.4 Restoration in progress 32

    2.4.1 The status of restoration progress 32

    2.4.2 Restoration implementation in terrestrial ecosystems 34

    2.4.3 Restoration implementation in freshwater (inland water) ecosystems 38

    2.4.4 Restoration implementation in marine and coastal ecosystems 40

  2.5 Restoration finance 42

    2.5.1 Current finance flows 43

    2.5.2 Directing restoration finance to Indigenous Peoples and other groups 45

  2.6 Restoration gaps and opportunities 46

    2.6.1 Restoration commitments indicate substantial ambition 48

    2.6.2 Documented restoration implementation shows progress but remains below ambition 49

    2.6.3 Challenges in national reporting 50

    2.6.4 Finance needs and opportunities 52

    2.6.5 Evidence-based knowledge and gaps 53

    2.6.6 Governance and inclusivity gaps 55

CHAPTER 3

Scaling solutions to accelerate action to 2030 and beyond 59

  3.1 Pathway I: Building a global movement 59

    3.1.1 Turning awareness into action 60

    3.1.2 Expanding partnerships to engage the whole of society 62

    3.1.3 Using cities as platforms for collective action 63

    3.1.4 Enabling youth leadership 64

  3.2 Pathway II: Generating political support 66

    3.2.1 Aligning national planning and strengthening cross-sector coordination 66

    3.2.2 Enhancing policy support for under-represented ecosystems 69

    3.2.3 Recognizing land tenure, rights, knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples andother communities 73

    3.2.4 Transitioning from restoration projects to restoration economies 75

    3.2.5 Scaling private and blended finance 78

    3.2.6 Redirecting harmful subsidies 81

  3.3 Pathway III: Developing technical capacity 83

    3.3.1 Applying restoration standards 83

    3.3.2 Strengthening monitoring and reporting capacity 86

    3.3.3 Turning restoration data into knowledge and action 88

CHAPTER 4

From restoration ambition to lasting recovery 91

References 94