A companion to the Short Term Action Plan on Ecosystem Restoration
Resources, case studies, and biodiversity considerations in the context of restoration science and practice
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This text is extracted from Annex I of CBD COP Decision XIII/5: Ecosystem restoration: short-term action plan
To ensure that restoration activities are implemented in areas requiring restoration and that are high priority taking into account ecological, economic, social and institutional realities, it is useful to implement broad-scale ecosystem assessments, including mapping, or to make use of existing assessments. These assessments can be undertaken at various levels according to national circumstances and adjusted in the light of more detailed assessments that result from the site-level activities in step C. The following actions may be considered, and, as appropriate, taken:
Assessment of Opportunities
for Ecosystem Restoration
Download the considerations from Restoration Science and Practice for Group A
Assess the extent, type, degree and location of degraded ecosystems at regional, national, and local scales as well as the drivers of ecosystem degradation. Take into account current restoration activities and initiatives, and how these integrate biodiversity considerations.
Identify and prioritize geographical areas where restoration would contribute most significantly to achieving national level targets contributing to the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (such as priority areas for the conservation of biodiversity, areas that provide essential ecosystem services, and areas that would enhance the integrity of protected areas and their integration into wider land- and seascapes).
Consult relevant resources for activity A2
Involve indigenous peoples and local communities and relevant stakeholders. Identify and obtain the prior and informed consent and full and effective participation of indigenous peoples and local communities and involve relevant stakeholders in the process, including consideration for gender balance, in the identification of priority areas for restoration.
Consult relevant resources for activity A3
Assess the potential costs and multiple benefits of ecosystem restoration at relevant scales. Benefits may include those linked to biodiversity and ecosystem services, and socioeconomic benefits, such as water and food security, carbon capture and sequestration, jobs and livelihoods, health benefits, and disaster risk reduction (e.g., fire and erosion control, and coastal protection). Identify opportunities for maximizing co-benefits and for reducing or eliminating conflicts among co-benefits. Costs of inaction may also be significant. Capitalize on lessons learned from previous restoration activities and the potential for ecosystem restoration to provide ecosystem services using nature-based solutions and developing green infrastructure.
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Assess the relevant institutional, policy, and legal frameworks and identify financial and technical resources, as well as gaps, for implementing ecosystem restoration. Analyse opportunities for innovative approaches to restoration, including financial ones.
Consult relevant resources for activity A5
Identify options to reduce or eliminate the drivers of the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems at various scales. Utilize pre-degradation baselines where appropriate and consult with experts and stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities to determine baselines and other requirements, such as: resources; behavioural changes; incentive mechanisms; addressing perverse incentives; adopting sustainable land, water, forest, fisheries and agriculture management practices; diversifying land tenure; and recognizing resource rights. Assess areas where the implementation of sustainable productive practices could contribute to ecosystem restoration and to prevent land degradation.
Consult relevant resources for activity A6