In a recent AgroTalk, Hernán Zaldívar, a specialist in ecosystem restoration from Preferred by Nature, shared his insights from over 15 years of experience in forest management, agribusiness, and ecosystem restoration. His presentation highlighted the importance of restoration for global sustainability and emphasized how restoring ecosystems can mitigate climate change, improve biodiversity, and foster resilience in agricultural landscapes.
What is Ecosystem Restoration?
Zaldívar began by defining ecosystem restoration as a process of halting and reversing ecosystem degradation to enhance biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. Unlike ecological restoration, which aims to bring ecosystems back to their original state, ecosystem restoration focuses on improving ecosystems to ensure they can provide goods and services for human use. This includes creating healthier ecosystems with fertile soils and increased biodiversity, which are essential for achieving sustainable development goals.
Restoration is critical for addressing climate change and reversing biodiversity loss. Zaldívar shared that restoring 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030 could generate $9 trillion in ecosystem services and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
The Challenges Facing Agricultural Ecosystems
One-third of the Earth’s land is used for agriculture, and while it provides food, fiber, and habitats for wildlife, agricultural systems are under tremendous pressure. Intensive farming, excessive fertilizer use, and pesticide overuse are key environmental challenges that are exhausting the vitality of farmlands. These practices not only harm ecosystems but also affect the livelihoods of farmers and rural communities.
The degradation of farmlands is a direct contributor to global issues like hunger and poverty, which were exacerbated by events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Zaldívar stressed the importance of empowering farming communities to build resilience and improve their quality of life through inclusive, equitable collaboration.
Global Commitments to Ecosystem Restoration
We are currently in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), an initiative that highlights the vital role of healthy ecosystems in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The decade aims to restore 350 million hectares of degraded terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, with agriculture playing a central role in this effort.
Zaldívar sees a direct connection between ecosystem restoration and the goals of SAN’s Strategic Plan. Restoring ecosystems contributes to climate change mitigation, enhances biodiversity, and promotes sustainable agricultural practices, all of which align with SAN’s mission of promoting a sustainable and equitable future for agriculture.
"We are in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a global initiative recognizing that healthy ecosystems are indispensable for achieving sustainable development. The aim is to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, and agriculture must be central to this effort." —Hernán Zaldívar
Preferred by Nature's Approach to Restoration
Preferred by Nature is developing a Climate and Ecosystem Restoration Program, currently in its fourth year, with a team working across Spain, Malaysia, and Peru. Their vision is to restore the relationship between humans and nature, an often-forgotten connection, with the goal of expanding healthy ecosystems and ending degradation. This romantic but practical vision underpins their ecosystem restoration programs, which emphasize collaboration, learning from past experiences, and inclusivity across value chains.
At the core of their work is the Ecosystem Restoration Standard, a tool designed to help field practitioners improve their restoration practices. The standard consists of 58 indicators across four stages: planning, tenure and engagement, implementation, and monitoring. One notable aspect of the standard is its flexibility—it is designed to support practitioners in the field without overcomplicating the process.
"Collaboration between organizations is key. One of the most overlooked Sustainable Development Goals is the need to form partnerships and alliances. Restoration cannot succeed without inclusive, collaborative efforts across sectors." — Hernán Zaldívar
Practical Examples of Ecosystem Restoration
Zaldívar shared several examples of successful ecosystem restoration projects across the globe:
Spain: In Andalusia, a project aimed at restoring one million hectares of highlands through regenerative agriculture has made significant progress by improving governance and fostering collaboration between public and private lands.
São Tomé and Príncipe: A project focused on agroforestry for cacao and coffee production emphasizes climate-smart agriculture. It has the potential to generate carbon credits while also addressing customary rights and cultural heritage in restoration activities.
Costa Rica: The La Selva Biodiversity Connectivity Project, led by Chiquita, aims to restore biodiversity corridors by involving small farmers and promoting environmental education. Community engagement has been a key factor in the project's success.
Ethiopia: A project integrating agroforestry and regenerative agricultural practices is helping restore degraded forests while supporting local communities. Traditional knowledge plays a critical role in the success of these efforts, illustrating the importance of combining modern techniques with indigenous practices.
The Path Forward
Restoring ecosystems is a long-term process that requires ongoing monitoring, adaptive management, and collaboration between stakeholders. Zaldívar emphasized that restoration projects must be inclusive, involving local communities and respecting traditional knowledge. Capacity-building efforts, such as training sessions with stakeholders from different sectors and countries, are essential for achieving meaningful progress.
The lessons shared by Zaldívar during the AgroTalk underline the critical role of ecosystem restoration in tackling the global challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and food security. By restoring ecosystems, we not only protect the environment but also create sustainable livelihoods for farming communities and future generations.
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