Nature, oceans, and ecosystems form the foundation of life on Earth, yet human activities have pushed these life-support systems to the brink. Forests, wetlands, and oceans, which regulate climate, sustain biodiversity, and provide essential services like carbon sequestration, are being degraded at alarming rates. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), natural ecosystems have declined by 47%, with over three-quarters of terrestrial and two-thirds of marine environments significantly altered.
The crisis is multifaceted. Overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change imperil marine ecosystems, while urbanization and unsustainable practices threaten wetlands and forests. The Food and Agriculture Organization warns that 35% of global fish stocks are overexploited, jeopardizing marine biodiversity and livelihoods. Reversing this trajectory demands urgent, collective action. Nature-based solutions, such as mangrove restoration, offer dual benefits—protecting coastlines while sequestering carbon. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration underscores the potential of restoring 15% of degraded lands to avert 60% of species extinctions.
Objective of the session is to discuss ecosystem challenges, share best practices, and advance policies, partnerships, and community-led solutions for global restoration efforts.