The Benefits of Ecosystem Restoration: a European Perspective

Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

This online event will delve into how we can upscale restoration initiatives in Europe. The first session will demonstrate the multiple benefits of ecosystem restoration with the aim of promoting the implementation of landscape and seascape restoration programmes across Europe within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Session two will provide the opportunity for restoration initiatives to exchange experiences and lessons learned with the workshop participants, in particular with regard to capacity building, upscaling initiatives, and future financing.

Speakers

FIRST SESSION

Opening keynote & Moderator of the first session - Thierry Lucas, UNEP Focal Point for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for the Europe Region

Launch of the event and opening  – Natalia Alekseeva, UNEP Coordinator for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Panelists

Zafer Kizilkaya President of the Mediterranean Conservation Society

Alyona Krivosheyeva, Conservation Director, Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan

Harald Egerer, Head of UN Environment Vienna Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention

Hildegard Meyer, WWF Central-Eastern Europe

Mykhailo Nesterenko, Executive Director, Rewilding Ukraine

Alexander Mitrofanenko, Associate Expert, GRID ARENDAL

Laura Bonesi, Programme Officer, UNEP-WCMC

Paulo Augusto Lourenço Dias Nunes, Senior Economist at FAO and a member of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Finance Task Force 

Closing Remarks – Bruno Pozzi, Regional Director of Europe Office, UNEP

SECOND SESSION

Opening keynote & Moderator of the first session - Laura Bonesi, Programme Officer, UNEP-WCMC

Panelists

Georgina Mayhew, Capacity & Networks Coordinator, Endangered Landscapes Programme

Sarah Sanders, Programme Manager, Endangered Landscapes Programme

Closing Remarks – Thierry Lucas, UNEP Focal Point for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for the Europe Region.