Restoring Model Ecosystems: Urgent Measures for a Resilient Future

English , Green Pakistan - گرین پاکستان , Snippets , / Sunday, August 24th, 2025

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Rabbia Khalid, Dr. Abid Hussain

Multan, August 24, 2025 — As the world confronts accelerating urbanization, deforestation, and climate change, ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate. Wetlands drained for agriculture, forests cleared for cities, and marine habitats under threat have pushed biodiversity and natural resources to a critical tipping point. According to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), over 75% of Earth’s land has been altered by human activity, and nearly one million species face extinction.

The Urgency of Restoration
Ecosystems provide clean water, fertile soil, and climate regulation, yet their degradation costs the global economy nearly 10% of GDP annually. Key drivers include:

Deforestation: 10 million hectares lost annually (FAO)

Wetland Loss: 35% decline since 1970, despite wetlands storing twice as much carbon as forests

Soil Degradation: Affecting over one-third of global soils due to unsustainable farming

Restoration Solutions and Success Stories

Reforestation: Africa’s Great Green Wall aims to restore 100 million hectares by 2030, already creating 350,000 jobs.

Wetland Rehabilitation: China’s Sponge Cities project has reduced urban flooding by 50% through restored wetlands.

Sustainable Farming: India’s Zero Budget Natural Farming boosts yields and cuts chemical inputs by 90%.

Marine Recovery: Indonesia’s Coral Triangle Initiative restored 50,000 hectares of reefs, protecting 120 million livelihoods.

Innovation Driving Change
Drones plant trees at scale, AI monitors deforestation in real-time, and genetic research develops climate-resilient coral species. In Myanmar, drones planted over 1 million mangroves in under a year, reducing costs by 50%.

Opportunities and Challenges
While funding needs surpass $200 billion annually, restoration could generate $9 trillion in ecosystem services and millions of green jobs by 2030.

Looking Ahead
With the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) in progress, global collaboration is vital. “Restoring ecosystems is not only about repairing nature but ensuring a sustainable future for all,” said UNEP in its latest call to action.