World Environment Day: What Is Ecosystem Restoration?

“The Earth is what we all have in common” are the words of Wendell Berry, an American novelist, poet, essayist, and environmental activist. It is true that we  have only one earth that we all share. It is also true that we all are responsible for its current situation. Global warming, climate change, pollution and the waste management crisis are all man made. Together we still have a hope to build a sustainable future for all. Every year, World Environment day is observed on June 5 to encourage awareness and environmental protection. “Ecosystem Restoration” is this year’s theme for the Day, in order to take initiatives to conserve and restore the ecosystem. 

According to the UN, Every three seconds, the world loses enough forest to cover a football pitch and over the last century, we have destroyed half of the wetlands.  Almost 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs have already been lost and up to 90 per cent of coral reefs could be lost by 2050. Ecosystem loss is huge and climate change is real. According to UN, Global greenhouse gas emissions have grown for three consecutive years and the planet is one place for potentially catastrophic climate change. We must rethink our relationship with the living world, with natural ecosystems and their biodiversity and work towards its restoration.

What is Ecosystem Restoration?

Ecosystem restoration means going from exploiting nature towards healing it. It is a way to prevent, halt and reverse the damage humans have done to the environment in centuries. All kinds of ecosystems can be restored, including forests, farmlands, cities, wetlands, and oceans. Restoration initiatives should be launched by authorities and government. We all, from governments and development agencies to businesses, communities, and individuals should come together to protect us. 

Restoration can be done in many ways. It can be done through actively planting or by removing pressures so that nature can recover on its own. However, it is not always possible to return an ecosystem to its original state but together we can take steps towards a better future and can be a generation that can make peace with nature. 

“Away, away, from men and towns To the wildwood and the downs, To the silent wilderness, Where the soul need not repress its music” — PB Shelley

Disclaimer: Views present in the article are the author’s personal opinions.