Ecosystem Restoration: Mexico, Spain & East Africa Win Awards
Mexico, Spain, and East Africa are celebrated for their groundbreaking ecosystem restoration programs, combating invasive species and pollution, aiming to restore nearly 5 million hectares of marine ecosystems. These initiatives, crucial for biodiversity protection and climate action, are part of the global UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. East Africa’s collaborative efforts focus on restoring interconnected land and seascapes, while Mexico tackles invasive species, and Spain addresses lagoon degradation through citizen-led initiatives. The awards, presented at the UN Ocean Conference, highlight the interconnectedness of biodiversity, climate, and economic growth. Read further with News Directory 3 for insights on mangrove restoration and the positive impact of these programs on communities and socio-economic advancement. Discover what’s next for these award-winning projects.
Ecosystem Restoration Programs Awarded to mexico, spain, East Africa
NICE, France — At teh United Nations Ocean Conference, Mexico, Spain, and East Africa were honored for their enterprising ecosystem restoration programs. The Food and Agriculture Organization and the United nations Habitat Program presented the World Restoration Flagships awards Thursday at a private event.
These initiatives combat invasive species, pollution and unsustainable practices. Together, they aim to restore nearly 5 million hectares of marine ecosystems. That area is about the size of Costa Rica, which co-hosted the conference with France.
The World Restoration Flagships program, part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), supports global commitments under the Paris Agreement to restore 1 billion hectares of ecosystems. Recognition includes additional UN support.
“After decades of taking the ocean for granted, we are witnessing a grate shift towards restoration,” said Inger Andersen, UNEP executive director.She added that biodiversity protection, climate action and economic growth are interconnected.
FAO Director-General QU Dongyu said that the climate crisis and unsustainable practices harm marine life and threaten communities. he added that halting degradation benefits both the planet and people.
In East Africa’s Northern Mozambique Channel, Comoros, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania are collaborating to protect and restore over 87,000 hectares of interconnected land and seascapes. Climate change and overfishing threaten the region’s coral reefs, which account for 35% of the indian Ocean’s total.
Efforts include restoring blue and green forests by creating interconnected restoration corridors, mangroves and coral reef ecosystems, and improving fisheries management. Madagascar’s mangroves store over 300 million tons of carbon dioxide, comparable to the annual electricity use of over 62 million U.S. households. The mangrove restoration is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption.
With sufficient funding, restoring 4.85 million hectares by 2030 coudl improve socio-economic development and community well-being, creating over 2,000 jobs and 12 community-based enterprises that integrate indigenous practices.
Mexican islands have combatted invasive species that threaten biodiversity, especially seabird populations. Government agencies and civil society groups have removed over 60 invasive species populations, leading to the return of at least 85% of seabird populations. Continued efforts aim to restore over 100,000 hectares by 2030,securing populations of 300 endemic species. The program also supports local island communities. Mexico plans a national environmental restoration program based on this success.
dr. Marina Robles García, Undersecretary of Biodiversity and Environmental Restoration, said that tangible restoration actions are breathing new life into vital ecosystems, bolstering biodiversity, saving species and supporting local communities.
Spain’s Mar Menor lagoon, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, faces threats from nitrous discharge and other pollutants, leading to rapid degradation and fish population losses.
A citizen-led initiative granted legal personhood to Mar Menor in 2022. Activists, scientists and legal officials represent the lagoon.Government initiatives aim to restore Mar Menor by cleaning up polluted sites, improving flood risk management and supporting enduring agriculture. A proposed green belt around the lagoon is predicted to absorb over 82,256 tons of CO₂ by 2040. Over 8,700 hectares may be restored by 2030.
Sara Aagesen Muñoz, Third Vice-President and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, said their work is grounded in listening, commitment and innovation, with participation driving the entire process.