Advancing aquatic ecosystem restoration within the Global Biodiversity Framework
An important webinar, co-organized by FAO and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, gathered experts from around the world to address the opportunities and challenges in quantifying 'area under restoration' for aquatic (marine and inland) ecosystems under Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). With 805 registrants from 107 countries, this session aimed to bring on-the-ground experience to the development of strategies for consistent global reporting on aquatic restoration efforts.
Why talk about aquatic ecosystems?
Aquatic ecosystems are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and ecological stability. However, they oftentimes face severe degradation due to human activities, climate change, and pollution. As countries strive to meet the ambitious goals set by the GBF, there is a pressing need to develop robust methodologies for measuring and reporting restoration efforts. This webinar served as a platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and innovative approaches to promote a global understanding of aquatic restoration.
What has been discussed?
Julian Fox, the Team Leader for Monitoring and Data Platforms at FAO, kicked off the session by reflecting on the urgency of the task at hand. "We realized there are a lot of unanswered questions around restoration and aquatic ecosystems and how we measure progress," he noted. Fox highlighted the need for a consistent global approach to quantifying restoration efforts.
Echoing the call, Beth Walder, Executive Director of the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) emphasized the dual goals of ecosystem restoration: improving ecosystem services and recovering biodiversity. She underscored the importance of measuring restoration in a way that benefits both nature and people, and she called for inclusive language and metrics that account for both terrestrial and aquatic systems.
The webinar’s panel discussion brought a wide selection of experiences from experienced colleagues across geographics areas:
Boze Hancock, Senior Marine Restoration Scientist at The Nature Conservancy, shared insights from marine and coastal restoration projects. Using oyster reef and seagrass as examples, he illustrated the interconnectedness of different habitats. "The restoration of marine habitats is still new, but we are racing as fast as we can to get to the point where we can restore multiple habitats in a connected framework," Hancock stated. He highlighted the Reef Builder program in Australia, which aims to restore oyster reefs to 30 bays and estuaries, a critical effort to bring the reefs off the IUCN red list.
Carlos Alberto Rivera Rondon, Associate Professor at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, brought attention to the diversity of wetlands in Colombia. "Before starting any restoration efforts, it is crucial to classify different wetland types to identify which structural aspects are more sensitive to anthropogenic stressors," he advised. Rivera Rondon emphasized the importance of understanding the natural ontogeny of wetland ecosystems and the need for comprehensive baseline studies to inform effective restoration.
Leonard Akwany, Freshwater Director for Africa at Conservation International, highlighted the critical need for freshwater ecosystem restoration in Africa. "Inland freshwater ecosystems offer multiple ecosystem services that are critical for human beings and biodiversity," Akwany emphasized, noting the significant challenges posed by pollution, invasive species, and climate change. He described efforts to restore fish breeding areas in Lake Victoria and the importance of engaging local communities in the restoration process.
Andreas Nemmert, Project Manager at REVITAL, discussed the complexity of river restoration in alpine regions. "Every river is very specific, and you need an interdisciplinary expert team to handle restoration effectively," he remarked. Nemmert shared successful case studies from Europe, illustrating the benefits of using a multifunctional river corridor approach to balance flood protection, ecological restoration, and recreational use.
Cynthia Catton, Aquatic Science Advisor for the Washington Department of Natural Resources, showcased kelp and eelgrass conservation efforts in Washington State. "We need to think creatively about how we interpret data to inform our understanding of habitat area and recovery targets," she said. Catton highlighted the state's ambitious goal to protect and recover 40 square kilometers of priority kelp and eelgrass habitats by 2040 and the importance of addressing major stressors to achieve meaningful restoration outcomes.
Key takeaways and future directions
The discussions underscored several key themes:
- Scale and connectivity: Aquatic restoration projects need to consider the broader landscape and the interconnectedness of these dynamic ecosystems. "Aquatic ecosystems are intensely important because of their connectivity," Hancock reiterated. The scale of restoration efforts should reflect the significant impact of restored areas on broader ecological functions and services.
- Data and monitoring: Consistent and innovative monitoring methods are essential for capturing the true impact of restoration efforts. "We need multiple sources of data to inform our understanding," Catton emphasized. The use of AI and satellite imagery were highlighted as a promising approach for large-scale monitoring.
- Community involvement: Engaging local communities in restoration efforts is crucial for success. "Working with local communities is essential to prioritize crucial ecosystem services and propose effective actions," Rivera Rondon highlighted. Involving communities ensures that restoration projects are sustainable and culturally relevant.
- Challenges and solutions: The panelists acknowledged the challenges in aquatic restoration, such as the complexity of ecosystems, the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of comprehensive baseline studies. They also discussed potential solutions, including the use of innovative technologies, collaborative governance, and the integration of traditional knowledge.
While closing the session Beth Walder, Executive Director of the Society for Ecological Restoration, dispelled a common misconception: "There's a myth that aquatic restoration is behind terrestrial restoration. It's not. Both are young and evolving fields. We have a lot of knowledge and incredible work going on in aquatic ecosystems!"
Future outlook
Looking ahead, it is crucial that aquatic ecosystems are prominently featured and accurately represented. The insights and strategies discussed during the webinar will be instrumental in guiding these efforts.
In the words of Julian Fox, "This is a critical year with the CBD SBSTTA (Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice) and the upcoming CBD COP (Conference of the Parties). Countries will be submitting their National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans, and we want aquatic ecosystems to be featured prominently."
The FAO and UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration will continue to support and prioritize aquatic restoration efforts, providing platforms for data collection, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Watch the session at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG8FMn_9CUQ
Contact details:
Ashley Steel
Forestry Officer
FAO Forestry Division (NFO)
Kim Friedman
Senior Fishery Resources Officer
Fisheries And Aquaculture Division (NFI)