Briefing to Members on the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration

Closing remarks to the Briefing to Members on the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration

Statement by FAO

by Qu Guangzhou, Director of the FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations in New York

 

Thank you, Jamil, it is an honor to make closing remarks.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

As co-lead agency with UN Environment of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, FAO is very pleased to participate at this event marking the launch of the UN Decade Flagship Initiatives.

As we continue working together toward a resilient future, I would like to share three takeaways from today’s briefing and interactions:

First, we must continue to see a post-pandemic recovery as an opportunity to tackle our planet’s climate, biodiversity, and economic crises. 

Restoring the health and productivity of degraded ecosystems can ensure global food security, bolster local livelihoods, create jobs, and enhance ecosystem services at scale. 

Integrated solutions stand the best chance of optimizing the relationship between people and nature.

Second, ‘business as usual’ will undermine these efforts. We have the knowledge and the tools to strengthen resilience against those threats, both in promoting innovative approaches for ecosystem restoration in production, and in the protection of landscapes and seascapes.

The cost of inaction will always be greater than the cost of restoration.

Over 50 percent of global GDP depends on nature. By restoring the 33 percent of food production areas that are already degraded, and building on their capacity for sustainable production, we can ensure the food we need, now and in the future.

We know very well that our health and well-being depend on our natural capital.

Last, but not least, those most burdened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation shall not be left behind, or made more vulnerable.

The participation of indigenous peoples, civil society, women, and youth in the UN Decade is of critical importance and must be actionable. 

Ladies and gentlemen,

The UN Decade is a unique opportunity to rethink and transform our food, fibre, and feed production systems, and conserve the ecosystems which support life on this planet.

Reversing biodiversity loss, preventing ecosystem collapse, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing adaptation and resilience efforts are essential to eradicating poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in a crosscutting manner. Otherwise, the SDG Goals cannot be achieved. 

These messages were reflected throughout the UN Food System Summit, COP 15, and COP 26. The UN Decade aims, precisely, to tackle those interlinked challenges.

As we enter the second year of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, it is up to all of us – leaders, civil society, scientists, farmers, the private sector, and international organizations – to enact substantial change. Let’s work together for our people, prosperity, planet.

Thank you.