Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to prevent, halt and reverse the degradation of ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to end poverty, combat climate change and prevent a mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.
This online event will delve into how we can upscale restoration initiatives in Europe. The first session will demonstrate the multiple benefits of ecosystem restoration with the aim of promoting the implementation of landscape and seascape restoration programmes across Europe within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Session two will provide the opportunity for restoration initiatives to exchange experiences and lessons learned with the workshop participants, in particular with regard to capacity building, upscaling initiatives, and future financing.
Speakers
FIRST SESSION
Opening keynote & Moderator of the first session - Thierry Lucas, UNEP Focal Point for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for the Europe Region
Launch of the event and opening – Natalia Alekseeva, UNEP Coordinator for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration
Panelists
Zafer Kizilkaya President of the Mediterranean Conservation Society
Alyona Krivosheyeva, Conservation Director, Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan
Harald Egerer, Head of UN Environment Vienna Office, Secretariat of the Carpathian Convention
Hildegard Meyer, WWF Central-Eastern Europe
Mykhailo Nesterenko, Executive Director, Rewilding Ukraine
Alexander Mitrofanenko, Associate Expert, GRID ARENDAL
Laura Bonesi, Programme Officer, UNEP-WCMC
Paulo Augusto Lourenço Dias Nunes, Senior Economist at FAO and a member of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Finance Task Force
Closing Remarks – Bruno Pozzi, Regional Director of Europe Office, UNEP
SECOND SESSION
Opening keynote & Moderator of the first session - Laura Bonesi, Programme Officer, UNEP-WCMC
Panelists
Georgina Mayhew, Capacity & Networks Coordinator, Endangered Landscapes Programme
Sarah Sanders, Programme Manager, Endangered Landscapes Programme
Closing Remarks – Thierry Lucas, UNEP Focal Point for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for the Europe Region.
