The United Nations has recognized 10 large-scale, long-term ecosystem restoration efforts around the globe as World Restoration Flagships that aim to restore more than 68 million hectares − an area bigger than Myanmar, France or Somalia − while creating nearly 15 million jobs.

The flagships, unveiled at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) in Montreal last December, “show that with political will, science, and collaboration across borders, we can achieve the goals of the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and forge a more sustainable future not only for the planet but also for those of us who call it home,” says UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen.