A global initiative to restore millions of hectares of critical ecosystems across 20 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America
The Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program is a six-year, US$ 200 million initiative funded by the Global Environment Facility and led by Conservation International.
The program aims to restore critical ecosystems and support local communities that depend on them. The program aligns with the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration and supports global restoration commitments through policy, finance, capacity building and international cooperation.
The Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program includes 20 countries across Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Why ecosystem restoration matters
About 20 million square kilometers (7.7 million square miles) of Earth’s land faces degradation, affecting everything from food security to climate stability. By restoring these vital ecosystems, we can:
- Combat climate change: Sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protect biodiversity: Conserve endangered species and habitats.
- Enhance water security: Improve water quality and quantity.
- Boost local economies: Create jobs and support sustainable livelihoods.
Our global reach
The program aims to restore crucial ecosystems such as forests, mangroves, wetlands, peatlands and grasslands across 20 countries: Angola, Brazil, Cambodia, Chad, Congo DR, Cote d’Ivoire, Haiti, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Mexico, Mozambique, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
Our expected impact
2.2M
hectares restored
700K
hectares of terrestrial protected areas enhanced
10.6M
hectares under improved practices
133M
metric tons of greenhouse gases emissions mitigated
1.8M
people benefiting from GEF investments
Through these targets, seeks to build resilient landscapes and communities, promoting long-term environmental health and social well-being.
A strategic approach to restoration
The Ecosystem Restoration Integrated Program aims to generate multiple lasting environmental and socioeconomic benefits by implementing integrated and innovative strategies to restore degraded ecosystems, including:
- Scaling up restoration, together: The program creates enabling conditions needed to expand restoration efforts including smart policies, financial incentives and inclusive planning that convenes and supports all stakeholders.
- Innovation for impact: The program unites traditional knowledge and practices, working closely with Indigenous Peoples and local communities.
- Financing the future: The program unlocks sustainable funding mechanisms to support restoration at a large scale.
Our Partners
Supported by
GEF
Led by
Conservation International
In partnership with
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
World Bank Group
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
Get in touch
If you are you interested in learning more about our work or exploring partnership opportunities, please contact:
Monica Harris
Restoration Partnerships Director
mharris@conservation.org