World Resources Institute’s Post

Local voices, local people, local knowledge drives landscape restoration from the ground according to WRI’s Dr Susan Chomba🌱 In May, hundreds of thousands of people across #EastAfrica were displaced from their homes by severe flooding. Could #landscaperestoration help people adapt and build resilience for the future? 🫘At least 3 billion people across the world are affected by #landdegradation. In #Kenya, land degradation and #deforestation have led to severe impacts on local communities such as agricultural lands losing their ability to produce enough food and #floods. 🌳#Africa has 750 million hectares of land ready for landscape restoration. Locally led restoration efforts are 6-20X more likely to achieve long-term success and Restore Local is working with thousands of champions across Africa to revive these critical ecosystems. Learn more about Restore Local: https://bit.ly/3Mbrz6U #eastafrica #kenya #africa #landscaperestoration #reforestation #forests #environment #climatechange #sustainability

According to the Living Planet Index, freshwater wildlife populations have plummeted more than 80% from 1970 to 2020. Tomorrow is #WorldRiversDay24 and we're reminded that rivers are the lifeblood of our planet, essential to human well-being and the ecosystems we need. Yet, waterways worldwide are under increasing pressure from human activity and #ClimateChange. Uncontrolled urbanization, pollution, flooding, erosion, and landslides threaten rivers’ health.  IISD is committed to restoring rivers’ health while ensuring water security and peoples’ livelihoods. Through the #SUNCASA project, we are implementing gender-responsive #NatureBasedSolutions to revitalize three critical rivers in sub-Saharan #Africa.   In collaboration with World Resources Institute and a wide array of local partners, #SUNCASA is revitalizing the #Jukskei River in #Johannesburg, #SouthAfrica, the #Nyabarongo River in #Kigali, #Rwanda, and the #Dechatu River in #DireDawa, #Ethiopia, strengthening the climate change resilience of more than 2.2 million people.   More about #SUNCASA: www.suncasa.org 

𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 also provides valuable lessons on the benefits of #NbS in urban areas for 𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. #CommunityRestoration is central, with benefits including reduced downstream floods, landslide risks, removal of invasive alien species (IAS), and increased water quality. 🌳🌱👨🏿👩🏿👧🏿👧🏿 #DireDawa, #Kigali and #Johannesburg.

Today is #DesertificationAndDroughtDay. Land and soil play important roles in our lives - from supporting ecosystems and biodiversity to underpinning our economies and communities. Every second, an equivalent of 4 football fields of healthy land becomes degraded, adding up to a total of 100 million hectares each year. The slogan 'United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future' challenges us to engage present and future generations. It is more important than ever to halt and reverse land degradation and meet the global commitments to restore 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land by 2030. #United4Land ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eiGJb5sF

“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.” John Paul II This #World Environment Day🌎, let's unite to combat desertification and restore the health of our precious land resources in Zimbabwe. Zimbabweans face the dire consequences of land degradation as droughts and climate change take a toll on their lives. But together, we can transform barren landscapes into thriving ecosystems. By planting trees, implementing sustainable farming methods such as aquaponics and hydroponics, and supporting community-led initiatives, every action counts. Let us work together towards a greener and healthier environment. Happy World Environment Day😃 #TI60 #WomeninSTEM #Worldenvironmentday #Earthcare #Gogreen # Zimbabwe #climatechange #savetheearth #takeactiontoday #climateaction#LandRestoration, and #DesertificationResilience

In Vanuatu, rising sea levels fuelled by the #ClimateCrisis are contaminating freshwater wells with seawater, rendering the water hazardous to drink. Highlighted in The Guardian, this demonstrates the urgent need for action on #OceanEquity and #OceanHealth, two key areas of the Ocean Panel's #OceanAction agenda. As small island states like Vanuatu deal with the devastating effects of the #ClimateCrisis, it's apparent that the transition to a #SustainableOceanEconomy is more critical than ever, to help protect vulnerable populations and safeguard our planet's future. Read about the #OceanPanel's #OceanAction agenda 👇🌊 https://bit.ly/3kmcJA5

Water is life, and in Africa, wetlands are the guardians of this precious resource. 🌍 On this special occasion of Wetlands Day, let's dig deeper on the incredible wetlands of Africa and their vital role in preserving the continent's unique ecosystems. African wetlands, with their diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity, are not only a source of pride but also play a crucial role in climate resilience. 🌊 Purifying Africa's Waters: African wetlands act as nature's filtration systems, purifying water and safeguarding it from pollutants. These ecosystems contribute to the health and well-being of both wildlife and local communities, ensuring access to clean and safe water. 💧 Natural Flood and Drought Mitigation: In the face of increasingly erratic weather patterns, African wetlands serve as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during floods and storing it for release during dry periods. This not only protects communities downstream from flooding but also helps alleviate the impact of droughts. 🚰 Replenishing Groundwater Supplies: With many communities in Africa relying on groundwater for their daily needs, wetlands play a crucial role in recharging aquifers. By allowing water to seep into the ground, these wetlands sustainably maintain groundwater levels, ensuring a stable water supply for regions across the continent. 🌱 Biodiversity Havens: African wetlands are teeming with life, providing a haven for diverse plant and animal species. From vibrant birdlife to unique flora and fauna, these wetlands are essential for the preservation of Africa's rich biodiversity. Protecting these habitats is key to ensuring the continuity of unique ecosystems. Human activities, including agriculture and urban development, pose threats to these precious wetlands, urging us to advocate for sustainable practices and raise awareness about their importance. 🌍💙 #WetlandsAfrica #ClimateResilience #NatureConservation

Kenya's forest cover currently stands at 8.8%, falling short of the minimum target of 10% set by our constitution. Forests play a vital role in our ecosystem and our lives. They are home to countless species of plants and animals, preserving our biodiversity. They also regulate water cycles and maintain water quality, ensuring a steady and clean water supply. Additionally, trees absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. They provide resources and jobs for local communities, supporting livelihoods. #KenyaForests #SustainableFuture #GreenerKenya #ClimateAction

Why do we need to restore degraded lands in the Sahel and achieve the #GreatGreenWall? When the land degrades, it destroys the water table causing them to dry up. Communities have to struggle through hard means to access water for basic needs and activities. Not to talk of safe drinking water. The need to restore lands is imperative and urgent. Growing the lost biodiversity and ecosystems is key. Let's get trees into the ground and recharge the water table to ensure everyone has water they need. Our ambitious vision to grow One Billion Trees for Africa to attain the #GreatGreenWall is a journey of life we all need to join. One tree, one source of drinking water and home energy is #hope for many. One hectare, One life, home, one community at a time. Together we can do it.

Keystones Expedition: Drought in Botswana 🌍 The Keystones Expedition was started to capture real, raw perspectives from across Africa – no brief, no agenda, just authentic visuals of biodiversity, people, and land as we find them. This image from Botswana shows the stark reality of drought, worsened by climate change and increasingly affecting livelihoods - especially for those most vulnerable. Overgrazing in these regions is a significant issue, further straining the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Water is life, and protecting ecosystem services is the most important value we can uphold. This is not a distant problem – it’s real, and it’s happening now. #KeystonesExpedition #DroughtInAfrica #ClimateChange #EcosystemServices #WaterIsLife #Sustainability #Biodiversity