A global effort to restore damaged ecosystems is gaining momentum, with 252 million hectares across 149 countries now under restoration. However, the world remains behind its 2030 biodiversity commitments, according to a new United Nations report released on October 29, 2026.

The report, titled Nature’s Comeback: Scaling Ecosystem Restoration for People and Planet, was jointly published by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It identifies more than one million green jobs linked to restoration activities worldwide.

Global Restoration Efforts Show Significant Progress

The documented restoration area represents approximately 34% of the indicative global benchmark associated with the 2030 restoration goal. Asia accounts for the largest share, with 192.2 million hectares, followed by Africa at 36.3 million hectares.

China leads in terrestrial ecosystem restoration, reporting 127.4 million hectares. The report also identifies restoration initiatives across Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Ethiopia and Indonesia.

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen said restoration efforts must expand beyond individual projects and become part of broader economic and development systems.

Freshwater And Marine Ecosystems Remain Major Challenges

Progress varies significantly across ecosystem types. Terrestrial restoration has reached nearly half of its global target. However, freshwater, marine and coastal ecosystems continue to lag.

The report documents 11 million hectares of freshwater restoration across 62 countries and 5.7 million hectares of marine and coastal restoration across 46 countries. Limited monitoring and reporting may mean actual restoration activity is higher.

These ecosystems face particular challenges because degradation is continuing rapidly.

Restoration Funding Must Increase Fourfold By 2030

Annual global restoration investment must rise from US$64 billion to US$296 billion by 2030, according to the report. The additional investment could generate up to 32 million jobs worldwide.

Agroforestry, reforestation, peatland recovery and seagrass restoration are among the major investment priorities.

The findings highlight the need for stronger monitoring, sustained funding and community participation. The report also stresses the importance of Indigenous Peoples' rights and leadership in long-term restoration.

With four years remaining until 2030, the scale of implementation and financing will be central to determining whether global restoration commitments are achieved.