UN Report: 252 Million Hectares Restored, But Funding Must Quadruple to Hit 2030 Goals

Sarah Wilson · 2026-10-29

## The Good News: Restoration Is Working Picture this: 252 million hectares of ecosystems being restored across 149 countries. That's roughly 622 million acres – an area larger than Mexico. According to a UN report presented Thursday in Yerevan at the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP17), this is the largest documented restoration effort ever. And it's not just about trees. These efforts have created over 1 million green jobs worldwide. So, we're making progress. But before we pop the champagne, there's a catch. ### The Not-So-Good News: We're Behind Schedule To meet the 2030 commitments, we need to drastically pick up the pace. And funding? It needs to increase more than fourfold. Yes, you read that right – four times the current annual funding. Why the urgency? Because restoring ecosystems isn't just about planting trees. It's about clean air, fresh water, food security, and combating climate change. Every hectare restored is a step toward a healthier planet. ### What This Means for Rezka Professionals If you're in the environmental sector, this is your call to action. The report highlights the need for scaled-up efforts. Whether you're in policy, finance, or on-the-ground implementation, your work is crucial. Here's what we can take away: - **Momentum is building**: The fact that we've restored 252 million hectares shows it's possible. We have the tools and knowledge. - **Funding is key**: More investment is needed – from both public and private sectors. Innovative financing models could bridge the gap. - **Jobs are growing**: Green jobs are on the rise. This is an opportunity to build a workforce for the future. > "Restoration is not just an environmental imperative; it's an economic opportunity. We need to invest in nature as we would in any critical infrastructure." – UN Report ### The Road Ahead The Yerevan conference is a milestone, but it's clear that we can't rest on our laurels. The next decade is critical. We need to accelerate restoration, secure funding, and ensure that these efforts are sustainable and inclusive. For those of us in the Rezka community, this means staying informed, sharing best practices, and pushing for policies that support restoration. It's a big task, but we've already proven we can make a difference. So, let's keep the momentum going. The planet – and future generations – are counting on us.