Restoration Strategies for Ecosystems, Considering Gender, on a Global Scale by July 8, 2025

In a significant step towards sustainable development, the "Restore HER Rights" initiative, launched by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in 2021, is making waves in the realm of biodiversity conservation. This initiative, showcased at CBD COP16 in Cali, Colombia, under the name "Building Resilience and Weaving Gender-Responsive Approaches to Biodiversity Governance", aims to embed gender-responsive restoration practices into national and international biodiversity goals.

The initiative has been instrumental in numerous case studies across the globe, including forest restoration in Kenya and the Solomon Islands, mangrove restoration in Costa Rica, and dune restoration in Argentine Patagonia, Argentina. These case studies, documented by Women4Biodiversity, highlight improvements in community health, progress towards food sovereignty, advancements in self-determination, and enhanced leadership in decision-making.

One of the standout case studies is the Women Research Group in Myanmar, which demonstrates the power of human rights-based, gender-equitable practices in building stronger communities, healthier ecosystems, and impactful biodiversity outcomes. Similarly, coastal wetland restoration in Cameroon is another example of the initiative's success.

The Restore HER Rights initiative seeks to empower community-led restoration projects and amplify women's contributions to ecosystem restoration. To join this initiative, interested individuals can sign up at [email protected].

For more details about the Restore HER Rights initiative, readers are invited to look out for the next issue of Policy Matters, scheduled for October 2025. This issue promises to delve deeper into the workings and impact of the initiative.

These case studies serve as a testament to the potential of gender-responsive restoration practices in fostering a more equitable and sustainable future for our planet. By empowering women and promoting community-led initiatives, the Restore HER Rights initiative is paving the way for a brighter, greener tomorrow.

Restoration Strategies for Ecosystems, Considering Gender, on a Global Scale by July 8, 2025