Three new World Restoration Flagships were recognized Thursday by United Nations agencies for advancing agrifood systems transformation, biodiversity protection and climate action through indigenous knowledge.
The projects, based in Australia, Canada and South Africa, were announced ahead of the UN Environment Assembly set for Dec. 8‑12. They are jointly led by the UN Environment Program and the Food and Agriculture Organization under the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
UNEP chief Inger Andersen said governments and communities are “restoring forests, grasslands, shrub lands, coastlines and marine environment one hectare at a time,” combining indigenous lessons with modern science.
Among the new flagships is South Africa’s Thicket Restoration Movement, which aims to revitalize native subtropical thicket and restore 800,000 hectares by 2030.
The additions expand the portfolio to 27 UN‑recognized initiatives, collectively restoring more than 18 million hectares worldwide, with plans to reach 68 million. FAO Director‑General Qu Dongyu said people‑centered restoration projects are vital for strengthening agrifood systems, climate resilience and food diversity.