Science Task Force Paper Spotlight: Steering the restoration of degraded agroecosystems during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

Agroecosystems—farms and agricultural landscapes—cover nearly 40% of Earth’s land. They supply our food, fibre, and fuel, but are frequently degraded by poor farming practices, biodiversity loss, pollution, and climate change. In this paper, titled “Steering the restoration of degraded agroecosystems during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration,” Dubey and colleagues highlight how crucial it is to restore these systems during the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030) for ecological health, human well-being, and sustainable agriculture.

In the paper, the authors provide recommendations and strategies for restoration which include the promotion of sustainable land use practices, especially agroecological approaches like crop rotation, cover crops, agroforestry, and reduced chemical use to rebuild soil and ecosystem health. Other recommendations include increasing multilevel collaboration, encouraging coordinated efforts among farmers, researchers, governments, NGOs, and international bodies—particularly through UN-led initiatives—and incorporating continuous monitoring systems related to soil and water health to track progress and adapt strategies as needed.

Agriculture isn’t just about food: it also has major environmental impacts. Restoring agroecosystems is vital for sustainability, climate resilience, and human livelihoods. The success of agricultural restoration depends on collaborative action, science-based practices, and adaptive learning. The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration offers a global platform, and a deadline, to make real change.

Steering the restoration of degraded agroecosystems during the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2020). Journal of Environment Management 280: 111798 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111798

This blog is part of a series developed by UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’s IUCN-led Science Task Force (STF). The blog series aims to highlight papers and resources relevant to the UN Decade and ecosystem restoration practitioners. Opinions expressed in these papers are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of IUCN or a consensus of its Member organisations.