Volunteer with the Vancouver Island Branch of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration

#GenerationRestoration

The challenges of today require problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. The United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration launched in 2021, and runs from 2021-2030, proclaimed by collective restoration action by over 70 countries. The declaration aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and create a restorative mindset in our communities. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet and its people! This Decade supports ecosystems on every continent and in every ocean. It can help to alleviate poverty, combat climate change, and curtail mass extinction. It will only succeed if everyone plays a part.

The Vancouver Island Decade on Ecological Restoration team emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. In 2021, Vancouver Island's collective work led our region to be the global leader in restoration events worldwide in association with the United Nations Make a Difference Week. We collaborated with a number of local organizations to host webinars and ecological restoration events around Victoria and the Gulf Islands. In 2022, we are aiming to expand our network to put Vancouver Island on the map as a hub for ecological restoration. We're placing our focus on sharing and compiling knowledge and both developing and helping research initiatives focused on ecosystem restoration. This includes community mapping, a speaker series, and to keep getting our hands dirty!

If you're interested in this initiative, please email makeadifferenceweek@gmail.com and fill out our Volunteer Registration form: https://forms.gle/PdmaJ9f1QX9aYAoV6

The University of Victoria’s’ Restoration of Natural System (RNS) Program is leading a collaborative effort in the capital region to mark the Decade. As a first step the program has commissioned the regional UN logo, designed by W̱SÁNEĆ/Coast Salish emerging artist Sarah Jim. Our local region has a long history of restoration and stewardship, and we are using this opportunity to both celebrate our achievements and re-commit to helping heal the nature that surrounds us.