In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIFOR-ICRAF demonstrated how biodiversity loss and unsustainable wildlife extraction create conditions conducive to viral spread between animals and humans. The connection made between the mishandling of nature and human health, “build back better” became the often-heard refrain of environmentalists and policymakers urging quicker efforts to restore fragile ecosystems. As the pandemic persisted, key U.N. talks on climate change and biodiversity were postponed, but CIFOR-ICRAF held discussions online through various events, presenting research results to help shape national policies. Rights took center stage focused on land tenure, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and gender, as scientists introduced new self-reflexive methods of measuring the impact of projects. REDD+, integrated fire management, conservation of peatlands and blue carbon ecosystems were central to discussions on climate change. All this and more remained on the table throughout the year even as forestry targets under the New York Declaration on Forests were missed and goals under other internationally agreed environmental initiatives appeared in jeopardy. Come the new year, CIFOR-ICRAF scientists will be in the starting blocks, set for a 10-year sprint – or perhaps more of an endurance race – to the finish line, as the U.N. Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030 kicks off.

Let’s see whether we can change, together, one step at a time. Nature doesn’t need us, and the Earth will still be there, whether we walk on it or not. - Managing Director CIFOR-ICRAF, Robert Nasi