An ecosystem is a complex of living organisms, their physical environment and all their interrelationships in a specific environment.
Intact ecosystems are essential for human life. They provide a variety of ecosystem services, such as climate regulation, carbon storage or drinking water and food. However, due to anthropogenic impacts there are only few ecosystems left intact. The greater part is damaged, degraded or destroyed.
NABU focuses on restoring ecosystems to their original state and the most important regulatory functions such as carbon sequestration. Restoration is ideally done by creating conditions in which the ecosystem can recover on its own. NABU carries out ecosystem restoration projects nationally, for example, restoration of the Lower Havel. Internationally, NABU engages in tropical rainforests like Sumatra and Sulawesi, Indonesia.
Find more of our global ecosystem restoration efforts below.
What Europe needs? Wet peatlands! NABU is part of the international project LIFE Multi Peat that aims to rewet and manage degraded peatlands covering an area of 689 hectare. The project is being implemented in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland and Germany. more →
Hutan Harapan, the "forest of hope", is a tropical lowland forest in Sumatra, Indonesia, and one of our most precious conservation and restoration programmes. The forest is one of the last refuges for endangered species and provides countless ecosystem services. more →
The Lower Havel is the largest and most important non-coastal wetlands area in Central Europe. The area suffered serious ecological degradation, especially in the 20th century. Now nature is thriving again, thanks to Europe’s largest river restoration project. more →
Fragmentation and degradation are threatening Ethiopia's diverse forest landscapes and thus the country's biodiversity and food security. In Southwest Ethiopia, NABU and its partners are therefore implementing action plans to restore the precious forests. more →
Mangroves and their ecosystem services are indispensable for Indonesia's coastal communities. However, the country experiences alarming rates of mangrove loss. In Sulawesi, we support mangrove conservation and identify areas suitable for restoration. more →
The marine biodiversity of the Coral Triangle is threatened by overfishing and habitat degradation. We support coastal communities of the Banggai Islands to secure their livelihoods through sustainable fishing practices in line with the Marine Protected Area. more →
This project, which is running until 2027, aims to reduce CO₂ emissions in project sites by the equivalent of 37.117 tons of CO₂ per year in Latvia and 3.500 tons of CO₂ equivalent per year in Finland. NABU is supporting the project with its expertise in peatland restoration and communications. more →
Iko Esai in Nigeria, Africa, is home to precious tropical rainforest and extraordinary biodiversity, including gorillas, chimpanzees and forest elephants. In collaboration with local communities and partners, NABU protects the forest and secures livelihoods. more →
What are the sources of money for conservation on private land? In Germany, mainly public funding. Other models exist in the USA and South Africa. The project “Good grounds for nature conservation” asks how to implement tax relief for voluntary conservation. more →
Salt, honey, mangrove conservation: NABU and SOS-Forêts are promoting sustainable sources of income for women in the area surrounding Azagny National Park, such as natural salt production and beekeeping. The focus is on nature conservation. more →
The mountains of Armenia belong to the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and are unique in both natural and cultural heritage. With the project "Creative Mountains", NABU and its partners seek to promote conservation and sustainable development in local communities. more →
The protected area Mahavavy-Kinkony in Madagascar suffers from degradation of its coastal ecosystems. NABU and ASITY Madagascar joined forces supporting communities for restoring ecosystems, improving livelihoods and responding to the impacts of climate change. more →
The largest lake in Ethiopia, Lake Tana, is a source of life for 4 million people in the region. Over the course of the last decade, however, the consequences of increased industrialisation and development have been posing a threat to this vital water supply. more →
NABU is part of the LIFE Peat Restore project that aims to rewet degraded peatlands covering an area of 5,300 hectares in Germany, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia to restore their function as carbon sinks. more →
By capacitating coffee farmers for better yields and climate resilience, supporting local communities with forest-oriented income and sustaining the biosphere reserve and its ecosystems, we aim to maintain the unique forests of Yayu Biosphe Reserve. more →
Kafa Biosphere Reserve is challenged by the lack of sustainable employment and innovation for green development and adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The project aims at structuring the up to now non-commercialised garden coffee value chain. more →
Like many-fingered hands, their roots reach underwater, finding a hold in muddy soils. But what happens when there’s nothing to hold onto? Mangrove forests are under massive pressure worldwide. Conservationist Patma Santi tells us how to save them. more →
Knowledge building, empowerment and climate-adapted agriculture: These are the core principles of the project AfriEvolve, coordinated by NABU. Its implementation is taking place in six African countries, including Tanzania and Ivory Coast. Our partners provide insights into their daily work. more →
The ecology of the Baltic Sea is in bad shape, as typical habitats are under threat or have already completely disappeared. According to the current plans, Nord Stream 2 will pass through five protected areas, despite there being no urgent need for an increased gas supply. more →
