Mapping Restoration Funding
Exploring how ecosystem restoration is financed across Europe.
Meeting global targets for restoring degraded ecosystems will require far more and better-coordinated investment. Funding must be scaled up, diversified and strategically directed to ensure that Europe’s restoration efforts deliver maximum ecological and social impact.
This project, led by UNEP-WCMC and Fauna & Flora, mapped the flow of restoration funding across Europe. It created the first open database of over 400 marine and terrestrial restoration projects, revealing who funds restoration, where resources are being directed, and which ecosystems and goals receive the most support.
What the project did
The project analysed funding data from 412 restoration projects active between 2010 and 2020, covering more than 11 million hectares across 36 European countries. It examined the sources, amounts and focus of funding, highlighting patterns, biases and opportunities for improvement.
The results were shared through an interactive online platform and a summary brochure designed for funders, policymakers and practitioners. Together, these resources provide an evidence base for more coordinated investment, helping Europe’s restoration community target funding where it is most needed.
Key findings
Marine restoration attracted around €138 million, largely focused on coastal areas.
Biodiversity conservation accounted for four in five projects, while climate goals featured in around 20%.
Limited data on private-sector contributions and cross-border initiatives highlights the need for better tracking of restoration finance.
Restoration projects supported over the past decade have helped restore 11 million hectares across Europe.
More than 200 funders contributed, led by the European Commission, national governments, foundations and the private sector.
Over the past decade, more than €1.2 billion supported 400+ projects and restored 11 million hectares across Europe.
of funding went to terrestrial ecosystems
Outputs
Funding ecosystem restoration in Europe
Summary report analysing funding flows for restoration across Europe and identifying trends, gaps and opportunities for future investment.
Funding ecosystem restoration in Europe
Restoration funding database
Searchable online platform containing details of more than 400 restoration projects, enabling users to explore funding sources, beneficiaries and project goals.
Restoration funding database
Unlocking private finance for ecosystem restoration
Using carbon markets to break down barriers to ecosystem restoration in Europe
Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme unites conservation organisations to overcome barriers to ecosystem restoration
