ReWilding the Decade of Restoration π
A Systems Thinking Approach to Solving for Ecological Collapse
Hi ReWilder
ReWild is looking for your assistance, now that the decade of restoration has been declared by the UN, there is an urgent need to find and grow practical solutions to solving ecological restoration. We believe potential solutions lie within individuals and organisations which value both people and planet. ReWild has begun looking to build a database of searchable solutions, the new step towards our mission.Β
Solutions to ecological restoration exist on multiple levels, for example - restoration may occur when we save a single species, or when citizens save an entire ecosystem. With ecological restoration, it is important that we explore how we can apply these different leverage points to move from treating not just the symptoms, but the causes as well - this is the basis of systems thinking.
To better understand this, take traffic congestion as a problem. We can solve traffic congestion broadly on three different levels. Firstly, we can remove the constraints and build more lanes. Secondly, we could have better feedback loops, such as the Google Maps app which tells you where the congestion is and offers routes to avoid it. Thirdly, we can create a paradigm shift, in which we could all work from home (aka COVID-19) or build communities with all the necessary resources (such as schools, workplaces, and shops). The same type of thinking can be applied to solving ecological restoration.
The current system has ecological restoration constraints, examples of which involve banning illegal wildlife trade, harsh prison sentences, and increasing anti-poaching units. For a feedback loops example we could consider the beautiful IUCN (International Union for Conservation and Nature) keeping a watchful eye on which species are critically endangered, endangered,Β vulnerable, or extinct. Lastly, we have a paradigm shift, a move towards long term protection of ecosystems, the widening corridors, a circular economy which values our planetary boundaries, or a conscious movement of moving from the Ego to the Eco.
One solution (there are many) is Eden to Addo, which is creating a link to three mega-reserves, being The Garden Route National Park, The Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site, and The Addo Elephant National Park. This is done by the means of natural corridors between Knysna and Addo Elephant National Park. Due to COVID-19, the annual 3-week hike which raises donations each year is now canceled. Joan Bering and her team are seeking to raise R200,000. Any contribution to their cause will go a long way. Click to learn more or donate
"The greatest threat to life on earth is the loss of biodiversity, the cause - fragmentation of the landscape, the solution - natural corridors connecting protected areas"
Joan Berning (CEO)
If you are interested in learning more about systems thinking and changing paradigms, ReWild has partnered with Learn Biomimicry and created 3 online courses on Biomimicry. Click here to visit Learn Biomimicry.Β
News Updates:
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If you have any questions or potential solutions to this massive problem, we at ReWild would love to hear from you, you can email us at elvi@rewild.tv