FAO Launches AIM4NatuRe to Boost Global Ecosystem Monitoring

In a major global step towards ecosystem restoration, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has launched a new initiative — Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe). Backed by the United Kingdom with a funding of US$ 9 million, the programme aims to strengthen countries’ capabilities to monitor and report progress in restoring degraded ecosystems.

Why in News?

The FAO recently unveiled the AIM4NatuRe initiative, expanding its earlier AIM4Forests programme. With funding from the UK government and a targeted timeline of 2025 to 2028, the initiative aligns with Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework, which seeks to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.

Aim and Objectives

• To enhance global monitoring capabilities for ecosystem restoration.
• Support countries’ reporting and data collection for nature restoration.
• Help achieve Target 2 of the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

Key Features

• Funding: US$ 9 million (GBP 7 million from the UK).
• Timeline: 2025–2028.
• Scope: Expands from forests to all ecosystems – forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine, and agricultural.
• Technology Use: Uses cutting-edge tech and standardized data frameworks for restoration tracking.
• Support for Indigenous Peoples: Emphasis on biocentric restoration with Indigenous-led monitoring.

Technical Components

• Development of practical guidance documents.
• Rollout of the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM).
• Ensures data interoperability, transparency, and accountability across nations.

Background & Significance

• Builds upon the FAO’s AIM4Forests Programme.
• Reinforces the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted during COP15 of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• Strengthens global efforts to reverse biodiversity loss and combat climate change through restoration and monitoring.