Monitoring ecosystem restoration in high resolution 

The platform maps global conservation efforts and connects scientists with project teams

Spotted: The World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) new initiative, Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA), seeks to raise $3 trillion (around €2.7 trillion) every year to scale and replicate successful conservation and restoration projects around the world. Helping to connect people and organisations running the projects with funders and other supporters is the Restor network. 

Restor provides analytic support and a global network of individuals, agencies, and companies whose goal is to support restoration at scale through collaboration and sharing of best practices. Scientists provide insight and help project managers apply the latest research to each conservation or restoration site.  

Conservationists seeking information on a particular plot of land can use Restor’s expertise and access to satellite imagery to assess land cover, annual rainfall, levels of carbon in the soil, and biodiversity. Satellite imagery is available from up to 10 years in the past, and project teams can add data and photos to track the progression of a site’s restoration.  

The platform includes a searchable map of projects, divided into categories of tree nurseries, botanical gardens, seed banks, offices, suppliers, educational centres, and wells or pumps. There are more than 130,000 projects across 140 countries, and interested parties can set up a personal or organisation-level account to connect with the many others around the world – including funders and subject area experts – working towards healthier, sustainable environments. 

Fintech is providing a range of innovative solutions to the climate crisis, with innovations spotted in Springwise’s archive including a startup helping organisations assess the financial value of biodiversity and a platform supporting farmers through the transition to regenerative agriculture.

Written By: Keely Khoury