restoring naturein europe and central asia

A vision for 2050

When nature thrives, so do we

Healthy ecosystems are the foundation of all life on Earth. They give us clean air, fresh water, food, and the stability we depend on. Yet for too long, we’ve pushed nature beyond its limits.

Now we face a choice: watch biodiversity vanish or take bold steps to restore it. At BirdLife, we choose action. From shaping ground-breaking EU laws to leading large-scale restoration projects with our Partners, we’re doing more than protecting what’s left – we’re bringing nature back to life.

Discover the sites where we are
restoring nature

A defining moment for nature’s recovery

Nature restoration is one of our most powerful tools to heal the planet. It means reversing environmental damage, reviving biodiversity, and allowing ecosystems to function as they should.

Across Europe and Central Asia, centuries of exploitation have left nature in a fragile state. Forests, rivers, wetlands, grasslands, and marine habitats are now shadows of their former selves. Unchecked land use, industrial expansion, and habitat destruction have taken a heavy toll. Overgrazing, overfishing, poaching, and pollution persist, while climate change drives ecosystems closer to collapse.

But there is hope. From revitalising wetlands in Albania to reconnecting forests in Georgia, our Partners are proving that recovery is not only possible – it’s already happening.

It’s about more than just nature – it’s about people, too. Restoring nature means restoring balance. Healthy ecosystems absorb carbon, reduce the risk of floods and wildfires, clean our air and water, and support food security and livelihoods. They help communities adapt to climate change and protect cultural heritage. When nature thrives, so do we.

And here’s the good news: restoration works. When done right, it brings back species from the brink, transforms degraded landscapes, and delivers lasting change.