Soul to Soil

Experiencing the warmth of sand beneath our toes, feeling the gentle flow of a stream, or simply having a peaceful day outdoors can enhance our connection with nature. However, we often underestimate the essential roles that ecosystems play in our everyday lives. In light of climate change, the survival of these vital ecosystems is increasingly threatened.

In June 2021, the United Nations (UN) initiated the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which aims to “aid in the recovery of ecosystems that have been degraded or destroyed, alongside conserving the ecosystems that remain intact.” This initiative is crucial as nearly 75% of the earth’s land is now diminished and over 3 billion individuals are already bearing the consequences of soil degradation. Alarmingly, 60% of the advantages we derive from Earth’s ecosystems are being exploited unsustainably.

Restoring ecosystems—ranging from wetlands to arid landscapes—globally can significantly influence climate change. The UN projects that restoration efforts could eliminate between 13 and 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere by 2030, also fostering economic recovery for countless communities affected by the climate emergency.

Although global ecosystem restoration might seem like a task for only the highly trained experts, the much-needed agents of change could be individuals just like you.

Ecosystems Restoration Communities (ERC), based in the Netherlands, is dedicated to empowering ordinary individuals worldwide to engage in ecosystem restoration through education, research, and hands-on experiences, encouraging participation in local initiatives. Their inaugural project occurred in Spain, where a local farmer allocated six hectares of a 200-hectare farm for volunteers to learn about rehabilitating severely degraded agricultural land. The group is currently involved in over 50 projects globally, including coral reef restoration in Kenya and soil recovery efforts in California’s wildfire-impacted forests.

According to ERC Director Pieter van der Gaag, the organization’s mission is to “empower everyday individuals to initiate projects while providing them with knowledge and financial support, allowing them to become part of a community for sharing insights.” Van der Gaag estimates that since its establishment, ERC has engaged 25,000 participants in camps, internships, volunteer events, and training in their communities.

To connect individuals across the globe, ERC has established a knowledge exchange platform known as the Restoration Project Finder, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and opportunities among locals. They also utilize a WhatsApp chat, which has seen successful ideas being shared—such as a farming technique from a Turkish farmer being adapted by a group in Bolivia.

“I hope participants can claim, ‘I want to be a beacon for others,’” he states. “A person in Somalia could assist someone in California in coping with dry conditions, and that cross-border connection can incite a powerful movement to redefine our relationship with the planet as a collective.”

Through its various initiatives, ERC focuses on empowering local communities who possess the best understanding of their land and its needs. This community-oriented strategy further highlights the economic advantages of ecosystem restoration, particularly for Indigenous populations relying on healthy environments for their livelihoods.

Van der Gaag references a project in Mombasa, where a shortage of mangroves led to a decline in local fisheries and resulted in food scarcity affecting nearby slums. “Young locals with internet access identified the issue,” he explains. “Extensive mangrove destruction for fuel had to be addressed. Now, local youth from the slums have successfully planted over a million mangrove trees, driven by the recognition of a genuine need. Such initiatives empower individuals to take action.”

While it’s essential to acknowledge the ecological and economic advantages of ERC’s work, the social and emotional benefits of ecological restoration for urban populations—especially those grappling with climate anxiety and a disconnection from nature—cannot be ignored.

In 2020, The Birdhouse became the first urban camp to collaborate with ERC. Founded by John Allen and his wife Bella LeNestour in 2016, this group describes itself as “a hybrid of think-tank and arts laboratory combined with urban greening projects and sustainable land use models.”

Located near the famous Hollywood sign, the Birdhouse embraces an art-centered approach ideal for a city that thrives on creativity for change. “We tackle climate change through a blend of the arts and ecology,” states Allen. “I like to straddle both the spiritual and scientific realms.” In typical Birdhouse fashion, Allen recently participated in a flute-making workshop led by the group’s Tongva cultural advisor, aiming to honor the region’s original inhabitants and foster a “decolonization of our minds to decolonize our landscapes.”

The Birdhouse provides a range of community services, such as virtual gatherings, in-person training, storytelling sessions, culinary workshops, and herbalism classes. Recently, they engaged in soil sampling, with findings logged into ERC’s database for evaluation.

Allen emphasizes that urban ecosystem restoration presents unique challenges with tangible outcomes. For instance, community gardens can notably reduce heat in urban areas typically dominated by concrete and metal. “Heated urban rooftops escalate air temperature, affecting atmospheric precipitation patterns, which causes undesired flood and drought cycles,” he elaborates. The Birdhouse counters this by planting and caring for trees to alleviate urban heat.

“In urban green spaces, temperatures can be 10 degrees cooler compared to the concrete surroundings,” he observes. “Thus, our work involves not only planting and safeguarding trees against urban threats like wildlife and traffic but also implementing special composting techniques that enhance soil microbial activity, allowing better rainwater absorption.”

For Allen and his fellow Birdhouse members, these initiatives forge a meaningful bond with nature, which is often lost in urban environments, while also instilling hope amidst disheartening news and alarming statistics. “We’ve built this community because we want to combat isolation and fear,” he shares. “We uplift each other in nurturing our imaginations. When envisioning a brighter future, we transition from resignation to motivation and proactive measures.”

Whether you’re keen on studying hydrology or ready to immerse yourself in soil work, the ERC provides numerous avenues for participation. The Birdhouse in Los Angeles hosts a diverse array of events and workshops throughout the year. Allen further encourages residents to plant trees at home, remarking, “Only 280 acres of photosynthesis from trees and grasses can modify rainfall patterns. With individual efforts on their own properties, we can offer guidance.”

For those interested in broader opportunities, ERC lists both short- and long-term volunteer options on their website, accommodating various skill sets—from drone mapping to copywriting and photography.

Additionally, there are options to engage without direct fieldwork; ERC provides two online courses: “Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration” and “Ecosystem Restoration Design,” offering valuable insights into the significance of ecosystem restoration.

Whether your goal is to combat climate change, support local farmers and their families, or reconnect with the earth and your community, taking steps to aid in the restoration of ecosystems worldwide creates a direct path from your spirit to the planet. It appears that real change begins at home.

This article was originally featured in the November-December 2023 edition of Daitrl magazine (US edition).