Soul to Soil

The simple pleasures of feeling sand beneath our feet, skimming our fingers across a flowing stream, or spending a peaceful day outdoors often make us feel a connection to nature. Yet, we frequently neglect to acknowledge the critical importance of our ecosystems in our day-to-day lives. Sadly, in the context of climate change, the future of these ecosystems is increasingly at risk.

In June 2021, the United Nations (UN) launched the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, a vital initiative focused on “supporting the recovery of ecosystems that have been compromised or destroyed, as well as conserving those that remain healthy.” This initiative comes at a crucial time, as nearly 75% of the Earth’s land has been degraded, and over 3 billion individuals are already experiencing the repercussions of soil erosion. Alarmingly, 60% of the benefits provided by our ecosystems are utilized in an unsustainable manner.

Restoration efforts spanning various ecosystems, from wetlands to deserts, can significantly influence climate change. The UN projects that these restoration efforts could sequester between 13 and 26 gigatons of greenhouse gases by 2030 and stimulate local economies for countless communities affected by climate-related challenges.

Although such a monumental task as global ecosystem restoration may seem solely the domain of trained experts and scientists, it’s actually everyday individuals—like you—who can drive this change.

Ecosystem Restoration Communities (ERC), based in the Netherlands, empowers individuals worldwide to participate in ecosystem restoration through training, research, and hands-on projects, encouraging involvement in local initiatives. Their inaugural project took place in Spain, where a local farmer generously offered a portion of his land to volunteers, allowing them to learn about restoring severely degraded agricultural land. Today, ERC manages over 50 initiatives across the globe, from rebuilding coral reefs in Kenya to rehabilitating wildfire-affected soils in Paradise, California.

According to ERC Director Pieter van der Gaag, the organization’s mission is to “empower everyday individuals to lead projects, providing them with knowledge and financial backing, while fostering a community for knowledge sharing.” Van der Gaag reveals that since its establishment, around 25,000 participants have engaged in camps, internships, volunteer opportunities, and educational programs in their communities.

To connect individuals globally, ERC developed the Restoration Project Finder, a platform that facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration. They also maintain a WhatsApp group, where van der Gaag witnessed a farming model crafted by a Turkish farmer being adopted by a community in Bolivia.

“I aspire for participants to declare, ‘I want to be a guiding light for others,’” he shares. “Someone in Somalia can assist someone in California with dryland management, and in turn, that global link can cultivate a powerful movement dedicated to mending our connection with the planet.”

ERC’s initiatives emphasize empowering local communities that are most familiar with their environments and associated needs. This community-centric strategy also highlights the economic advantages of ecosystem restoration, particularly for Indigenous peoples who depend on the land’s health to sustain their livelihoods.

One compelling case involves an initiative in Mombasa, where the decline of mangroves led to dwindling fish populations and subsequent food shortages in nearby slums. Van der Gaag explains that local youth, equipped with internet access, recognized the issue. The excessive removal of mangroves for fuel had to be addressed through restoration efforts. As a result, over a million mangrove trees have been planted by young residents of the slums, demonstrating empowerment born from recognizing a genuine need.

While it is essential to acknowledge the ecological and economic advantages of ERC’s initiatives, the social and emotional benefits of ecological restoration on urban communities—especially those facing climate anxiety and disconnection from nature—cannot be ignored.

In 2020, The Birdhouse became the first urban camp to affiliate with ERC. Co-founded by John Allen and Bella LeNestour in 2016, The Birdhouse identifies itself as a “blend of think-tank and arts lab, an experiment in urban greening, and a sustainable land-use model.”

Nestled beneath the renowned Hollywood sign, The Birdhouse integrates an arts-focused approach that resonates in a city renowned for its creativity-driven transformations. Allen expresses, “Our strategy for addressing climate change intertwines arts and ecology. I aim to bridge the spiritual and scientific realms.” Embracing this ethos, Allen recently participated in a flute-making workshop led by the group’s Tongva cultural advisor, as a tribute to the city’s original inhabitants while striving to “decolonize our minds and landscapes.”

The Birdhouse offers diverse support to the community, including online events, hands-on workshops, storytelling sessions, cooking classes, and herbalism workshops. Lately, they have been participating in local soil sampling, entering the results into the ERC database for future analysis.

Allen emphasizes that ecosystem restoration in urban settings is a distinctive, impactful undertaking. For instance, community gardens significantly mitigate heat in surrounding paved areas. “Concrete rooftops generate heat islands, escalating temperatures and affecting precipitation, leading to a desert-like cycle of floods and droughts,” he explains. “Our initiative plants and nurtures trees to counteract this warming.”

“In any urban green space, temperatures can be nearly 10 degrees cooler compared to pavement above,” he notes. “Thus, we do not only plant trees; we take preventative measures against urban threats like pests, deer, and traffic. Additionally, we utilize unique composting techniques to enhance soil’s microbial health, improving its capacity to retain any rainfall that occurs.”

For Allen and fellow Birdhouse members, these projects forge meaningful connections with nature, a facet often diminished in city life, while also instilling hope amidst somber news and alarming statistics. “We established this community to combat isolation stemming from fear,” he asserts. “We collaborate in nurturing our collective imagination. When you envision something brighter and achievable, it propels you from despair to inspiration and action.”

Whether your interests lie in hydrology or soil work, the ERC offers numerous avenues for involvement. In Los Angeles, The Birdhouse hosts an array of engaging events and workshops throughout the year. Allen encourages residents to plant trees in their own yards, highlighting that “only 280 acres of lush greenery can shift rainfall patterns. If individuals commit to this on their property, we can provide guidance.”

For those seeking further opportunities, ERC’s website features both long- and short-term volunteer positions. The organization also welcomes volunteers with diverse skill sets, ranging from drone mapping to copywriting and photography.

If volunteering in the field isn’t possible, ERC also provides online courses—such as “Introduction to Ecosystem Restoration” and “Ecosystem Restoration Design”—offering expert perspectives on the significance of restoring ecosystems.

Whether motivated to combat climate change, positively impact local farmers and families, or rekindle your connection with the earth and community, taking action to restore ecosystems globally can forge a deep connection between your spirit and the planet. Indeed, meaningful change can start right from home.

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