Ecosystem Restoration in the Indian Context: Strategies, Challenges and Case Studies

Ecosystem restoration is essential for reversing land degradation and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land). India, with over 96 million hectares of degraded land, faces ecological stress from climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. This review examines global and national restoration frameworks with a focus on India's major initiatives such as the Green India Mission (GIA) and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Case studies from Kerala demonstrate successful community-based interventions in forest, wetland and watershed ecosystems. Emerging scientific approaches such as biochar application and soil biotechnological recovery are also discussed. Despite these efforts, challenges remain due to fragmented policies, lack of ecological assessment tools, and insufficient monitoring. The study advocates for participatory, ecosystem-based restoration approach that blends scientific planning with traditional knowledge and social equity. Recommendations include building local capacity, developing region-specific ecological benchmarks, and strengthening policy coherence. Aligning with the goals of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, this review highlights opportunities for India to promote biodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods through inclusive restoration strategies.