4 Returns: A Holistic Model to Scale up the Restoration of Degraded Landscapes (April 2020)
IUCN CEM Ecosystem Restoration Thematic Group Webinar Series
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• IUCN CEM Ecosystem Restoration Thematic Gr...
April 2020
Title: 4 Returns: experiences with a holistic model to scale up the restoration of degraded landscapes through inspiring communities, develop new business models and blended finance.
ABSTRACT To scale up ecosystem restoration and stimulating the sustainable development goals a holistic integrated landscape management approach using one language is needed. In 2015 the IUCN CEM and Rotterdam School of Management (Erasmus University) published the 4 returns framework for landscape restoration. In 2013 Commonland was founded to implement the framework. After seven years of working alongside its partners on the ground Commonland established a proof of concept of the 4 Returns framework in four large landscapes in South Africa, Spain, Australia and The Netherlands. The webinar will focus on the story behind the 4 Returns framework, the five steps to implement it in the field and the lessons learned so far.
BIO-SKETCH: Willem H. Ferwerda
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Willem Ferwerda received masters degrees in tropical ecology, tropical agriculture and environmental sciences in The Netherlands (University of Amsterdam) and Colombia (Universidad Nacional, Bogotá). In Colombia he studied the restoration of the bunchgrass páramo within a mosaic landscape setting of agriculture and mining. Ferwerda is a conservationist with entrepreneurial skills. From 1986-1995 he worked in the eco-tourism industry and led expeditions in Latin America and Europe. Between 1995 and 2000 he headed the Tropical Rainforest small grants Program of the Netherlands office of IUCN. From 2000-2012 he was director of IUCN NL. There he was, among other things, leading large ecosystem grants programs, and the initiator of Leaders for Nature, an international network of CEOs and prominent people from the business community who act as advocates for sustainable and responsible dealing with biodiversity. It led to several agreements and policy changes. In 2012, Ferwerda left IUCN NL for a sabbatical and joined the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM-Erasmus University). He published 4 returns, 3 zones, 20 years: a holistic framework for ecological restoration by people and business for next generations (2015, IUCN CEM, RSM). In April 2013 Ferwerda founded Commonland together with RSM-Erasmus University, IUCN CEM and supported by funders. Since then he is CEO of Commonland, an organization that is active worldwide in promoting sustainable development through the restoration of large degraded areas.