Mega-eco projects: a global assessment of large-scale ecological restoration initiatives

Abstract One way to address the crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is rapid deployment so-called nature-based solutions (NbS). Coined in 2008, NbS have become exceedingly popular, with many calling upscale these works. However, large-scale ecological restoration construction endeavors already exist. To capture projects, this paper coins defines a new term, “mega-eco project” identifies roughly 250 examples worldwide as material evidence. This explains what constitutes mega-eco project organizes into four typological categories: connectivity, anti-desertification, watershed, metropolitan projects. Although our primary concern contemporary emerging we also show that projects history not all it good. It important consider light because one their distinguishing characteristics when set against backdrop environmental crises, view virtuous, benevolent undertakings. While agree sentiment believe potential for profound shift how industrialized humans treat environment, introductory analysis part more extensive study aimed at identifying best practices distinguish them from cases greenwashing exploitation.