How business schools can contribute to ecosystem restoration

Loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystems can cause unstable weather conditions, difficulties in raising traditional crops, and ultimately worldwide poverty. The good news is that ecosystem functions can be restored much quicker than climate change can be ever reversed, says ecologist Willem Ferwerda, Executive Fellow Business & Ecosystems at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). He and his team at Commonland, a landscape restoration company, have developed an approach to turn ecosystem restoration projects into a business that’s profitable to local farmers and investors, developing projects in South Africa, Spain and Australia. Ferwerda thinks the academic knowledge of a business school offers gains for the environment and can help farmers in regions affected by climate change.