In many countries, degraded ecosystems represent immense opportunity for both biodiversity restoration and human health. When properly designed, the restoration of ecosystems is a proven, safe and immediately available means to protect biodiversity and the vital benefits it provides. Restored ecosystems can improve resilience of both ecosystems and societies, and generate additional benefits for people, in particular indigenous and local communities and the rural poor. At its 15th meeting, in November 2011, the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA) will consider ways and means to support ecosystem restoration.