How do you restore degraded landscapes and ecosystems?

2 Define the goals and objectives

The next step is to define the goals and objectives of the restoration project, based on the assessment results and the needs and aspirations of the stakeholders. This involves setting a clear and shared vision of what the desired outcome of the restoration is, and how it will be measured and monitored. You can use frameworks and standards, such as the Landscape Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (LROAM) or the International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration (SER Standards), to help you formulate SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) goals and objectives.

3 Plan and design the interventions

The third step is to plan and design the interventions that will achieve the goals and objectives of the restoration project. This involves selecting and combining the most appropriate restoration techniques and practices for the specific context and conditions of the landscape or ecosystem. You can use various sources of knowledge and information, such as scientific literature, traditional wisdom, best practices, and case studies, to inform your decisions. You can also use tools and models, such as the Restoration Diagnostic or the Restoration Opportunities Optimization Tool (ROOT), to help you evaluate and optimize your options.

4 Implement and manage the interventions

The fourth step is to implement and manage the interventions that you have planned and designed. This involves mobilizing and allocating the necessary resources, such as funds, materials, labor, and equipment, for the execution of the restoration activities. You also need to coordinate and collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, such as landowners, communities, governments, NGOs, and private sector, to ensure their participation and support. You also need to establish and follow a management plan that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and actions of the different actors involved in the restoration project.

5 Monitor and evaluate the outcomes

The fifth step is to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of the restoration project. This involves collecting and analyzing data on the changes and impacts of the restoration interventions on the landscape or ecosystem and the people who depend on it. You need to use indicators and criteria that are aligned with your goals and objectives, and that can capture the ecological, social, economic, and institutional dimensions of the restoration. You can use tools and methods, such as remote sensing, field surveys, participatory monitoring, and impact evaluation, to help you measure and report your results.

6 Learn and adapt

The sixth and final step is to learn and adapt from the monitoring and evaluation results. This involves identifying and communicating the lessons learned, successes, challenges, and gaps of the restoration project, and using them to inform and improve your future actions and decisions. You also need to be flexible and responsive to the changing conditions and needs of the landscape or ecosystem and the stakeholders, and adjust your interventions accordingly. You can use tools and platforms, such as the Restoration Evidence Portal or the Global Partnership on Forest and Landscape Restoration (GPFLR), to help you share and access knowledge and experiences on restoration.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?