A guiding framework for implementing forest landscape restoration in the tropics

Abstract

Interest in forest landscape restoration (FLR) is high, but there is limited guidance on how to implement it. In this contribution, we aim to synthesise the salient points of the voluntary FLR guidelines developed by ITTO (2020) and demonstrate their application through three case studies. The objectives of the ITTO guidelines are to increase the positive contributions of trees and forests to the ecological health, productivity and resilience of tropical forest landscapes and to generate forest products. The guidelines elaborate on the six principles of the Global Partnership on FLR, through a set of 32 guiding elements (GE) intended to promote enabling conditions for successful FLR implementation and outcomes. Going forward, we propose three tangible mechanisms to improve use of the guidelines: 1) bringing key elements of the guidelines into other global conventions interested in restoration; 2) running regional capacity building workshops for middle-level practitioners and decision-makers; and 3) a mechanism to collect lessons emerging from their implementation.