Fifteen essential science advances needed for effective restoration of the world's forest landscapes

Marshall, Andrew R.; Waite, Catherine E.; Pfeifer, Marion; Banin, Lindsay F. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1168-3914; Rakotonarivo, Sarobidy; Chomba, Susan; Herbohn, John; Gilmour, Donald A.; Brown, Mark; Chazdon, Robin L.. 2023 Fifteen essential science advances needed for effective restoration of the world's forest landscapes [in special issue: Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration] Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 378 (1867), 20210065. 15, pp. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0065

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Abstract/Summary

There has never been a more pressing and opportune time for science and practice to collaborate towards restoration of the world's forests. Multiple uncertainties remain for achieving successful, long-term forest landscape restoration (FLR). In this article, we use expert knowledge and literature review to identify knowledge gaps that need closing to advance restoration practice, as an introduction to a landmark theme issue on FLR and the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Aligned with an Adaptive Management Cycle for FLR, we identify 15 essential science advances required to facilitate FLR success for nature and people. They highlight that the greatest science challenges lie in the conceptualization, planning and assessment stages of restoration, which require an evidence base for why, where and how to restore, at realistic scales. FLR and underlying sciences are complex, requiring spatially explicit approaches across disciplines and sectors, considering multiple objectives, drivers and trade-offs critical for decision-making and financing. The developing tropics are a priority region, where scientists must work with stakeholders across the Adaptive Management Cycle. Clearly communicated scientific evidence for action at the outset of restoration planning will enable donors, decision makers and implementers to develop informed objectives, realistic targets and processes for accountability. This article paves the way for 19 further articles in this theme issue, with author contributions from across the world. This introduction article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2021.0065
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Atmospheric Chemistry and Effects (Science Area 2017-)
ISSN:	0962-8436
Additional Information. Not used in RCUK Gateway to Research.:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	forest, forest landscape restoration, restoration, strategic planning, socio-ecological systems, United Nations, ecology, ecosystems, environmental science, systems biology
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	04 Jan 2023 13:11 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/533824

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