How can science help to implement the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030?

Abstract

The 2021 Chair and the IUCN Coordinator of the Science Task Force of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration share their reflections on how science can contribute to achieving the Decade's objectives. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Understanding forest landscape restoration: reinforcing scientific foundations for the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration’.

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

“…For science to facilitate multiple restoration objectives, it is essential that strategic, spatial assessments of trade-offs and synergies are completed at scales relevant for planning. Our policy preface to this theme issue emphasizes that these assessments must consider all relevant development priorities to find cross-sector solutions [ 13 ]. New research in the theme issue uses a systems approach to jointly consider the biodiversity, human wellbeing and food security implications of restoration in forest–agricultural landscapes using multiple criteria, pathways and outcomes [ 31 ].…”

“…Moreover, there is uncertainty regarding how this could be done at all at such a large scale [ 38 ]. To compound this, as highlighted in this theme issue, scientific findings from socio-economic research only rarely inform the political and restoration investment decisions of governments and development partners [ 13 ]. A further challenge for FLR is that the geopolitics of restoration investments can be driven by objectives unrelated to maximizing biodiversity or wellbeing outcomes [ 4 ].…”

“…As regular designers, users and reviewers of scientific method, scientists are well-placed to facilitate data collection for monitoring, and to convey these methods and findings to practitioners and other stakeholders. And yet, in this theme issue, we see that restoration scientists are not always succeeding in their choice of method, reporting and focus [ 153 ] or taking approaches that facilitate effective communication to stakeholders [ 13 ]. For scientific measurement and monitoring to appeal to all stakeholders more directly, and account for both environmental and socio-economic priorities, indicator selection needs to consider the full range of FLR project goals, e.g.…”

“…The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to mobilize action, unlock new sources of financial support and create a global restoration movement involving all sectors of society. Science plays a crucial role in this ambition to achieve global restoration targets, and opportunities for engaging scientists from a broad range of disciplines are emerging through various platforms and partner organizations [ 13 ]. Making restoration science more relevant, improving communication and aligning with other research fields have the potential to substantially improve the speed of uptake of restoration science by restoration practitioners [ 14 ].…”

“…To be effective in delivering benefits to all stakeholders, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)/UNEP team overseeing the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration Science Task Force emphasize in this theme issue the need to focus critically on evidence-based policy design and decision-making, action and monitoring [ 13 ]. However, the UN-defined knowledge gaps for the restoration process are quite broad, and there has been limited systematic attempt to identify priority science advances [ 15 ] or indicators of success [ 16 ], despite reasonable appreciation of ongoing challenges in FLR [ 10 , 17 , 18 ].…”