Strategic Insights for Capacity Development on Forest Landscape Restoration: Implications for Addressing Global Commitments

Background

Global initiatives, like the Aichi Targets and Bonn Challenge, have recognized capacity development as a key strategy in achieving the large-scale restoration goals, particularly those that utilize the complex forest landscape restoration (FLR) approach. Still though, the concept of capacity development is largely undefined. This article seeks to answer key questions in regards to integrating capacity development strategies into FLR projects. 

Goals & Methods

The article's aim is to review key strategies that guide capacity development for FLR and support holistic restoration efforts. The strategies were chosen based on examples from selected organizations that effectively approach capacity development. There are 11 organizations in total, the majority of which focus on regional efforts in Latin America. 

Conclusions & Takeaways

The article argues that that capacity development strategies for FLR are most effective when: 1) activities tailored to stakeholder needs and context, 2) knowledge and applied experience incorporated from diverse sources and disciplines, 3) skill sets for selecting among a suite of restoration interventions, and 4) multiple subjects and skill sets in addition to technical and ecological themes. The authors conclude incorporating these 4 elements in FLR and other restoration initiatives will allow practictioners and stakeholders to think more holistically, thus leading to more successful efforts.