Collaboration for social-ecological restoration: reflections from literature and practice

Abstract

Collaboration is critical for engaging stakeholders and integrating diverse knowledges in social-ecological restoration. Yet, despite the recognized benefits, ecosystem restoration has often not been collaborative across social and ecological disciplines or across different stakeholder scales. Drawing on relevant literature and practice-based knowledge derived from our respective experiences working on the restoration of Indonesia's tropical peatlands, we emphasize the need for equitable task distribution; mutually beneficial, trust-based relationships; inclusive and safe collaborative environments; scrutinizing and redressing power inequalities; establishing a shared understanding of, and vision for, social-ecological contexts targeted for restoration; meeting on-site and engaging with place-based knowledge; and centering Indigenous and local knowledge. Putting in place these interconnected elements can contribute to a more integrated, equitable, adapted, sustained, and impactful collaboration for social-ecological restoration.