A comprehensive analysis of forest restoration practices across Europe: Ecological, economic, social and policy dimensions

• We provide a first-ever comprehensive view of EU ecosystems and restoration efforts. • Our analysis shows a strong link between restoration goals and geographical zones. • Over 40% of respondents focused restoration on increasing species and promoting regeneration. • Restoration monitoring should consider ecological, socio-economic, and policy factors. • Considering ecosystems’ complexity, a set of harmonized indicators needs to be considered. Scaling up ecosystem restoration is essential to halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss and ensure future functionality and resilience. However, the implementation of concrete restoration initiatives will present many challenges, such as setting appropriate and realistic goals, selecting or developing the most effective and efficient restoration practices, as well as carrying out effective short- and long-term monitoring of success. Furthermore, there is a lack of information to facilitate the implementation of effective restoration interventions. To address this knowledge gap we gathered information on the ecological, economic, social and policy challenges faced by restoration practitioners across Europe using a widely distributed online survey. Based on the 398 responses received from practitioners working in 31 countries we assessed how practical and scientific knowledge form an integral part of restoration initiatives. The focus of more than 40% of respondents from restoration projects was on increasing the population of species (plant species) and promoting their regeneration. Two common elements emerged across the wide diversity of responses: 1) a prevalent belief that restoration enhances multiple ecological aspects simultaneously, and subsequently, 2) the importance of developing monitoring frameworks that holistically evaluate restoration effectiveness, given the difficulty in defining a single, exclusive indicator of restoration success, as this could oversimplify the outcomes in complex ecosystems. Furthermore, respondents emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to restoration design, encompassing not only ecological aspects but also social, economic, and policy dimensions. The findings from the analysis of this survey provide, for the first time, a comprehensive view of the ecosystems and restoration activities that European countries are prioritizing, along with evaluation by the stakeholders involved.