Institutional dynamics in community-based forest restoration: a systematic review on ecological and socio-economic outcomes

Forest restoration operates within complex landscapes, where the diverse roles, needs and land-use practices of local communities are integrated. This study sheds light on the roles of community institutions in relation to forest restoration over the past decades based on articles published between 2000 and 2022. Though formal institutions are predominant, informal institutions also play a crucial role in restoration. Technical support, institutional structure, financial management, forest management and support for policies and programmes are identified as the key roles of community institutions. Material gains, increased food and fodder availability, enhanced social relations, increase in forest cover, species composition, diversity and carbon sequestration are some of the positive outcomes of restoration. Some community-based projects faced challenges, primarily due to lack of technical knowledge, low community participation in decision-making, unsustainable resource exploitation, overly rigid management practices and inadequate policy support. Active community engagement is essential for maintaining ecological integrity and fulfilling global forest restoration commitments and ensuring effectiveness of forest restoration efforts.