The role of networking in fostering ecological restoration: a Latin American perspective from Argentina

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Abstract Introduction Networking is a powerful mechanism for social involvement, fostering bottom‐up public engagement that is crucial for achieving and scaling up ecological restoration efforts. In Latin America, restoration networks have expanded consistently since 2000. Objectives We analyzed the development and evolution of the Ecological Restoration Network of Argentina (REA) from 2018 to July 2023. Specifically, our aims were to evaluate: (1) the diversity of social actors; (2) the structure of the social network; and (3) member motivations for joining and their expectations of the network's societal role. Methods Using the general registration form, we quantified member richness, diversity, and evenness in 11 social actor categories. Second, through a member survey comprising 14 open and closed‐ended questions, we collected data on motivations for joining REA, members' interactions (to build the social network), and expectations about REA's role. Results REA membership grew from 206 to 1,338 and increased diversity and representation across social sectors. Academic sector decreased from 57 to 11%, while independent professionals (27.3%) and students (19.2%) increased. Social network analysis revealed a mean degree of 11.09 and an average path length of 2.85, indicating a highly cohesive and well‐connected structure. Motivations for joining were for knowledge acquisition and information flow (40.5%), relationship‐building (32.4%), and practical engagement (27.1%). Conclusions The REA Network evolved during the pandemic from a primarily academic group into a highly diverse, cohesive, and interconnected multi‐actor assemblage. This structure may facilitate multilateral interactions and information exchange, which can bolster the implementation of restoration practices in Argentina.

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