Ten rules for using evidence to guide ecosystem restoration

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract While ecosystem restoration is critical for addressing the planetary crises, its effectiveness can be compromised when decisions are not informed by the best available knowledge. In an ideal world, scientific evidence would be used alongside multiple forms of knowledge to inform ecosystem restoration. However, the type of context‐specific information that practitioners find most useful is not always available or easily actionable. Knowledge brokering—practices that foster sustained interaction among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples to support evidence‐informed decisions—is key to improving the use of evidence for increasing restoration effectiveness. So far, we lack comprehensive and practical guidelines for brokering knowledge in ways that effectively inform ecosystem restoration. Based on our collective experience working in NGOs, government agencies, private companies, and research institutions, we outline 10 rules to consider when incorporating evidence into restoration practice. The rules are: (1) Ensure there are systems for knowledge brokering in the restoration context; (2) Identify priority restoration outcomes and associated challenges; (3) Find out what evidence exists, at what scale, and in what form; (4) Assess the robustness of evidence and potential for bias; (5) Assess expected effects and feasibility of application; (6) Integrate diverse worldviews and knowledge systems; (7) Examine the policy context; (8) Future‐proof restoration; (9) Address potential trade‐offs in restoration; (10) Foster research and practice collaborations to co‐produce actionable evidence and fill knowledge gaps. Synthesis and applications . These 10 rules provide a guidance framework to put into action the best available evidence, ensuring that restoration benefits people and nature. We highlight the importance of knowledge brokering systems in this process, effectively informed and empowered to fulfil their emerging role across existing institutions and new ones dedicated to Science‐Practice‐Policy co‐production, as a responsible strategy to tackle the urgent planetary crises.

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