Using Open Standards in Forest Landscape Restoration

Story from Gustavo Gatti and Anita Diederichsen, Conserve Brazil

Conservation is a dynamic endeavor. Many times, our strategies need to include multiple approaches in order to reduce threats. That is the case when we use large scale forest restoration as way to avoid further deforestation and mitigate climate change.

At Conserve Brazil, we are working with IMAZON (a non-governmental group promoting sustainable development in the Brazilian Amazon) on a Forest Landscape Restoration program in a part of the eastern Amazon in the Paragominas municipality of Brazil. To diagnose the current scenario and potential opportunities, we are experimenting with integrating basic concepts of the Open Standards with the Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (a method being developed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and and World Resources Institute). Using this integrated approach, we were able to put key success factors in place and outline a conceptual model and results chains. With these planning tools, we were able to develop a strategic policy document that will support local governments and define forest restoration goals for this part of Amazon.

Our first attempt at synergy between these two methodologies showed good potential for further integration. That is good news, especially considering the contribution that the OS and CCNet coaches could provide to the restoration agenda in many parts of the world.

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