Workshop 

Improving restoration design and monitoring with data-driven digital tools

Organizer(s):

Background: The long-term resilience of restored forest ecosystems depends on site-adapted species choices, adaptive capacity in a changing environment, and integration of local knowledge and priorities in restoration design and implementation. Despite growing demand for tropical forest restoration, many practitioners and early-career scientists in the tropics lack capacity to (1) design restoration with site-adapted tree species, functional and genetic diversity, (2) balance between ecological considerations and socio-economic needs, (3) effectively monitor seedling survival, growth, and livelihood outcomes over time. These challenges are especially relevant in tropical ecosystem, given high species diversity, climate vulnerability, and persistent poverty among forest-dependent local communities and indigenous peoples.

Workshop objective: This workshop will introduce participants to two complementary open-access digital tools for restoration design and inclusive monitoring: Diversity for Restoration, a tool to guide tree species selection and climate-adjusted seed sourcing to optimize biodiversity and livelihood outcomes; and MyFarmTrees, a platform for tracking and monitoring restoration actions from seed collection to tree planting and care. Both tools are spatially explicit, allowing site-specific recommendations and verifiable results on the ground.

Workshop approach and structure: Participants will learn by doing: after a brief introduction to the ecological principles and scientific methods behind each tool, they will work in small groups to design a restoration plan for their own or an imagined restoration site, then simulate monitoring over time and analyze results. Emphasis will be placed on tropical systems, native tree species, and inclusive design and implementation, relevant to the attendees’ background.

Learning objectives: By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• describe the benefits and limitations of data-driven restoration tools

• produce a basic design and monitoring plan for climate-resilient and socially inclusive forest restoration

• know how to adapt and apply these tools to their own projects in tropical ecosystems

• appreciate the value of open biodiversity data for conservation action and be motivated to contribute to it through their future work.

Diversity, equity and inclusion: No previous knowledge is required. Participants will work in small, mixed-experience groups to support learning. The tools are available in several languages, including English, French, and Spanish, as well as several Southeast Asian languages, and participants may use them in their preferred language during the session. Trainers are of mixed gender and ethnic backgrounds, with background in pedagogy and experience in designing and facilitating inclusive workshops. Online participants are welcome and will be supported by a designated moderator.