Nine actions to successfully restore tropical agroecosystems

Well-designed approaches to ecological restoration can benefit nature and society. This is particularly the case in tropical agroecosystems, where restoration can provide substantial socioecological benefits at relatively low costs. To success-fully restore tropical agroecosystems and maximise benefits, initiatives must begin by considering 'who' should be involved in and benefit from restoration, and 'what', 'where', and 'how' restoration should occur. Based on collective expe-rience of restoring tropical agroecosystems worldwide, we present nine actions to guide future restoration of these systems, supported by case studies that demon-strate our actions being used successfully in practice and highlighting cases where poorly designed restoration has been damaging. We call for increased restoration activity in tropical agroecosystems during the current UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Automated summary

Well-designed approaches to ecological restoration can bring benefits to both nature and society in tropical agroecosystems. To achieve successful restoration and maximize benefits, it is important to consider the stakeholders involved, as well as the content, location, and methods of restoration. Drawing from collective experience and case studies, we propose nine actions to guide future restoration efforts, while highlighting the consequences of poorly designed restoration. We advocate for increased restoration activities in tropical agroecosystems during the current UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.