DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/f11040475

Summary
This paper presents a case study of a community-based forest restoration project in Biliran Province, Philippines, which aimed to understand the impediments and pilot test interventions to improve restoration outcomes. Forest and landscape restoration in the tropics is often undertaken by groups of smallholders and communities whose livelihoods are primarily agricultural and forest-based. The implementation of forest restoration programs involving people's organizations in the Philippines has shown mixed results. The project was designed using systems thinking, employing smallholder-based best practices, and applying the principles of a participatory approach. The results revealed that the initial participation of smallholders was mostly driven by short-term financial incentives. However, long-term commitment to managing the trees was attributed mainly to sustainable livelihoods, land and tree rights, equitable sharing of benefits, strong leadership, effective governance, and improved human and social capital. The study found that the support of extension officers, the use of high-quality seedlings, and the participation of women were essential for community-based forest restoration success. Key lessons from the research could contribute to fulfilling the forest and landscape restoration commitments of developing countries in the tropics.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper uses the systems thinking approach in a participatory process aimed at forest restoration in a developing county in the tropics.
The case study proved that the complex interaction of many factors (including biophysical, technical, socio-economic, and governance) acts for the success of community-based forest restoration and requires an integrative systems approach.

Point of Strength
The paper offers an interesting example of using systems thinking to understand community-based forest restoration processes' complexity.
This paper could be used as an example to define the steps to implement a pilot community-based forest restoration project. It discusses the followed process, the strength, and the local community engagement's weakness for giving some critical lessons for community-led development.