In landscape restoration, scaling projects effectively is a key challenge and opportunity. Scalable projects offer immense potential to balance ecological restoration with economic development, but achieving this requires a thorough approach. At Form International, we’ve developed a framework to design and implement projects that not only restore degraded landscapes but also address the complex relationship of ecological, legal, and social factors.
Scalability begins with two foundational pillars:
- Understanding the natural baseline
Every landscape is unique, with its own combination of soil types, vegetation, climate, and biodiversity. The first step in designing a scalable project is conducting a thorough assessment of the area’s natural conditions. This establishes the biological and ecological potential of the land. For instance, is the soil fertile enough for agricultural purposes, or is reforestation a more viable option? These considerations form the basis for determining a landscape’s restoration or productive potential. - Aligning with legal and land-use frameworks
The second pillar involves integrating the landscape’s natural baseline with its legal and land-use frameworks. This is often one of the most complex aspects of project design. Land rights, permits, and existing land uses—whether for conservation, agriculture, or timber production—must be mapped and reconciled. For example, in some regions, conservation permits might overlap with logging permits or agricultural leases, creating conflicts that require careful resolution. By overlaying these legal and land-use maps, we can identify areas where adjustments are needed to achieve long-term project goals.
A layered approach
A useful way to conceptualize scalable projects is through the metaphor of layered maps. Imagine a map of a landscape:
- The first layer shows the current natural state—land cover, biodiversity, and ecological health.
- The second layer adds land-use types, such as agriculture, forestry, or conservation.
- The third layer overlays legal frameworks, including permits and rights.
In many cases, these layers do not align perfectly. For example, a conservation area might be fragmented by agricultural land, disrupting wildlife corridors. Through thoughtful project design, we integrate these layers, creating a cohesive plan that balances ecological needs with socio-economic realities.
A current example comes from Indonesia, where we collaborate with local partners to restore degraded landscapes. One project involves reconciling conflicting land uses in a high-value ecosystem inhabited by species such as orangutans and elephants. By working with communities and authorities, we’ve restructured land-use patterns to protect critical habitats while supporting local livelihoods.
In Ghana, another project involves a logging concession where large areas have been degraded due to unregulated farming. By engaging communities and promoting agroforestry practices, we’re helping transform these areas into productive landscapes that combine sustainable timber production with cocoa farming under tree cover.
Collaboration: a key to success
Scalable projects require the active involvement of all stakeholders: governments, communities, private sector partners, and NGOs. At Form International, we often act as facilitators, helping stakeholders form steering committees to guide the project’s development. These committees ensure that decisions are inclusive and transparent, laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Our strength lies in our holistic approach. We combine deep expertise in ecological restoration with a strong understanding of socio-economic dynamics and legal frameworks. We are also committed to collaborative partnerships, working alongside stakeholders to create solutions that are locally adapted and globally impactful. By grounding scalable projects in solid natural and legal baselines and fostering collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of landscapes.
—
This blog is written by Paul Hol, CEO of Form International.