Effective restoration projects must generate meaningful benefits for both nature and people. While ecological gains are often well-documented, social outcomes — such as livelihoods, governance, well-being, equity, and cultural identity — are still less consistently measured and integrated across restoration literature and practice. This brief outlines why social outcomes matter and how to ensure
they are integrated into restoration efforts. It proposes an organization in five key social outcome areas, compares how major international frameworks incorporate principles that support each of these social dimensions, and presents tools and practical frameworks to support evaluation of social goals. Through this analysis, it aims to provide insights into effective strategies for ensuring that restoration efforts are both ecologically and socially sustainable.
