Livelihoods-based restoration of inland aquatic ecosystems for poverty reduction, food and nutrition security and biodiversity conservation: Guidance for policymakers and practitioners on putting livelihoods first in ecosystem restoration

Two important imbalances in the dialogue on ecosystem restoration are addressed. First, the over-focus on ecological objectives as the entry point. Second, the under-recognition of the importance of and opportunities for restoration of inland aquatic ecosystems. Most current general forums, literature and guidelines on ecosystem restoration emphasise ecological approaches and/or outcomes for nature. Human well-being, and more rarely livelihoods benefits, are often implied but not always central. The approach here does so, adopting a people-centred approach that addresses the objectives of livelihoods, poverty reduction and food and nutrition security. Ecological outcomes are seen as a tool to achieve this end and co-benefit of it. The approach significantly changes how ecosystem restoration is assessed, planned, implemented, monitored, and funded, trade-offs among winners and losers become more transparent and central, local knowledge is prioritised over scientific/technical approaches and local communities are placed central to the design and implementation of interventions. Apart from human rights, justice and equity considerations and alignment with development goals and priorities, a people-centred approach with a focus on livelihoods, poverty and food security is more likely to deliver sustainable outcomes, including for biodiversity, particularly where local communities are empowered to manage the direct use of these ecosystems for livelihoods benefits. The guidance provides only a brief introduction to the topic through a set of principles, relevant conceptual frameworks, a theory of change and key considerations in designing an ecosystem restoration programme or project. The intention is, where necessary, to shift the policy approach and how practitioners use associated guidance on relevant topics. Throughout, examples from inland aquatic ecosystems in developing countries are provided to illustrate the topics.