How to measure restoration progress? Beyond one-size-fits-all indicators
Refining forest restoration indicators for the Mediterranean context based on expert knowledge
Deadwood is one of the indicators that generated disagreement
This resource offers practical guidance for improving how forest restoration is monitored in Spain and other southern European regions. Effective restoration depends on using the right indicators, yet many of the indicators proposed in the EU Nature Restoration Regulation (NRR) have raised concerns. To address this, the study brings together the insights of more than sixty experts through a Delphi consultation.
The experts evaluated thirty-four indicators drawn from the NRR, scientific literature, and additional socioeconomic dimensions. Based on the findings of this consultation, the article proposes a flexible, goal-oriented framework to help practitioners and administrations choose the most appropriate indicators for each restoration project. The framework balances the need for European harmonization with regional adaptation and highlights indicators that can assess multiple restoration goals simultaneously. Overall, it provides a practical tool to strengthen restoration monitoring and support the development of national restoration plans.
- Integrative Forest Management
- Monitoring & Projecting
- Social & Stakeholder
- Planners & Implementers
- Policy Actors
- Mediterranean
- Spain
- 2025