Negotiation, reconciliation of multiple scales through both ecological and socialdimensions and minimization of power imbalances are considered critical challenges to overcomefor effective governance of forest restoration. Finding the right mix of “command andcontrol” in forest restoration vs. “environmental governance”, which includes non-state actors,regulatory flexibility, and market based instruments is at the heart of these challenges. ThisSpecial Issue attempts at shedding light on these challenges with case studies from South andCentral America, Africa, and Asia. Some provide within-country as well as cross-countrycomparisons. A few others present case studies at the household level. Both policy and legalconstraints towards implementing forest restoration are also discussed as a function of topdown vs. bottom up approaches. The effectiveness of payments for environmental services isexamined as catalyzers of forest restoration initiatives. Finally, two papers deal with the legaland policy constraints in making restoration through natural regeneration a viable and costeffectivetool. In the face of renewed perspectives for expanding forest restoration programsglobally, governance issues will likely play a key role in eventually determining success. Asmany of the papers in this Special Issue suggest, the fate of forest restoration outcomes is,more often than not, associated with overall governance challenges, some of which are oftenoverlooked particularly across multiple scales
