Ecosystem Restoration and Human Rights: A Framework for Assessing the Impacts and Benefits for Nature-Based Solutions for Climate Adaptation

Climate change constitutes a significant threat to human rights, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalized populations. Ecosystem restoration is a nature-based strategy that can prevent and adapt to climate change impacts, while also offering numerous co-benefits for human well-being and biodiversity. Ecosystem restoration involves trade-offs and dangers that must be meticulously evaluated and managed. This study presents a methodology for assessing the effects and advantages of ecosystem restoration on human rights, grounded in the values of participation, accountability, non-discrimination, empowerment, and legality. The framework consists of four steps i.e., Identifying the relevant human rights and ecosystem services; Assessing the baseline situation and the potential changes due to ecosystem restoration; Designing and implementing appropriate measures to enhance the positive outcomes and minimize the negative impacts of ecosystem restoration. The paper demonstrates the implementation of the paradigm and concludes with recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and scholars on integrating human rights and ecosystem restoration in a comprehensive and inclusive manner.