ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how to employ an understanding of social dynamics to help develop more successful plans for restoration actions. It describes that concepts emanating from the conservation and restoration communities that are guided by local knowledge, socio-economic and cultural goals, and desired outcomes, are as important as the science of ecology that underlies restoration practice. The chapter provides a set of tools that can help a manager to effectively address the social dynamic associated with planning and executing a restoration. Stakeholders at various levels often maintain influence, to varying degrees, that inform ecosystem management decisions. In cases where both the social and ecological aspects of an ecosystem are addressed there is a much higher chance of achieving durable solutions. This type of balanced approach ultimately relies on an understanding of the inter-relationship between social systems and the array of ecological services that are provided by an ecosystem.
