Restoration opportunities assessment and design of the restoration interventions in degraded forest ecosystems in North Macedonia

Overall objective of the project is to contribute toward preventing further net loss of forests in North Macedonia through initiating restoration work in key biodiversity landscapes and strengthening capacities and commitments toward sustainable forest management. The project is implemented by applying Nature-based solutions (NbS) for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) in areas of importance for the conservation of the Balkan Lynx. The project aim is to implement restoration measures on 20 ha of forest landscape in North Macedonia. The wider focus area of the project will be in the Bukovikj area for North Macedonia. The specific sites for restoration interventions are selected by applying a specialized Restoration Opportunities Assessment Methodology (ROAM). ROAM provides a flexible framework and approach for conservation actors to identify and assess FLR opportunities as well as to select highest value and priority interventions at national or sub-national levels. Important components of the ROAM process are the cross-sectoral stakeholder engagement, gender mainstreaming, inclusive governance, identification and development of financial and social incentives for implementation. The assessment methodology combines geospatial analysis, biological and economic modelling within a framework that assesses the social, political, and institutional readiness to implement restoration.