Linking ecosystem restoration with social cohesion in Rwanda
Figure: Western Rwanda Landscape. Photo by Joern Fischer.
By Molly Parker, on Ndagijimana et al., (2026) Social cohesion in restoration landscapes: The case of Rwanda., https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70395 (full citation at the bottom of this post).
Ecosystem restoration, a central priority of the global environmental policy agenda, is both a biophysical and social process. Although more and more emphasis has been placed on the social aspects of ecosystem restoration, social cohesion has not been at the forefront. It is, however, important to consider as it can be foundational for enabling collective action and sustained engagement throughout ecosystem restoration processes.
The authors recognize that social cohesion and ecosystem restoration can have a complex relationship, and, in this paper, they focus on the strengthening, relational aspects of the two.
The study was conducted in Rwanda, focusing on the Rutsiro and Ngororero districts in the Western Province (Figure 1). Its overarching aim was to analyze how social cohesion intersects with ecosystem restoration, with the findings ideally being able to support policymakers and practitioners in designing and implementing more inclusive policies and approaches. A systemic literature review was completed (to understand the scope of social cohesion and its indicators in Rwanda), followed by a World Café workshop (involved multiple rounds of discussions focused on key questions) and semi-structured interviews (explored participants’ understanding of social cohesion).
A thematic analysis was completed on the data gathered to identify emerging themes rather than impose preconceived theories. Identification of recurring patterns and themes related to the meaning and indicators of social cohesion was completed through iterative reading and open coding (all guided by the research questions). Using an abductive analytical approach, the authors merged the literature with their empirical findings to refine, extend, or even challenge existing understandings of social cohesion.
From the literature, a total of 66 indicators were identified. The thematic analysis of interviews and workshops identified 33 and 25 indicators, respectively (Figure 2). The identified indicators were synthetized into five dimensions (social integration, social relations, collective wellbeing, shared norms and values, and inclusive identity and vision). Within the social integration dimension, peaceful coexistence was the most cited followed by equality. Regarding social relations, cooperation was the most cited, followed by trust while the sense of safety and security emerged as the most cited indicator within collective wellbeing. Within shared norms and values, civic engagement was the most prominently cited. Lastly, within inclusive identity and vision, national identity was the most cited.
From these synthesized perspectives of the local actors, the authors concluded that social cohesion is best understood as the degree of social integration, characterized by shared identity, values, norms, and a common vision, that manifests through collective well-being and positive social relations, such as trust and cooperation, both among citizens and between citizens and the state.
Linking ecosystem restoration and social cohesion
A few conclusions have been made from the author’s analysis, including: ecosystem restoration created both positive and negative effects on social cohesion—swaying one way or another based on the planning and implementation of the restoration, as well as the influence of social cohesion on the restoration itself; the workshops led to the respondents’ identification of restoration-related spaces that foster social cohesion; and restoration-related opportunities promoting social cohesion were identified by respondents.
The findings suggest that, in post-conflict settings, social cohesion is best understood through the lens of social integration as it can act as a platform for rebuilding previously degraded social relations. With this, the restoration of social ties should be included as an aspect of the design process in ecosystem restoration activities. When based on local and community needs and inputs, impacts of ecological restoration can go far beyond ecology and livelihoods, reaching greater depths within society.
Citation:
Ndagijimana, V., Weinhardt, M., Sieber, S., & Löhr, K. (2026). Social cohesion in restoration landscapes: The case of Rwanda. People and Nature, pan3.70395. https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.70395