Publications

Find here the publications by the research team, showcasing the results from the from the research unit.

Five Frontiers for Science and Practice of Ecosystem Restoration in East African Forest Landscapes

Dula W. Duguma , Katharina Löhr, Vicky M. Temperton, William Apollinaire, Matthias Baumann, Beth A. Kaplin, Verene Nyiramvuyekure, Susanne Vögele, Laura Kmoch, Tobias Plieninger, Jacqueline Loos, Tsinda Aime, Nzamukosha Beatrice, Sophia Bohn, Uwayezu Ernest, Marina Frietsch, Callixte Gatali, Ndahiriwe Innocent, Angelique Kangondo, Bulonvu Franklin, Leonidas Maniraho, Berta Martín‐López, Drocelle Mukaneza, Valery Ndagijimana, Gaelle Ndayizeye, Martin Nizeyimana, Elias Nyandwi, Venant Nzibaza, Stefan Sieber, Ping Sun, Jeffrey L. Ullman, Gloriose Umuziranenge, Meike Wollni, Joern Fischer
Five frontiers for social‐ecological restoration in East African forest landscapes for policy and practice.

Note: NCP = Nature’s Contribution to People

A coffee corridor for biodiversity and livelihoods: climatic feasibility of shade coffee cultivation in western Rwanda

Tom Reckmann, Marina Frietsch, Christoph Schwenck, Athanase Mukuralinda, Dula Wakassa Duguma, Joern Fischer
Study Area in Western Rwanda

University of Rwanda, Leuphana University and others (2025). Ecosystem restoration in Rwanda – ways forward. 
Position paper, April 2025, Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany






Key message

Rwanda’s track record of ecosystem restoration is impressive, but there is room for further improvement. Further improvement, in turn, will lead to more effective and more efficient achievement of the government’s goals articulated in the green economy strategy – ultimately boosting livelihoods, the economy and the state of the Rwandan environment.“

The relevance of international restoration principles for ecosystem restoration practice in Rwanda


Marina Frietsch, Joern Fischer, Beth A. Kaplin, Berta Martín-López






Key message

“The “Principles to guide the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021–2030” can be a basis for reflection and exchange among stakeholders on restoration approaches and priorities. In Rwanda, approaches to restoration differ among key restoration stakeholders with respect to (1) the envisioned goal of restoration, (2) the motivation for involving stakeholders, and (3) the spatial scale at which restoration interventions are carried out. Sound knowledge on ecological conditions, communities' sense of ownership of restored sites, and a long-term vision for restoration activities are key for successful restoration in the study area and most likely beyond.“

The social-ecological ladder of restoration ambition

Marina Frietsch, Manuel Pacheo-Romero, Vicky M. Temperton, Beth A. Kaplin, Joern Fischer